Description
This delightful Fruit Pizza features a tender, buttery cookie crust topped with a creamy low-fat cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh, vibrant fruits. The sweet and tangy flavors combine perfectly to create a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting
- 1 (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, or 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Any other fresh fruit you like
- Optional: fresh honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your choice of baking pan—a quarter sheet pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, or a 12-inch round pizza pan—with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be combined with the wet ingredients next.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients: Using a stand mixer fitted with the blade attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating on medium speed until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the crust tough.
- Form and bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it out to cover the bottom completely. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough—this helps prevent bubbling during baking. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the crust cool completely, about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the frosting: While the crust cools, whisk together the low-fat cream cheese, maple syrup or honey (or powdered sugar), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until you have a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Assemble the fruit pizza: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled crust. Top with an assortment of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. For an added sweet touch, drizzle fresh honey over the fruit if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice your fruit pizza into 12 servings and enjoy this vibrant, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and presentation.
- Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by using maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar according to preference.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, use a smaller pan to increase dough thickness.
- This dessert is best served the same day to keep the fruit fresh and the crust crisp.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a suitable vegan alternative.
