Step into a delightful memory with this incredibly popular Fruit Pizza recipe. Featuring a buttery, tender shortbread crust, a rich and creamy topping, and a vibrant medley of fresh fruit, all finished with a shimmering orange glaze, this dessert is a true showstopper. My mom perfected this exact recipe in the late 1980s and early 1990s, making it a beloved staple at every family gathering. Its timeless appeal lies in its stunning presentation and its deliciously light, refreshing taste. It’s not just a pretty dessert; it’s a wonderfully balanced treat that’s perfect for any special occasion, from lively summer cookouts and potlucks to relaxed BBQs. This fruit pizza is a delightful way to enjoy fresh seasonal produce, making it a healthier alternative to many heavier desserts.

Our fruit pizza is an absolute must-have during the warmer months, offering a bright and refreshing finish to any meal. It pairs beautifully with hearty summer mains like my BBQ Beer Can Chicken or my tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a Bun. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the fruit, combined with the creamy base, provides a perfect contrast to savory dishes. In fact, my love for this versatile dessert inspired my unique Carrot Cake Pizza, demonstrating just how adaptable the “dessert pizza” concept can be. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution or a light treat for a family dinner, this fruit pizza is sure to impress.

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Fruit Pizza

This healthy fruit pizza recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite seasonal fruits. The core components create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

• Shortbread Crust: The foundation of this fruit pizza is a rich, crumbly shortbread cookie crust. Its buttery flavor and slightly crisp texture provide the perfect base, holding up beautifully under the creamy topping and fresh fruit without becoming soggy. This classic crust truly elevates the entire dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: For baking, I always opt for unsalted butter. This allows me to precisely control the amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring consistent results every time. The salt content in salted butter can vary significantly between brands, making unsalted butter the reliable choice for perfect shortbread.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy topping is made with light cream cheese, offering a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit and crust. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating for a perfectly smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Assorted Fresh Fruit: This is where the pizza truly shines! I typically use a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, juicy peaches, and tangy kiwis. This combination provides a spectrum of colors, flavors, and textures, making each bite an exciting experience. Feel free to explore other fruits based on seasonality and personal preference.
• Orange Glaze: A simple yet elegant orange glaze ties all the flavors together. Made with fresh orange juice, sugar, water, and a touch of cornstarch for thickening, it offers a mild, bright citrus flavor. This glaze adds a beautiful shine to the fruit, enhances their natural sweetness, and prevents them from drying out.

📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

One of the best things about this fruit pizza recipe is how incredibly adaptable it is. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to inspire your next creation:

• Butter: If unsalted butter isn’t available, you can certainly swap in salted butter. Just be mindful of the added salt and consider reducing any additional salt called for in the crust recipe, if applicable, to avoid an overly salty taste.
• Fruit: The choice of fruit is entirely up to you! Beyond the suggested strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and kiwis, consider adding sweet cherries, halved grapes, diced pineapple, vibrant mandarin oranges, or tropical mango for an exciting twist. For convenience, some canned fruits like peaches can be used (ensure they are well-drained). However, I strongly advise against using fruits that brown quickly, such as bananas or conventional apples, unless you plan to serve immediately. If you must use apples, Cosmic Crisp apples are an excellent choice as they oxidize much slower, retaining their crisp texture and appealing color for longer.
• Crust: While the shortbread crust is a cherished classic, you have other delicious options. A soft and chewy sugar cookie crust is a fantastic alternative, offering a slightly different flavor profile. You can either make your own sugar cookie dough from scratch in advance or use readily available store-bought pre-made sugar cookie dough for a quicker preparation. For a unique festive twist, especially around the holidays, a gingerbread crust can add warm, spiced notes to your fruit pizza.
• Garnish: Elevate your fruit pizza with optional garnishes. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened) adds a lovely texture and tropical hint. Grated white chocolate can provide a touch of elegance and creamy sweetness. For an extra indulgent topping, a dollop of Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream can be added just before serving.
• Glaze: If you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut, you can easily purchase a pre-made fruit glaze or apricot glaze from your local grocery store. While our homemade orange glaze is simple and adds a unique citrus note, store-bought options work perfectly well and save a step.
• Fruit Pizza Cookies: For a delightful individual dessert or party favor, transform this recipe into mini fruit pizza cookies! Prepare the shortbread dough as usual, then roll it out and use a 3-inch cookie cutter to create individual cookie bases. Bake them for a shorter duration, typically 6-8 minutes, until lightly golden. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese topping and decorate each cookie individually with small pieces of fresh fruit and a drizzle of glaze. They’re adorable and perfectly portioned!

