Berry Pizza

Besides a dripping ice cream cone, few desserts remind me of summer quite like fruit-studded desserts. Dessert pizza was a favorite treat of mine growing up, especially during summer holidays and neighborhood pool parties. With a buttery pecan shortbread crust, a tangy cream cheese layer, sweet-tart berry sauce and lots of fresh berries piled on top, this berry pizza is the kind of dessert that gets kids and adults alike excited.

Each layer of this berry pizza recipe is made from scratch, so it takes a bit more effort than classic fruit pizza—but the results are 100% worth your time. You’ll bake an easy cookie crust, whip up a creamy filling that delivers cheesecake-like flavor, and simmer a quick berry sauce on the stovetop. It all comes together with a layer of ripe, juicy summer berries, which are especially fun as a festive red, white and blue dessert.

Berry Pizza Ingredients

• Shortbread crust: This recipe starts with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust made from scratch with all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar and butter. We add chopped pecans for crunch, but feel free to skip them for a nut-free version.
• Cream cheese spread: A mixture of cream cheese, granulated sugar and egg creates a sweet, tangy cheesecake-style layer that bakes right on top of the crust. Be sure to use softened cream cheese for easy blending and the smoothest possible texture.
• Berry sauce: A glossy sauce adds intense, sweet-tart berry flavor and a jammy texture that ties the layers together. Use a mix of frozen berries and adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
• Fresh berries: A vibrant assortment of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries makes this an eye-catching dessert. Choose firm, ripe berries for the best texture and presentation. Wash the berries and dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make your pizza soggy.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the shortbread dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 2: Bake the crust

Press the dough evenly onto an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake it for 12 to 14 minutes or until the crust is set and the edges are lightly browned.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese layer

While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese, egg and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread it evenly over the warm crust. Return the pizza to the oven and bake it for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cream cheese layer sets. Let it cool completely to room temperature before adding the toppings.

Editor’s Tip: Gently shake the pan to check the cream cheese layer—if the center doesn’t look wet or overly jiggly, it’s ready.

Step 4: Prepare the berry sauce

Process the thawed frozen berries and 1/2 cup sugar in a blender or food processor until they’re blended. Whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan until it’s fully dissolved. Pour the berry puree into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes until the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat and set the sauce aside to cool, stirring frequently.

Editor’s Tip: For a smoother sauce, strain the berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove seeds and pulp.

Step 5: Top the pizza with sauce and fruit

Spread the cooled berry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Arrange the fresh berries on top. Refrigerate the berry pizza for at least two hours before slicing it.

Editor’s Tip: You can arrange the fresh berries in an even layer or try a decorative pattern, such as concentric circles or alternating colors.

Berry Pizza Variations

• Change the crust: For a different cookie crust, use refrigerated sugar cookie dough or a boxed brownie mix to make a berry brownie pizza. Just spread the dough or batter on the pizza pan and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Prefer something less sweet? Try using your favorite pizza dough recipe for a chewy base that contrasts nicely with the sweet toppings.
• Try other fruit toppings: Replace some or all of the berries with thinly sliced summer stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums or cherries. Add tropical flair with pineapple, mango or a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or stick with a classic fruit cocktail combo of bananas, kiwis, grapes and mandarin oranges.
• Add a glaze: Make the fruit shine by brushing on a sugar glaze (our classic fruit pizza features a simple glaze made with citrus juice and cornstarch). Or, try drizzling the berries with a vanilla or lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
• Add chocolate: Satisfy chocolate lovers by sprinkling on mini chocolate chips, white chocolate curls or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Lighten up: Swap the cream cheese spread for a tub of whipped topping. Just ensure the crust cools completely before spreading it so it doesn’t melt.

How to Store Berry Pizza

Since this dessert pizza is made with cream cheese and fresh fruit, it needs to be kept chilled. Keep the assembled berry pizza refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The faster you can eat the leftovers, the better—the crust and sliced strawberries will start to turn soggy the longer they sit.

Can you freeze berry pizza?

This berry pizza isn’t a freezer-friendly dessert. When thawed, the cream cheese layer, berry sauce and fresh fruit can turn watery and mushy, resulting in less-than-ideal textures.

Can you make berry pizza ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble berry pizza right before serving it, but you can make some parts of the recipe beforehand. You can bake the shortbread crust with the cream cheese layer up to one day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover it with storage wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to add the fruit toppings.

You can also make the berry sauce a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be perfectly chilled when you’re ready to spread it on top of the cream cheese layer. Wait to add the fresh berries until closer to serving to keep them looking fresh.

Berry Pizza Tips

Can you make berry pizza without a pizza pan?

Yes, you can easily make berry pizza without a pizza pan. Simply press the shortbread dough onto a rimmed sheet pan and shape it into a circle, square or rectangular, depending on the size of your baking sheet. It’ll taste delicious no matter what shape it is. Bake the crust as directed, then pile on the toppings.

Can I top the berry pizza crust with frosting instead of cream cheese?

Sure! If you don’t care for cream cheese or prefer a sweeter dessert, swap your favorite frosting for the sweetened cream cheese layer. Keep in mind that most frosting recipes make enough for a cake or several dozen cupcakes, so consider halving the recipe or saving the extra for another treat.

Fluffy vanilla buttercream works well with berries, but you can use chocolate or peanut butter frosting for extra indulgence. Bake the cookie crust as directed, then let it cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent any melting.

How do you slice a dessert pizza?

The best way to slice dessert pizza is with a pizza cutter or sharp chef’s knife. Depending on the shape of your crust and the number of servings you need, you can slice it into traditional wedges, thin triangles or squares. Be sure to wipe your cutter or knife clean between cuts for clean edges.