Craving that warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a Pizza Hut dessert pizza? Forget the delivery fees and the wait! This recipe brings the sweet magic of that iconic pizza right into your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert, or a fun family activity. Get ready to indulge in this delicious and homemade version of a classic!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
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For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and your dough will rise beautifully.
- Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Assembling and Baking the Dessert Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cinnamon sugar is bubbly.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the pizza is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy this warm, sweet treat!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch.
- If you don't have time to make the dough from scratch, use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker dessert pizza.
- Feel free to experiment with different frostings! A chocolate ganache or caramel sauce would also be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients used.
This homemade Pizza Hut dessert pizza recipe is a delicious and satisfying alternative to ordering out. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, and easy enough for even novice bakers to master. Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards!