Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Colorful and refreshing, Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion. With its soft sugar cookie crust and rich cream cheese frosting topped with vibrant fruits, this delightful dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or looking for a fun family dessert, fruit pizza is sure to impress. It’s a dish that allows you to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits, making it a standout choice for warm-weather gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable Toppings: You can choose any fresh fruits you love, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Sharing: This dessert serves 10-12 people, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit creates a light and satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love to help decorate with their favorite fruits, making this recipe a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of your Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 12-inch pizza pan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes mixing the dough and frosting quick and easy, ensuring even texture.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to mix ingredients separately before combining them, which is essential for proper mixing.
• Pizza pan: Provides an ideal shape for your fruit pizza while ensuring even baking of the cookie crust.

Ingredients

Colorful fruit pizza features a vibrant bounty of fruit atop a soft sugar cookie crust and thick, tangy cream cheese frosting. Choose your favorite fruits to customize this classic summertime dessert!

For the Cookie Crust

• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Topping

• 3 cups (about 400g) assorted sliced fresh fruit

How to Make Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until combined and creamy for about 2 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while beating on low speed until fully combined.
5. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Grease your pizza pan with nonstick spray.
3. Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator and press it onto the pizza pan in a circle about 9–10 inches wide and 1/3-inch thick.
4. Bake for 17–19 minutes until edges are lightly browned; avoid over-baking.
5. Let cool completely before decorating.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In another medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
2. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract; beat until creamy (approximately 1 minute).

Step 4: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

1. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over your cooled sugar cookie crust.
2. Top generously with assorted sliced fresh fruit arranged beautifully on top.

Step 5: Serve

Cut into slices and serve immediately. Enjoy leftovers stored in the refrigerator for up to three days!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Fruit pizza is a delightful and colorful treat that can be served in several fun and creative ways. Whether it’s for a summer gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet family dessert, these serving suggestions will elevate your fruit pizza experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve each guest a slice of fruit pizza for an easy-to-eat option. This makes portion control simple and ensures everyone gets their favorite toppings.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange multiple slices of fruit pizza on a large platter. Complement with other summer desserts like brownies or cookies to create a vibrant dessert table.

Mini Fruit Pizzas

• Use cookie cutters to make smaller, bite-sized versions of fruit pizza. These are perfect for parties and gatherings where guests can enjoy sampling multiple treats.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture. This addition enhances the flavor and presentation of your fruit pizza.

On Ice Cream

• Serve slices of fruit pizza over scoops of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookie crust and cool ice cream creates a refreshing contrast that everyone will love.

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How to Perfect Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

To ensure your fruit pizza turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Fruit: Choose ripe, seasonal fruits for the best flavor. Freshly sliced strawberries, kiwis, or blueberries add vibrancy to your dish.
• Chill the Crust: Allowing the cookie crust to cool completely before adding frosting prevents it from melting and maintains its structure.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to mix and match fruits based on personal preferences or seasonal availability for unique flavor combinations.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and frosting in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Pairing side dishes with your fruit pizza can create a balanced meal or enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the fruit pizza.
2. Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad with seasonal vegetables provides a delightful contrast to the sweet dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses alongside crackers as a savory counterbalance to the sweetness of the fruit pizza.
4. Veggie Tray: A colorful veggie tray with dips allows guests to munch on something healthy while enjoying dessert.
5. Fruit Salad: Keep things fruity! A simple fruit salad can serve as both a side dish and an appetizer preceding dessert.
6. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Cool beverages like iced tea or lemonade perfectly complement the refreshing flavors of a summer dessert like fruit pizza.
7. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The sweet and salty combo works well as finger food alongside your fruity treat.
8. Caprese Skewers: Tomato, mozzarella, and basil skewers provide a savory bite that balances out sweet desserts beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking the crust: A golden brown crust is ideal, but overbaking can make it hard. Keep an eye on the baking time and remove it as soon as the edges are lightly browned.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the dough, it may spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 20 minutes before shaping it.
• Not using enough fruit: A fruit pizza should be colorful and abundant with fruit. Don’t skimp on toppings; use a variety of fruits for the best flavor and presentation.
• Cutting too early: Allowing the crust and frosting to set before cutting is crucial. If you cut too soon, the slices may fall apart, making serving difficult.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use a shallow container to prevent crushing the toppings.

Freezing Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

• Duration: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
• Container: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes. This will help keep the crust crispy.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices in 30-second increments until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruits work best for Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert?

You can use any fresh fruits you like! Popular choices include strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches. Mix and match for vibrant colors!

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie crust and frosting separately ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for fresh fruit flavor.

How do I customize my Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert?

Feel free to experiment with different fruits or even add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor!

What is the best way to serve leftover Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert?

For optimal freshness, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days!

Final Thoughts

This Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert is not only visually stunning but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. With its soft sugar cookie crust topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruits, it makes a perfect treat for gatherings or a refreshing dessert on hot days. Don’t hesitate to try your own fruit combinations!