Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Colorful and delicious, Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert is the perfect treat for any sunny gathering. This delightful dish combines a soft sugar cookie crust with a rich cream cheese frosting and an array of fresh fruits. It’s not only visually appealing but also customizable, making it suitable for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a refreshing dessert during the hot months. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make summer classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant Presentation: The colorful assortment of fruits creates an eye-catching centerpiece that will draw everyone in.
• Customizable Toppings: Tailor this dessert to your taste by choosing your favorite fruits—be it strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to make.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer barbecue, this fruit pizza fits right in at any event.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Children love the sweet flavors and fun shapes; it’s a great way to get them excited about eating fruit.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert, gather all the necessary tools. This will streamline the process and ensure you have everything on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• 12-inch pizza pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing the dough and frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Pizza pan: The right size ensures even baking of the cookie crust, giving you that perfect base for your toppings.

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!

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

How to Make Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

1. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl using a stand mixer or handheld mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamy—this should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix well until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while beating on low speed until fully combined.
5. Once mixed thoroughly, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes up to one day.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Grease your pizza pan with nonstick spray—even if it’s nonstick!
3. Remove chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Press it onto the pizza pan into a circle about 9–10 inches wide and approximately 1/3-inch thick.
4. Bake for 17–19 minutes or until you notice very light browning around the edges. Be careful not to over-bake!
5. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding toppings.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In another medium bowl using either a stand mixer or handheld mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat together cream cheese and softened butter on medium speed until smooth—about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add in confectioners’ sugar along with vanilla extract; continue beating until creamy for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Assemble Your Fruit Pizza

1. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over your cooled cookie crust using a spatula.
2. Decorate with an assortment of sliced fresh fruit arranged beautifully on top.

Step 5: Serve

Cut into slices like traditional pizza and serve! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Enjoy your deliciously refreshing Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert, perfect for any sunny gathering!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Fruit pizza summer dessert is not only delicious but also a vibrant centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your fruit pizza experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve each guest a slice of fruit pizza topped with their favorite fruits. This allows everyone to enjoy a personalized treat.

Fruit Pizza Parfaits

• Layer pieces of fruit pizza with yogurt or whipped cream in clear cups for a fun and visually appealing dessert option.

Picnic Style

• Cut the fruit pizza into small squares and pack them into a picnic basket for an easy, grab-and-go dessert option ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Kids’ Birthday Parties

• Present the fruit pizza on a themed platter to match your party decor. Kids will love the colorful arrangement of fruits, making it a hit at any celebration.

Dessert Boards

• Create a stunning dessert board by adding slices of fruit pizza alongside other desserts like brownies or cookies. It adds variety and visual appeal to your table.

Save it!

How to Perfect Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

To ensure your fruit pizza summer dessert is a showstopper, consider these tips for perfection.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps maintain its shape while baking, ensuring you achieve that perfect soft crust.
• Use Fresh Fruits: Opt for seasonal, ripe fruits for the best flavor and visual impact. Strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries are excellent choices.
• Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes. A light golden color indicates it’s ready; over-baking can lead to a hard texture.
• Customize Your Frosting: Experiment with different flavors in your cream cheese frosting by adding citrus zest or extracts to elevate the taste.
• Serve Chilled: For a refreshing treat, serve your fruit pizza chilled. This enhances the flavors and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookie crust.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie base and frosting ahead of time. Assemble with fresh fruits just before serving for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

Pairing side dishes with your fruit pizza summer dessert can create an even more delightful dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements the sweetness of the fruit pizza beautifully. Consider including creamy brie or sharp cheddar.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the dessert.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein to your meal, making it more filling and satisfying.
4. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies served with hummus provide a crunchy contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits into melted chocolate—an indulgent addition.
6. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or lemonade complement the fruity flavors and keep guests hydrated during summer gatherings.
7. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes as an additional sweet option that guests can enjoy along with their slice of fruit pizza.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top their ice cream with slices of fruit from your dessert for extra fun!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a fruit pizza summer dessert can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your delicious creation. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to a dough that spreads too much while baking. Always chill for at least 20 minutes.
• Overbaking the Crust: Baking the cookie crust too long can make it dry and hard. Keep an eye on it and remove it when the edges are lightly browned.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or butter can create lumps in your frosting. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• Neglecting Fruit Selection: Choosing overly ripe or mushy fruits can affect the texture of your dessert. Opt for fresh, firm fruits for a vibrant topping.
• Not Storing Properly: Leaving leftovers uncovered can lead to a dried-out fruit pizza. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fruit pizza in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

• You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• For best quality, consume within a month.

Reheating Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert?

Fruit pizza summer dessert is a colorful treat featuring a sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruits.

Can I customize my Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert?

Absolutely! You can choose any combination of seasonal fruits you like, such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, or peaches.

How long does it take to prepare this dessert?

The total time from preparation to serving is about 2 hours, including chilling and cooling times.

Is Fruit Pizza Summer Dessert kid-friendly?

Yes! This dessert is not only visually appealing but also fun and easy for kids to help assemble.

Final Thoughts

This fruit pizza summer dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite fruits, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this delightful recipe today and impress your family and friends!