If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s ridiculously easy, endlessly customizable, and brightens up any table, Fruit Pizza is truly a crowd-pleaser. Imagine a soft, sweet sugar-cookie crust layered with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, then decked out with juicy, colorful fruit—making every slice taste like sunshine. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned dessert queen, this recipe brings pure joy and is guaranteed to make mouths water with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Fruit Pizza starts with fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one here adds flavor, color, or that irresistible creamy texture, so don’t skimp! Grab these essentials, and you’re halfway to dessert bliss.

Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz): The ready-made base that bakes up soft and sweet, saving you precious prep time.
Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: The backbone of that luscious, tangy frosting layer—make sure it’s room temp for ultimate creaminess.
Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Melts easily into the cream cheese to sweeten and smooth things out.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and deepens all the sweet flavors.
Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a fresh, zippy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
Sliced strawberries (1 cup): Their gorgeous color and sweet-tart bite are a signature for any Fruit Pizza.
Blueberries (1/2 cup): Little bursts of juicy flavor and the prettiest pop of blue.
Sliced kiwi (1/2 cup): Brings tanginess and a beautiful green to your design.
Mandarin orange segments (1/2 cup): Tender, refreshing, and juicy—these add citrusy brightness.
Red grapes, halved (1/4 cup): Juicy, sweet, and perfectly bite-sized for decoration.

How to Make Fruit Pizza

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats, lightly grease a 12-inch pizza or tart pan. Press the sugar cookie dough evenly across the bottom, pressing just a little up the sides if you like a “crust” look. Smooth out any seams with your fingers; the more uniform, the prettier your finished Fruit Pizza. Slide it into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are just golden. Let the crust cool completely before the next step (this is essential—if it’s warm, your cream cheese layer will melt!).

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if you want a citrusy zip. Beat everything together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth—no lumps allowed! This creamy frosting will anchor your fruit and give every bite just the right amount of richness.

Step 3: Frost the Cookie Crust

Once your cookie base is cool, grab a spatula and spread that luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Take it right to the edges, smoothing it as you go. This creamy layer is where all the magic happens, so don’t be shy!

Step 4: Arrange the Fruit Topping

Get creative—this is the fun part! Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, and red grape halves in any pattern you like. You can go for rings, playful bursts of color, or a silhouetted rainbow. If you want extra shine and a beautiful finish, lightly brush the fruit with warmed apricot jam or a drizzle of honey. It’s like edible art.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Pop your Fruit Pizza into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This quick chill helps everything set and makes slicing easier. When you’re ready, cut into wedges and serve to happy faces—watch slices disappear fast!

How to Serve Fruit Pizza

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle your Fruit Pizza with a handful of chopped toasted nuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh basil or mint leaves. Each touch adds a visual spark and brings out the freshness of the fruit even more.

Side Dishes

Keep things light and playful. Fruit Pizza pairs well with a glass of sparkling lemonade, a fresh fruit salad, or simple iced tea. If you’re serving at brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of sorbet on the side keeps the theme ultra-refreshing!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, try making mini Fruit Pizzas using smaller tart pans or even baking the cookie dough in muffin tins for adorable individual servings. You can also cut the finished Fruit Pizza into strips or shapes with a cookie cutter to make dessert platters truly pop at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Fruit Pizza (which is rare!), store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days before the fruit starts to soften. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours.

Freezing

Fruit Pizza doesn’t freeze well once assembled, as the fruit and cream cheese don’t hold up to thawing. However, you can bake and freeze the sugar cookie crust alone if you’d like to get a head start—just add toppings after defrosting.

Reheating

Since Fruit Pizza is served chilled, you never need to reheat it! Simply allow any leftovers to come to fridge-cold temperature before eating for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for Fruit Pizza?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully if you’re up for a bit of extra effort. Just be sure to roll it out to a similar thickness so it bakes evenly and holds the toppings well.

What other fruits can I use on Fruit Pizza?

The sky’s the limit—try raspberries, blackberries, mango, pineapple, cherries, or even sliced peaches. Whatever’s sweet, ripe, and in season will taste fantastic. Just avoid fruits that brown quickly or release too much juice.

How do I keep the fruit from making the crust soggy?

Make sure your sugar cookie crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer, and pat juicy fruits dry with a paper towel before arranging them. A light brushing of warmed jam or honey can help create a moisture barrier, too.

Can I make Fruit Pizza dairy free?

Definitely! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and check that your sugar cookie dough is dairy free (or make your own). The result will still be gorgeously creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to transport Fruit Pizza?

Chill the assembled Fruit Pizza well before travel and keep it flat in the pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If possible, bring along a small ice pack or insulated bag to keep it cool up until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Fruit Pizza recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of all things fresh, fun, and flavorful. Whether you’re sharing with family or delighting friends at a party, you’ll want to come back to this sweet tradition again and again. Give it a whirl and see just how quickly it disappears from your table!

Fruit Pizza Recipe