Description
This Colorful Delicious Fruit Pizza is a refreshing and vibrant dessert perfect for summer fun. Featuring a crisp sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy sweetened cream cheese frosting and an array of fresh, colorful fruits, this recipe is both visually stunning and delightfully tasty. It combines a buttery cookie base with a smooth, luscious topping and juicy fruit, making it an ideal treat for gatherings and warm-weather occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Fruit Topping
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
Optional Glaze
- 1/4 cup apricot jam or apple jelly
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to create a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in one large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Knead and chill dough: Knead the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-14 inch circle approximately 1/4 inch thick for an even crust thickness.
- Transfer dough to pan: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet to maintain its shape.
- Bake the cookie crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating it is cooked through and crisp.
- Cool crust: Remove from oven and let the cookie crust cool completely on the baking sheet before adding frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: Cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy to form the base of the frosting.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated for a sweet and stable frosting.
- Mix in vanilla and milk: Beat in vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream until smooth and spreadable, adjusting liquid for desired consistency.
- Spread frosting on crust: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled sugar cookie crust to create a smooth layer for the fruit topping.
- Arrange fruit topping: Artistically arrange sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi slices, diced mango, and mandarin orange segments over the frosting for a colorful and fresh presentation.
- Apply optional glaze: (Optional) Melt apricot jam or apple jelly in a small saucepan over low heat and brush the glaze over the fruit to add shine and help preserve freshness.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the assembled fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and glaze, enhancing flavors and texture.
- Slice and serve: Slice into wedges and serve chilled as a delightful summer dessert.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent shrinking and maintain cookie shape during baking.
- You can substitute any fresh seasonal fruits depending on availability or preference.
- The glaze is optional but recommended to give the fruit a glossy appearance and preserve freshness longer.
- Store leftover fruit pizza covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best quality.
