Fruit Pizza Recipe: Easy Homemade Dessert for Parties or Kids

There’s nothing quite like the burst of color and juiciness you get from a homemade fruit pizza recipe. Picture this: a chewy sugar cookie crust, slathered in velvety cream cheese frosting, and crowned with vibrant fresh fruit that’s almost too pretty to eat (but let’s be honest, you’ll want to dive in immediately). The first time I made fruit pizza was for my daughter’s birthday party. I wanted something festive, easy to share, and—most importantly—something both kids and adults would be excited about. Let me tell you, there were no leftovers.

Honestly, fruit pizza feels a little magical. It’s the sort of dessert that looks like you spent all afternoon crafting it, but it’s shockingly easy. Plus, it’s so customizable. If you’re feeling creative, you can arrange the fruit in rainbow swirls, stripes, or even make fun shapes for holidays. I’ve baked this fruit pizza recipe for everything from summer BBQs to rainy-day snacks, and every time, someone asks for the recipe. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and such a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen (my little one loves “decorating” the pizza with extra strawberries—sometimes more in her mouth than on the pizza!).

As someone who’s tested dozens of desserts, I always come back to this fruit pizza recipe. It’s got the perfect balance: just-sweet-enough cookie base, tangy frosting, and fresh, juicy fruit on top. You can use whatever fruit is in season, making it budget-friendly and fresh every time. Trust me, if you’re looking for an easy homemade dessert for parties or a snack that’ll wow your family, this fruit pizza recipe belongs at the top of your list. And if you want to impress your Pinterest followers with a gorgeous, colorful treat? This is the one!

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Pizza Recipe

This isn’t just any fruit pizza recipe—it’s my go-to for celebrations and cozy weekends alike. I’ve tested it more times than I can count, tweaking the crust for the perfect chew and dialing in the frosting until it was just right. If you’re on the fence, here’s why you’re going to fall hard for this easy homemade dessert:

• Quick & Easy: You can whip up this fruit pizza in under 40 minutes, start to finish. Seriously, it’s that doable—even if you’ve got a house full of hungry kids or last-minute guests.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery lists or obscure ingredients. You probably have everything for the sugar cookie base and the frosting in your pantry right now. The fruit? Totally up to you and what’s in season or on sale.
• Perfect for Parties: This is the showstopper dessert for birthdays, potlucks, baby showers, or just a sunny Sunday afternoon. It’s as gorgeous on a picnic table as it is on a fancy dessert platter.
• Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve seen picky eaters, fruit-phobes, and even die-hard chocolate lovers go back for seconds. Kids love decorating their own slices, and adults love how fresh and light it tastes.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of a soft, buttery cookie, cool cream cheese, and juicy, sweet-tart fruit is next-level comfort food. Every bite is creamy, chewy, and refreshing all at once.

What sets this fruit pizza recipe apart? I always chill my crust before frosting, so you never get soggy bottoms (nobody likes that). And my secret for the creamiest topping: a little extra vanilla in the frosting brings all the flavors together. If you want to go wild, try a swirl of lemon zest or a drizzle of honey for an extra kick. Trust me, this fruit pizza isn’t just another Pinterest pretty face—it’s the one you’ll actually want to make again and again.

Fruit pizza is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s fun, hands-on, and always leaves everyone smiling. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, looking for a light finish to a big dinner, or just want an excuse to eat more fruit, you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. Go ahead—make it, share it, and enjoy those happy “wow!” faces around your table.

Ingredients Needed for Fruit Pizza

This fruit pizza recipe keeps it simple but packs in tons of flavor and color. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the fruit topping is all about what looks good and fresh at your local store or market. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (I use Kerrygold for extra richness, but any good butter works!)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (real vanilla gives the best flavor)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat or light both work—Philadelphia is my go-to)
  • 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar (add more if you like it sweeter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that dreamy bakery-style taste)
• For the Fruit Topping:
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 1 mandarin orange, segmented (or use canned if you’re in a rush)
  • Optional: blackberries, mango, grapes, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds

You really can use whatever fruit your family loves or what’s in season. In the summer, I love a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. In the winter, try mandarins, kiwi, and pomegranate arils for a festive look.

Ingredient Tips: For a gluten-free fruit pizza, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for the flour. If you need a dairy-free version, use a vegan cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Tofutti) and plant-based butter. To cut down on sugar, try a monk fruit sweetener or reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting (it’ll still be plenty sweet thanks to the fruit).

Oh, and if you’re in a pinch, a tube of pre-made sugar cookie dough totally works for the crust. No judgment here—I’ve done it myself on busy school nights!

Equipment Needed

I love that this fruit pizza recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets—just a few basics you probably already have:

• 12-inch pizza pan (or a large round baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
• Mixing bowls (one for the crust, one for the frosting)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (makes creaming the butter and cream cheese so much easier, but a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease work in a pinch)
• Spatula (for spreading the dough and frosting—offset spatulas are great for smooth results, but a regular one does the job too)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for slicing the fruit and the finished pizza)
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you don’t have a pizza pan, you can use a rectangular baking sheet and make more of a “fruit pizza bar.” I’ve even made mini versions using muffin tins for individual servings—super fun for parties.

For clean-up, parchment paper is a lifesaver. And honestly, a good spatula will make your life so much easier (I learned the hard way when my frosting stuck everywhere!). If you’re on a budget, stick with basic, sturdy tools—they work just fine.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven and prep your pan:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-inch pizza pan or large baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, this makes removing the pizza a breeze!).
2. Make the sugar cookie crust:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups (160g) flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a larger bowl, beat 1/2 cup (115g) softened butter and 3/4 cup (150g) sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, mixing until well combined. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. (If it looks crumbly, use your hands to gently knead it together.)
3. Shape and bake the crust:
   Scoop the dough onto your prepared pan and use a spatula (or your fingers) to gently press it into an even 1/2-inch thick circle, about 11-12 inches across. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle—rustic is charming! Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the center is just set. (Overbaking will make the crust hard, so watch closely.)
   Tip: If the dough sticks, lightly flour your fingers or spatula.
4. Cool completely:
   Let the crust cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then slide it (with parchment) onto a wire rack to finish cooling. The base needs to be totally cool before adding frosting, or you’ll end up with a melty mess.
5. Make the cream cheese frosting:
   In a clean bowl, beat 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—about 1-2 minutes. Taste and add a bit more sugar if you like it sweeter. (A dash of lemon zest is lovely here, too.)
6. Frost the cookie crust:
   Once the crust is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the surface, right to the edges. I use an offset spatula, but the back of a spoon works in a pinch.
7. Prepare the fruit:
   While the frosting chills for a few minutes, wash and slice your fruit. Dry berries and fruit slices gently with a paper towel to keep the pizza from getting watery.
8. Decorate with fruit:
   Arrange the fruit in circles, stripes, or any pattern you like. Get creative! (Kids love making smiley faces or rainbows.) Press fruit lightly into the frosting so it sticks.
9. Chill and serve:
   Transfer the finished fruit pizza to the fridge for

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