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Fruit Pizza (with Homemade Glaze)

Creating this stunning fruit pizza is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Preparation: Before you begin, lightly spray a 14-inch pizza pan with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).

Crafting the Perfect Shortbread Crust:

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and powdered sugar. The combination of sugars contributes to both the flavor and the tender texture of the shortbread.

Process the ingredients on high speed until they come together to form a cohesive dough that clings to itself. It should resemble coarse crumbs at first, then gradually form a ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.

Transfer the shortbread dough onto your prepared 14-inch pizza pan. Use your hands or a smaller rolling pin to evenly press and roll out the dough, covering the entire surface of the pan. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for 10-13 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the pan, for at least 10 minutes, before adding the topping.

Preparing the Creamy Topping and Fresh Fruit:

While your shortbread crust cools, prepare the luscious cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and white sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.

Once the crust has cooled completely, spread the prepared cream cheese layer evenly over the entire surface. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and uniform base for your fruit.

Wash and chop all your assorted fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces or slices. The size and shape will depend on your desired decorative pattern. Pat the fruit dry with a paper towel before placing it on the pizza to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.

Tip: For kiwis, here’s the best and easiest way to peel them using the spoon method: How to peel a kiwi with a spoon.

Now for the fun part: decorating your fruit pizza! This is where your creativity comes into play. You can arrange the fruit in any pattern you desire. I typically start by creating an attractive border around the outer edge, then move to the middle, and finally fill in the remaining spaces with a variety of colorful fruits. Aim for a balance of colors and textures for the most appealing presentation.

Continue adding a diverse selection of fruit until you achieve your desired look. You can create concentric circles, geometric patterns, or a random artistic scattering. Don’t be afraid to leave a little white space, or fill the entire surface for a lush, abundant feel. The goal is to make it visually appealing and burst with fresh flavor.

Making the Zesty Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, water, cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons of white sugar until smooth. This mixture will form the glossy, flavor-enhancing glaze.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat on your stovetop. Whisk the mixture regularly and continuously until it thickens to the consistency of a light gravy. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before drizzling.

Once the glaze has cooled slightly and thickened, drizzle it evenly over the top of your beautifully decorated fruit pizza. The glaze adds a lovely sheen, locking in the freshness of the fruit and providing an extra layer of zesty flavor. This step truly brings the entire dessert together.

As an optional final touch, you can sprinkle sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes over the pizza for added texture and a tropical hint. Alternatively, a grating of white chocolate can add a touch of elegance and a creamy finish. Serve chilled for the best experience!

🥗 Perfect Pairings: Meals to Serve with Fruit Pizza

This refreshing Dessert Fruit Pizza is incredibly versatile and makes a perfect ending to a variety of summer meals. Its light and fruity profile beautifully complements grilled dishes and fresh salads. Consider serving it after a satisfying main course like this vibrant Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing, or alongside a classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (as pictured below for inspiration). For a more casual meal, it’s an excellent follow-up to flavorful Grilled Greek Chicken Burgers.

If you’re hosting a larger gathering or preparing for a crowd, this fruit pizza is the ideal dessert to complete a feast. Serve it alongside my tender Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun and wash it all down with a celebratory Sparkling Strawberry Punch (non-alcoholic) for a truly memorable spread. The freshness of the fruit pizza provides a wonderful palate cleanser after richer main courses.

🌟 Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Fruit Pizza

Achieving a perfect fruit pizza every time is easy with a few insider tricks. These expert tips will help ensure your crust is tender, your topping is smooth, and your fruit remains vibrant and fresh.

