**Vibrant Fresh Fruit Dessert Pizza with Cream Cheese Icing: A Delectable and Eye-Catching Delight**
If you seek a dessert that is as stunning as it is scrumptious, your search ends here with a Vibrant Fresh Fruit Dessert Pizza with Cream Cheese Icing. This colorful delight merges the sweetness of fresh seasonal fruits, the indulgence of a creamy icing, and the satisfying crunch of a cookie base. It’s ideal for gatherings, potluck events, or an entertaining family baking activity.
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### What Is a Fruit Dessert Pizza?
A fruit dessert pizza is a whimsical take on classic pizza, swapping out savory elements for sweet ones. The “crust” is usually a sugar cookie or shortbread base, the “sauce” is a creamy icing (predominantly cream cheese-based), and the “toppings” consist of an array of vibrant, fresh fruits. The outcome is a visually appealing and refreshingly light dessert that delights people of all ages.
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### Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create your very own vibrant fruit dessert pizza:
#### For the Crust:
– 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
– Non-stick spray or parchment paper
#### For the Cream Cheese Icing:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### For the Fruit Toppings:
Select a mix of fresh, colorful fruits such as:
– Strawberries, sliced
– Kiwi, peeled and sliced
– Blueberries
– Raspberries
– Mandarin oranges
– Pineapple chunks
– Blackberries
– Grapes, halved
Optional garnishes:
– Fresh mint leaves
– Honey or fruit glaze for a glossy finish
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### Instructions
#### 1. Prepare the Crust
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Evenly press the sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch pizza pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
– Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
– Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the toppings.
#### 2. Make the Cream Cheese Icing
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
– Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined and fluffy.
#### 3. Assemble the Pizza
– Evenly spread the cream cheese icing over the cooled cookie crust.
– Decorate the top with fresh fruit in an artistic pattern. You can create concentric circles, a rainbow layout, or a random vibrant mosaic—let your creativity shine!
– For added gloss and to help keep the fruit fresh, you can apply a light glaze of warmed apricot jam or honey over the fruit.
#### 4. Chill and Serve
– Place the fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
– Cut into wedges and serve chilled.
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### Tips for Success
– **Choose fresh, firm fruits** to prevent sogginess, and steer clear of overly juicy fruits like watermelon.
– **Pat fruit slices dry** with a paper towel prior to placing them on the icing to minimize excess moisture.
– **Prepare in advance:** You can bake the crust and make the icing a day prior. Assemble the fruit just before serving for the freshest appearance and taste.
– **Get creative:** Consider using a chocolate chip cookie crust or incorporating lemon zest into the icing for a citrusy kick.
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### Nutritional Considerations
While this dessert is rich, it also provides the goodness of fresh fruit, offering vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. To make it lighter:
– Use reduced-fat cream cheese.
– Opt for a whole wheat cookie crust.
– Limit the added sugar in the icing.
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### Conclusion
A Vibrant Fresh Fruit Dessert Pizza with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful blend of flavor, texture, and color. It’s a versatile treat that can be adjusted to fit any season or event, promising to wow guests with its striking presentation. Whether you’re throwing a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet and fruity, this dessert pizza is an excellent choice.