Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and, of course, indulging in desserts that bring joy to the table. That’s where my *thanksgiving fruit pizza* comes in! It’s this delightful combination of a soft, sweet cookie crust topped with a rich cream cheese spread and a colorful array of fresh fruits. I remember making this with my family every year, each of us picking our favorite fruits to add a personal touch. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece that brings a festive spirit to any gathering. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dessert has become a cherished tradition in my home. So, let’s dive into how to whip up this crowd-pleaser that combines sweetness with freshness perfectly!
Ingredients List
- 1 package of sugar cookie dough (be sure to let it soften a bit for easier pressing)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (this helps create that smooth, creamy base)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruits, chopped (think strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges for a vibrant look)
(Feel free to mix and match your fruits based on what’s in season or what you love best!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for getting that perfect cookie crust!
- Next, take your sugar cookie dough and press it firmly into a 12-inch pizza pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, so you get a nice, golden crust all around.
- Bake the dough in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary!
- Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is crucial because we don’t want to melt our cream cheese mixture when we spread it on!
- In the meantime, grab a mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy—trust me, you want this to be luscious!
- Now it’s time to spread that glorious cream cheese mixture over your cooled cookie crust. Use a spatula to make it nice and even.
- Finally, top it off with your gorgeous mixed fresh fruits. Arrange them artfully for that wow factor!
- To finish up, pop your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Colorful and festive presentation that adds a beautiful touch to any table.
- Customizable with seasonal fruits, so you can use whatever is fresh and delicious!
- A crowd-pleaser for gatherings, making it a hit with friends and family alike.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* turns out perfectly, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you. First, when selecting your fruits, go for freshness! Look for vibrant colors and firm textures—nothing too mushy. Strawberries should be bright red, and blueberries should be plump and juicy. Seasonal fruits like apples or pears can also add a delightful twist!
Now, let’s talk about that cream cheese mixture. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened—this helps achieve that luxurious, creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, you can mix in a splash of milk to get it just right. You want it spreadable but still thick enough to hold the fruits in place.
As for the cookie crust, keep an eye on it while baking. You want it golden but not overcooked so that it stays soft and chewy underneath all those toppings. A little underbaking is okay since it will continue to firm up as it cools. Trust me, these small details make a big difference in creating that stunning dessert that everyone will rave about!
Variations
One of the best things about *thanksgiving fruit pizza* is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative with your fruit choices. Instead of the usual strawberries and blueberries, why not try adding diced apples for crunch or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color? You could even go tropical with mango and pineapple for a fun twist!
If you want to switch up the toppings, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the fruits for an extra layer of indulgence. You could also sprinkle on some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. And for those who might want a different base, try using a graham cracker crust or even a brownie base for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun personalizing your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* to make it uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* is super simple! Once you’ve enjoyed the first round, make sure to cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep everything fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the fruits might release their juices, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
If you’re thinking of making it ahead of time, you can also freeze the un-topped cookie crust! Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then top with your cream cheese mixture and fruits. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled pizza, as the fruits won’t hold up well. Enjoy your delicious dessert while it’s at its best!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of your *thanksgiving fruit pizza*: approximately 200 calories, 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, so adjust accordingly!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie crust a day in advance. Just bake, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. The cream cheese mixture can also be made ahead of time—just store it separately in the fridge. Assemble everything closer to serving time for the best flavor and presentation.
What fruits work best for this dessert?
When it comes to fruits for your *thanksgiving fruit pizza*, the sky’s the limit! I love using strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges for their vibrant colors and sweet flavors. But feel free to get creative! Apples, raspberries, or even seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds can add a delightful twist.
Is it necessary to chill before serving?
Yes, it really is! Chilling your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* for at least an hour helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures that the cream cheese mixture sets up nicely. Plus, it’s super refreshing to serve it chilled, especially after a big holiday meal!
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead?
While you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting for convenience, making your cream cheese mixture gives you more control over the sweetness and flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up at home!
How do I keep the fruits from getting soggy?
To prevent your fruits from becoming soggy, try to assemble your *thanksgiving fruit pizza* as close to serving time as possible. If you’re prepping in advance, keep the fruits separate until you’re ready to serve. You can also layer the cream cheese mixture with a thin layer of chopped nuts or coconut to act as a barrier!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures with this *thanksgiving fruit pizza*! Have you made it for your family or friends? Please leave a comment below sharing your experience or any twists you tried. And if you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to rate it and share it on social media! Happy baking!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Fruit Pizza: 7 Delicious Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Rendement: 8 slices 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive dessert featuring a cookie crust topped with cream cheese and fresh fruits.
Ingrédients
- 1 package of sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press sugar cookie dough into a 12-inch pizza pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- 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.
- Top with mixed fresh fruits.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Choose seasonal fruits for a festive touch.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 28g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving fruit pizza
