Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza | Dessert Now Dinner Later

If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, sugar cookie fruit pizza is the answer. This colorful treat combines a soft, chewy sugar cookie crust with tangy cream cheese frosting and an array of fresh fruits. Inspired by the beloved recipe from Dessert Now Dinner Later, this dessert is easy to make and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. It’s perfect for baby showers, summer BBQs, holiday parties, or simply as a way to use up fruit before it spoils. Plus, using a rectangular pan makes it super convenient to cut evenly sized squares, each with a perfect bite of fruit and cookie.

For anyone using fruit that tends to brown quickly, like apples or bananas, you can check out this guide on preventing fruit browning to maintain your presentation. And when it comes to a frosting that holds up well under juicy fruit, this cream cheese frosting tutorial is a lifesaver for keeping things stable and photogenic.

What Is Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza?

Sugar cookie fruit pizza is a dessert made with a base of soft, chewy sugar cookie dough, spread out and baked like a pizza crust. Once cooled, it’s topped with a layer of sweet cream cheese frosting and finished with fresh fruit in an artistic or random arrangement. A light glaze can also be added for shine and preservation.

It’s a cross between fruit tart, cookie bar, and frosted sugar cookie—but better.

Ingredients Overview

Sugar Cookie Crust

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar and powdered sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Egg, vanilla, and almond extract
• All-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese (cold)
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Fruit Topping

• Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• Kiwi (peeled and sliced)
• Blueberries
• Mandarin oranges (drained and dried)
• Apricot jam (for optional glaze)

Choosing the Best Fruits

Picking the right fruits is essential for flavor and presentation. You’ll want fruits that are vibrant, ripe, and firm enough to hold their shape.

Best Fruits to Use:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Kiwi
• Raspberries
• Peaches
• Grapes (halved)

Fruits to Avoid:

• Watermelon – too watery
• Bananas – browns quickly unless treated
• Apples – also browns easily

You can slow down browning with lemon juice or refer to this guide on fruit preservation for more tips.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 or quarter sheet pan
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: pastry brush for glaze

How to Make Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Base

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease your baking dish.
• In a mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
• Add oil, egg, water, vanilla, and almond extract.
• Combine dry ingredients separately and then mix with the wet.
• Press dough evenly into the pan.
• Bake for 16–18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake.
• Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

• Beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
• Add butter gradually.
• Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Spread evenly over cooled cookie base.

Step 3: Decorate with Fruit

• Arrange sliced fruits either in neat rows or sprinkle randomly.
• Make sure every square gets a mix of fruit.

Step 4: Optional Glaze

• Warm apricot jam in the microwave.
• Thin with water.
• Lightly brush over the fruit for shine.

Presentation Tips

• Use contrasting fruit colors to make the design pop.
• Cut fruit into small pieces for easier serving.
• Arrange in patterns: rainbow, rows, circles, or floral designs.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Cut into 15 even squares.
• Serve immediately or cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• Best served the same day.
• Keeps up to 3 days depending on fruit ripeness.

To ensure you’re storing leftovers safely, especially with dairy and fruit involved, refer to this food safety guide.

Variations and Customizations

Crust Alternatives:

• Shortbread base
• Brownie base for a chocolate twist

Frosting Alternatives:

• Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier version
• Whipped cream (less stable)

Themed Fruit Pizzas:

• Red, white, and blue for Fourth of July
• All red fruits for Valentine’s Day
• Tropical theme with mango, pineapple, and coconut

Make It Healthier

• Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt
• Reduce sugar in both the crust and frosting
• Try almond flour for a gluten-friendly crust

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the crust – dries it out
• Using wet fruits – makes it soggy
• Not cooling the crust – frosting will melt
• Crowding with too much fruit – harder to slice and serve

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough has better texture and flavor. Pre-made dough saves time in a pinch.

How far in advance can I make fruit pizza?

Bake the crust and prep the frosting a day ahead. Assemble with fruit the day of serving for freshness.

What fruits are best?

Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges hold up best and offer great color.

Can you freeze fruit pizza?

No, freezing affects texture of both the frosting and fruit. Serve fresh for best results.

Do you need to refrigerate fruit pizza?

Yes. Because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit, always keep it chilled when not serving.

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