When I think of summer celebrations—graduations in the backyard, Fourth of July fireworks, or those carefree Sunday brunches on the porch—fruit pizza always makes an appearance. There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the crisp sugar cookie crust topped with creamy frosting and a kaleidoscope of colorful fruit. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just taste good; it feels good. Light, fresh, and bursting with fruit flavor, this dessert brings people together, sparking conversations and smiles with every slice.

Fruit pizza has its roots in retro Americana—popularized in the ‘80s and ‘90s as a fun way to jazz up cookie dough and put fruit front and center. Moms and grandmas would lovingly arrange sliced kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries like stained glass, creating edible art. Today, the tradition lives on as a perfect dessert for potlucks, birthdays, baby showers, or just a sunny weekend treat.

This recipe sticks to the classic format: a soft sugar cookie base, a velvety cream cheese frosting, and a vibrant topping of fresh seasonal fruit. But I’ll also share some tips to make it your own. Trust me, once you make this fruit pizza once, it will become a recipe you reach for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright, Fresh Flavors – Sweet, tangy fruit paired with creamy frosting on a soft cookie crust.
• Perfect for Entertaining – Eye-catching and fun, it’s ideal for parties or celebrations.
• Customizable – Use your favorite fruits or whatever’s in season.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep each component in advance.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar

For the Fruit Topping:

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
• 1/4 cup raspberries
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or apricot jam (for glaze)

HOW TO MAKE FRUIT PIZZA:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.

Press the dough evenly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan or tart pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula or your hands. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the crust is cooling, prepare your frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:

Once the crust has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Now comes the fun part—arranging the fruit. Start from the center or the edges and work in circles, creating a colorful pattern with your fruit slices.

If desired, brush a little honey or warmed apricot jam over the fruit for a glossy finish. This step not only adds shine but helps preserve the fruit’s freshness.

4. Chill, Slice, and Serve:

Refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing to help everything set. Slice into wedges or squares and serve cold. It’s refreshing, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother frosting.
• Dry the fruit with paper towels before arranging it on top to avoid a soggy surface.
• Want a shortcut? You can use store-bought sugar cookie dough, but homemade always tastes better.
• For a fun twist, add a dash of citrus zest to the frosting for extra brightness.
• You can assemble everything a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• For a gluten-free version, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon, which can make the crust soggy.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 260
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is fruit pizza?
Fruit pizza is a colorful dessert made with a sugar cookie crust, creamy frosting—typically cream cheese—and an assortment of fresh fruits. It’s a fun, customizable treat often enjoyed during summer for its bright, refreshing flavor and beautiful presentation.

How do you make fruit pizza?
To make fruit pizza, bake a sugar cookie crust, then spread a tangy cream cheese frosting on top. Finish with sliced fresh fruit like berries, kiwi, or mandarin oranges. Chill before serving to help the flavors meld and the frosting set.

What is a Pillsbury fruit pizza?
A Pillsbury fruit pizza features a sugar cookie dough crust, cream cheese-based frosting, and vibrant fruit like peaches, strawberries, and blueberries. Often glazed with orange marmalade, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings.

What does fruit pizza taste like?
Fruit pizza tastes like a blend of a fruit tart and a sugar cookie. The crust is sweet and buttery, the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness, and the fresh fruit gives it a juicy, refreshing finish.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within 2 days, as the fruit begins to soften and the crust may become slightly soggy over time.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this fruit pizza, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza
• Muffin Breakfast Pizza: The Breakfast You’ll Crave Every Morning
• Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas: A Delicious Fusion of Flavors
• Cornflake Crusted French Toast

CONCLUSION:

Fruit pizza is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a summer party, a birthday, or a lazy Sunday treat, it brings color, sweetness, and joy to the table. Once you take that first bite—cookie base, creamy frosting, and juicy fruit—you’ll see why it’s a cherished classic.

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