Fruit pizza is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that combines the goodness of fresh fruits with a sweet cookie crust and a creamy, tangy topping. It’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a special treat for family and friends. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a fruit pizza that’s not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite fruits.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, etc.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves or peach jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 12-inch round pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
- Form the Crust: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Using your hands or a rolling pin, press the dough evenly onto the pan to form a crust, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Spread on Cooled Crust: Once the cookie crust has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Topping
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash and prepare the fruits. Slice the strawberries, kiwi, and any other fruits into thin slices or bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the Fruits: Arrange the sliced fruits on top of the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern. Start from the outer edge and work your way towards the center.
- Optional Glaze: If using the glaze, heat the apricot preserves or peach jam with water in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Brush the glaze lightly over the arranged fruits for a glossy finish.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, refrigerate the fruit pizza for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and for easier slicing.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Garnish: Before serving, garnish the fruit pizza with fresh mint leaves if desired. Slice into wedges using a sharp knife and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store any leftover fruit pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cookie crust may soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Tips for Making Fruit Pizza
- Cookie Crust Thickness: Ensure the cookie crust is evenly pressed into the pan and not too thick or too thin. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy blending. You can also add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of citrus flavor.
- Fruit Selection: Use a variety of colorful fruits for a vibrant presentation. Berries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, and grapes are popular choices. Avoid using fruits that release a lot of moisture like melons.
- Glaze: The glaze adds a glossy finish to the fruits and helps prevent them from drying out. If you prefer, you can skip the glaze or use a different type of fruit preserves.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the fruit pizza with your favorite fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Conclusion
Fruit pizza is a delightful dessert that combines the freshness of fruits with a cookie crust and creamy topping, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its colorful presentation and customizable toppings, this dessert is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Follow this detailed recipe to create your own fruit pizza masterpiece and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite!