Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those treats that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to whip up. If you love a sweet, colorful dessert that doubles as a fruit snack, this one’s for you. I remember making this for a family gathering years ago, and it vanished faster than I could say “second slice.” Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You Should Try Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fruit pizza isn’t your typical pizza, but it hits the spot when you want something light, fresh, and sweet. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right tang and creaminess, balancing the natural sweetness of the fruit. Plus, it looks so pretty on the table that people might actually think you spent hours on it.
Ever noticed how desserts with fruit feel less guilty? That’s because you’re sneaking in some vitamins while enjoying a treat. It’s a win-win, right?
Variations I’ve Tried And Loved
I’ve played around with this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s fun to switch things up. Here are some variations I recommend:
- Swap the sugar cookie crust for a graham cracker crust for a crunchier base.
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese for a lighter frosting.
- Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- Mix in different fruits depending on the season berries in summer, apples and pears in fall.
Changing the fruit combo keeps this recipe fresh and interesting. Have you ever thought about adding kiwi or mango? It’s a game changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
topping:
- Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, etc.)
How I Make Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting
Making the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. I usually use my stand mixer for this makes life easier.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or round baking dish.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the cream cheese frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Assembling the fruit pizza:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled crust.
- Arrange your fruit on top in any pattern you like. I go for a rainbow effect because it looks so cheerful.
- Chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing.
Serving The Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fruit pizza is perfect for brunch, potlucks, or as a light dessert after dinner. You can cut it into traditional pizza slices or small squares whatever suits your crowd. I find it pairs nicely with a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling water with lemon.
Ever tried serving this at a picnic? It holds up well and adds a splash of color to your outdoor spread.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the crust is completely cool before spreading the frosting, or it might melt and get runny.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor and appearance.
- If you want the fruit to shine even more, brush them lightly with a bit of warmed apricot jam.
- Don’t overload the pizza with fruit; a thin layer looks better and is easier to eat.
Leftovers and Storage
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. It tastes best within 2-3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long! If you want to prep ahead, bake the crust and keep it in an airtight container, then add frosting and fruit just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip chilling the pizza after assembling. It helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
- Avoid using overly juicy fruits like watermelon or pineapple, as they can make the crust soggy.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it can lead to a tough crust instead of a tender one.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese and butter properly to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 25 g