If there’s one dessert that truly captures the spirit of summer, it’s the vibrant, colorful, and irresistibly fun Fruit Pizza. Juicy, sweet, and topped with a luscious layer of creamy goodness, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone reaching for seconds. I remember the first time I brought a fruit pizza to a family picnic—within minutes, it disappeared, and not a crumb was left! Did you know that fruit pizza is a nostalgic favorite at potlucks and birthday parties across the country? The best part: anyone can make this show-stopping treat, no matter their kitchen skills.
Readers love quick, family-friendly recipes just like my Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, but Fruit Pizza takes it up a notch with fresh, tangy fruits and a sweet cream cheese base. If you’re looking for a simple, beautiful dessert that comes together fast, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet slice of happiness—you won’t regret it!
What is Fruit Pizza?
Have you ever wondered what’s so “pizza” about Fruit Pizza? Don’t worry; there’s no tomato sauce or pepperoni here! Instead, this playful dessert gets its name from its pizza-like shape: a giant round cookie “crust,” creamy “sauce,” and plenty of colorful fruit “toppings.” Who invented this whimsical treat? Who knows! Someone with a sweet tooth and a love for fun, no doubt—because as they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Whether you’re making Fruit Pizza for a party or just a weeknight treat, take the plunge and try this creative, delicious recipe at home!
Why You’ll Love This
If you love sweet, creamy desserts loaded with fresh, juicy fruit, Fruit Pizza is bound to be your next baking obsession. The thick sugar cookie crust bakes up soft and buttery, while the pillowy cream cheese topping offers just the right tang to balance the sweetness. Best of all, making Fruit Pizza at home saves you money compared to buying individual bakery fruit tarts, and you can load it up with your favorite fruits for endless flavor combinations.
Unlike a classic Strawberry Shortcake, which requires layers and assembly, this easy dessert keeps things simple—just roll, bake, top, and chill! Customize with whatever fruits are in season, and don’t forget the optional coconut for a little tropical flair. This showy dessert is perfect for impressing guests or making an ordinary day extra bright, so grab those berries and get baking today!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Fruit Pizza is one of those rare desserts that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve. All you need is a roll of sugar cookie dough, a handful of pantry staples, and plenty of fresh fruit. Start-to-finish, this sweet treat comes together in just over an hour, with most of the time spent waiting for the crust to cool and the flavors to blend. You’ll love how simple the steps are, and the creamy cheese topping paired with bright, tart fruit will bring everyone running for seconds!
Ingredients
1 package pre-made sugar cookie dough (or your favorite cookie recipe)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup peeled and sliced kiwi
1 cup blueberries
1 cup drained mandarin oranges
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out the sugar cookie dough on the prepared pan, shaping it into a round crust about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake the cookie crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the completely cooled cookie crust, right up to the edges.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mandarin oranges on top of the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern.
- If desired, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the fruit for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Chill the assembled fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let everything set and the flavors meld together.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish. Slice and serve chilled.
What to Serve With
Fruit pizza is wonderfully versatile and pairs perfectly with plenty of other treats. Try serving it alongside other light, summery desserts like lemon bars or angel food cake for a colorful dessert table. For a refreshing drink, offer sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water—these cool, tangy beverages bring out the best in the sweet, creamy flavors of the pizza. If you’re serving fruit pizza as part of a brunch spread, it also goes well with savory egg bakes, breakfast sausages, or a simple platter of assorted cheeses and crackers. However you serve it, your guests are sure to rave!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- For a crispier crust, bake the sugar cookie dough until the edges are a deep golden color—but be sure not to overbake, as it will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Use any combination of fruits you love—raspberries, mango, pineapple, or blackberries work just as well as the classics.
- If you prefer to make your own cookie dough, use your favorite sugar cookie recipe—just roll and shape as directed.
- Let the crust cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture or it may melt and slide off.
- Arrange the fruit in rings, rows, or even as a rainbow for extra flair. Get creative!
- Avoid excess moisture by patting the fruit dry with paper towels before adding it to the pizza.
- Add the mint garnish just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Fruit pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you know you’ll have extra, avoid adding delicate fruits like bananas, which brown quickly. For the best texture, keep the crust and toppings separate until ready to serve—store the cooled cookie base tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, and the cream cheese topping in the fridge.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy layer and fruit can lose their texture after thawing. If you absolutely must freeze, freeze only the baked cookie crust; thaw completely before assembling and serving.
To serve leftovers, simply enjoy cold straight from the fridge—this dessert does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for fruit pizza?
Absolutely! Your favorite homemade recipe works perfectly for the crust; just roll, shape, and bake as directed.
What fruits work best for fruit pizza?
Berries, sliced kiwi, mandarin oranges, and mango are great choices. Avoid fruits that brown quickly, like bananas, unless you plan to eat the pizza right away.
Can I make fruit pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the crust and prepare the cheese layer up to a day in advance, but wait to assemble and add the fruit until just before chilling and serving for best results.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the topping?
Yes, try using a vegan cream cheese and non-dairy whipped topping for a delicious, dairy-free fruit pizza.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Allow the crust to cool fully before adding toppings, pat fruits dry before arranging, and serve soon after assembling to keep everything crisp.
Conclusion
Fruit Pizza is a playful, vibrant, and show-stopping dessert that brightens up any celebration—or simply turns an ordinary day into something special. With its buttery sugar cookie crust, dreamy cream cheese layer, and a rainbow of fresh, juicy fruits, it’s no wonder this gorgeous treat is a hit with kids and adults alike. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, festive dessert? With endless ways to customize and guaranteed deliciousness in every slice, Fruit Pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Fruit Pizza
Equipment
- Pizza Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package Pre-made sugar cookie dough
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Whipped topping
- 1 cup Sliced strawberries
- 1 cup Peeled and sliced kiwi
- 1 cup Blueberries
- 1 cup Drained mandarin oranges
- 1/4 cup Shredded coconut (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out the sugar cookie dough on the prepared pan, shaping it into a round crust about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake the cookie crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the completely cooled cookie crust, right up to the edges.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mandarin oranges on top of the cream cheese layer in a decorative pattern.
- If desired, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the fruit for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Chill the assembled fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let everything set and the flavors meld together.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish. Slice and serve chilled.