Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? The air is crisp, the tables are overflowing with delicious food, and the laughter of family fills the room. One dessert that always steals the show at our gatherings is my *thanksgiving fruit pizza*. It’s a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining a sweet cookie crust, creamy frosting, and an explosion of colorful fruits. Trust me, it’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a burst of flavors that makes everyone smile! I can’t wait to share this recipe so you can create your own festive masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 1 package sugar cookie dough – this will be the delicious base of your fruit pizza.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – it needs to be softened to mix easily into a silky frosting.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – for that sweet touch that balances out the cream cheese.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds a lovely depth of flavor to the frosting.
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced – fresh and vibrant, they bring a juicy sweetness.
- 1 cup kiwi, sliced – their tartness adds a zesty contrast to the sweetness.
- 1 cup blueberries – they’re not just beautiful; they’re bursting with flavor!
- 1 cup mandarin oranges – these little gems add a pop of citrusy brightness.
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Fruit Pizza*
Preheat the Oven
First things first, I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookie crust to bake perfectly from the get-go. So, let it warm up while you prep the rest!
Prepare the Cookie Crust
Now, grab that package of sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into a pizza pan. You really want to make sure it’s spread out nice and flat—don’t be shy! Bake according to the package instructions, usually about 15 minutes, or until it’s golden and just set. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool completely. Trust me, adding the frosting to a hot crust is a big no-no!
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the crust is cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use an electric mixer to make it super smooth and creamy. You want it to be light and fluffy, perfect for spreading!
Assemble the Pizza
Once the crust is cool, it’s time to spread that dreamy frosting all over! Use a spatula to evenly coat the cookie base. Then, the fun part—arranging your colorful fruits! I like to get creative here; you can create patterns or just throw them on in a beautiful mess. Either way, it’s going to look amazing!
Chill Before Serving
Finally, pop your assembled fruit pizza in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is essential as it helps the flavors meld together beautifully and gives the frosting a chance to firm up a bit. Plus, it’s so refreshing to serve it cold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time!
- With its vibrant colors, this dessert is a showstopper that looks stunning on any Thanksgiving table.
- The combination of a sweet cookie crust and creamy frosting is pure bliss!
- It’s incredibly versatile; feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or whatever’s in season.
- It’s a fun activity to involve the kids—let them help with the fruit arranging!
- Perfect for making ahead of time and chilling until you’re ready to serve.
- Everyone loves it, from the little ones to the grandpas, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
- Use chilled ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened but also slightly chilled. This helps create a fluffy frosting that spreads easily over the crust.
- Don’t skip the chilling: Chilling your assembled fruit pizza is crucial! It not only enhances the flavors but also makes slicing easier and keeps the toppings from sliding off.
- Experiment with fruits: Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what you love or what’s in season. Apples, peaches, or raspberries can add a delightful twist!
- Glaze for shine: If you want your fruit to shine like a star, try brushing on a light glaze made from a bit of apricot jam and water. It adds a nice finish!
- Cut carefully: When it’s time to slice, use a sharp knife to get clean cuts through the crust and toppings. This makes it look even more appealing!
- Serve fresh: For the best taste and texture, try to serve your fruit pizza within a day of making it. The longer it sits, the softer the crust will get.
- Get creative: Use cookie cutters to shape the cookie crust into festive designs if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s a fun way to add a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* properly. The best way to keep it fresh is by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent the crust from getting soggy and keeps those colorful fruits looking vibrant!
Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 days. Just a heads up, though: it’s best enjoyed cold and fresh! I wouldn’t recommend reheating it since the beautiful fruits and creamy frosting are meant to be served chilled. If you do have to reheat it, keep it minimal—just a few seconds in the microwave to take the chill off, but no more! You want to savor that refreshing taste as it was intended!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of your delightful *thanksgiving fruit pizza*. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers are here to guide you, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your diet during the holiday season. But honestly, a slice of this fruity goodness is worth every bite! Enjoy it guilt-free, and celebrate the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap in any of your favorite fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Apples, peaches, or even pomegranate seeds would be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie crust and frosting a day in advance. Just assemble it the day you plan to serve to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it has a similar consistency for spreading.
Can I freeze *thanksgiving fruit pizza*?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the fruits can become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to make only what you’ll eat within a few days!
What’s the best way to cut it?
Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice through the crust and toppings. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices that look beautiful on your serving plate!
How can I make it more festive?
Get creative! You can use cookie cutters to shape the cookie crust into festive designs or sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top for added flair!
Thanksgiving Fruit Pizza: 7 Steps to a Festive Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert that combines a cookie crust, cream cheese frosting, and an array of colorful fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 package sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup kiwi, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mandarin oranges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press the sugar cookie dough into a pizza pan and bake according to package instructions.
- Let the crust cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Arrange the sliced fruits on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for a festive look.
- Make sure the cookie crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese mixture.
- Try adding a glaze over the fruits for extra shine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving fruit pizza
