Craving a delightful treat that combines the freshness of fruits with the indulgence of a classic dessert? Look no further than our scrumptious recipe for Fruit Pizza! This colorful and flavorful dessert is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even as a sweet ending to a cozy dinner at home. Layered with a creamy base and an array of your favorite fruits, this recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will surely impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 16 oz. package of ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough
– 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin oranges, grapes)
– 1/4 cup apricot preserves or fruit glaze
– Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the sugar cookie dough package.
2. **Prepare the Cookie Crust:** Take the sugar cookie dough and press it evenly onto a pizza pan or a baking sheet, creating a thin crust. Make sure to leave a slight edge to prevent the toppings from spilling over.
3. **Bake the Crust:** Place the prepared cookie crust in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions, or until the crust is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
4. **Prepare the Creamy Base:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Use a spatula to spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust, ensuring full coverage.
5. **Slice the Fruits:** Wash and prepare your assorted fruits of choice. Slice them into desired shapes such as thin rounds, quarters, or halves, depending on the fruit. Get creative with the arrangement!
6. **Decorate with Fruits:** Begin decorating the cream cheese layer with the sliced fruits, arranging them in a colorful pattern over the creamy base. Be artistic with your placement to create an eye-catching design.
7. **Glaze the Fruits:** In a small saucepan, warm the apricot preserves or fruit glaze over low heat until it becomes smooth and liquid. Brush this glaze gently over the arranged fruits for a glossy finish and to keep the fruits fresh.
8. **Chill and Set:** Place the prepared Fruit Pizza in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the cream cheese base to set and the flavors to meld together. This chilling time will also help the pizza to be easier to slice and serve.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Just before serving, add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. Slice the Fruit Pizza into wedges or squares and serve it to your delighted guests.
Enjoy this delectable Fruit Pizza as a delightful dessert that beautifully captures the essence of summer with a burst of fruity flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a special sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection of go-to desserts. Bright, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite fruits, this Fruit Pizza is a fantastic way to add a touch of sweetness to your gatherings.