• Chill the Dough for Easier Handling: If your shortbread dough feels too soft or sticky to work with, don’t force it. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. This chilling period firms up the butter, making the dough much easier to roll out evenly and preventing it from sticking, resulting in a more tender crust.
• Ensure Even Crust Thickness: For consistent baking and a pleasant texture, it’s crucial to roll out your crust to an even thickness across the entire pizza pan. Uneven areas can lead to spots that are either undercooked and gummy or overcooked and too crispy. A small pizza rolling pin or even the bottom of a glass can help achieve a uniform surface.
• Prevent Overbaking the Crust: The shortbread crust should only be lightly golden brown around the edges, not deeply browned. Overbaking can make the crust excessively crisp and brittle, causing it to crumble and break apart when you try to slice and serve the pizza. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
• Choose a Solid Pizza Pan: For the most desirable crust texture that holds together well, use a solid, non-perforated pizza pan. Perforated pans, while great for some pizzas, can cause this particular shortbread crust to become overly crispy, making it challenging to cut clean slices without it breaking or falling apart.
• Achieve a Smooth and Fluffy Cream Cheese Layer: Always bring your cream cheese to room temperature before beating it with sugar. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy topping that’s difficult to spread. For an extra light and airy cream cheese layer, you can gently fold in a tablespoon or two of whipped cream or plain Greek yogurt after beating the cream cheese and sugar.
• Pat Fruit Dry Before Placing: Fresh fruit contains natural moisture. To prevent this moisture from seeping into the cream cheese layer and making your crust soggy, gently pat all chopped or sliced fruit dry with a paper towel before arranging it on the pizza. This simple step preserves the crust’s integrity and keeps the pizza fresh longer.
• Vary Colors and Textures for Visual Appeal: A stunning fruit pizza is a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Use a diverse selection of fruits that offer a range of colors and textures. A mix of bright berries, soft kiwi, firm mango, and juicy peaches not only tastes wonderful but also creates an incredibly attractive and appetizing presentation.
• Handle Browning Fruits with Care: If you choose to use fruits like apples or bananas, which oxidize and brown quickly, brush them lightly with lemon juice immediately after slicing. This will slow down the browning process. For apples, consider using varieties like Cosmic Crisp, known for their exceptional resistance to browning, allowing for a longer display time.
• Master the Glaze Consistency: The orange glaze should be thick enough to cling to the fruit and provide a glossy finish, but still pourable. If your glaze becomes too thick while cooking, stir in a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, whisking constantly, until it reduces and thickens.
• Apply Glaze Strategically: Drizzle the cooled glaze evenly over the fruit using a spoon or a pastry brush. Aim for a light, consistent coating that enhances the natural shine and flavor of the fruit without making it overly sticky or mushy. Apply it just before serving for the freshest look.
• Assemble Just Before Serving for Optimal Freshness: For the absolute best results, prepare the shortbread crust and cream cheese topping in advance, and store them separately. Assemble the fruit pizza—adding the fresh fruit and glaze—shortly before you plan to serve it. This keeps the fruit at its freshest and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Pre-Cut the Crust for Convenience: If you’re serving this fruit pizza at a party or event, consider pre-cutting the cooled crust into individual slices before you add the cream cheese, fruit, and glaze. This makes serving incredibly easy and ensures neat, individual portions for your guests.

🌡️ Storage Guidelines for Your Fruit Pizza

To enjoy your delicious fruit pizza at its best, proper storage is key. Store any leftover fruit pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. If you need to stack layers of fruit pizza (perhaps for individual servings), place sheets of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate decoration. While you can still consume the pizza after two days, please be aware that the crust may start to soften and become soggy from the fruit’s moisture, and the fruit itself might lose some of its vibrant freshness.

For those planning ahead, you can prepare this fruit pizza a day in advance. To maintain optimal freshness and texture, prepare and bake the shortbread crust, and make the cream cheese topping and orange glaze. Store the cooled crust, topping, and glaze separately in the refrigerator. Wait until just prior to serving to spread the cream cheese mixture, arrange the fresh fruit, and drizzle the glaze. This staggered approach ensures your fruit pizza looks and tastes its absolute best.

If you absolutely need to store the fully assembled fruit pizza overnight to serve the next day, and don’t have time for last-minute assembly, cover it tightly with plastic wrap (I often use Glad Press n’ Seal for a secure fit). While not ideal for preserving ultimate crispness, this will protect it from drying out and absorbing fridge odors.

👪 Serving Size & Customization

This fruit pizza recipe is designed to yield one generous 14-inch pizza, which typically provides 12 substantial servings. If you’re hosting a larger gathering or prefer smaller, more delicate portions, you can easily cut the pizza into 16 smaller slices. This makes it a flexible option for various events and appetites. Furthermore, for those looking to cater to a bigger crowd, this recipe is incredibly scalable. You can conveniently double or triple the recipe by simply clicking on the serving number in the recipe card below and adjusting it to your desired quantity. The ingredient amounts will automatically update, making it effortless to prepare enough for everyone to enjoy.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Pizza

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