Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both beautiful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This easy fruit pizza recipe, featuring a homemade sugar cookie crust, is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight treat or a fun weekend baking project. It's a showstopper dessert that's surprisingly simple to whip up, perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this healthy and delicious twist on a classic!
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Your favorite fresh fruits, sliced (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, etc.)
- Optional: A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce
Instructions:
Making the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 12-inch pizza pan or a large baking sheet.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press & Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pizza pan, forming a 12-inch crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Fruit Pizza:
- Frost the Crust: Once the crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface.
- Arrange the Fruit: Arrange your favorite sliced fruits attractively on top of the frosting. Get creative with the arrangement!
- Optional Drizzle: Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve immediately or chill for a short time before serving.
Tips for the Best Fruit Pizza:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for both the crust and the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can result in a tough crust. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the crust to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit will provide the best flavor and appearance.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crust: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar cookie dough for a chocolate crust.
- Different Frosting: Try using a different frosting, such as whipped cream or a lemon curd.
- Seasonal Fruits: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor and availability.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pizza and the fruits you use. For a general estimate, expect around 300-400 calories per slice, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities used.
This easy fruit pizza recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy the deliciousness and the fun of creating this beautiful and tasty dessert!