This beautiful American dessert features a crispy sugar cookie crust topped with a bright, lemon-infused cream cheese layer and adorned with colorful, fresh fruits. It’s a dessert that not only looks impressive but tastes just as good, making it perfect for special occasions, summer gatherings, or as a fun treat for any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is a delightful, light, and refreshing dessert. The crispy sugar cookie crust provides a perfect base, while the creamy lemon-infused cream cheese topping balances sweetness with a touch of tartness. The fresh fruit adds color and natural sweetness, making it an elegant centerpiece for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite fruits, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
-
16 oz package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (the roll-out kind, not break-apart)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1/3 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp fresh lemon zest (from about 1/2 large lemon)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
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3-4 cups assorted fresh fruits, sliced (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cookie Crust:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Press the sugar cookie dough evenly onto a 12-inch pizza pan or a large round baking sheet, creating an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
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Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but not browned.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the pan. This step is crucial to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
-
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Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
-
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Assemble the Pizza:
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Once the cookie crust is completely cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
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Arrange the sliced fruit on top in any pattern you like. You can create concentric circles, geometric designs, or a more artistic arrangement—this is your chance to get creative!
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Chill and Serve:
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Place the assembled fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the cream cheese layer and allow the flavors to meld together.
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After chilling, slice using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve.
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
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Calories: 195 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 135mg
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Vitamin C: 25% DV (from fresh fruits)
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Antioxidants: High (from colorful berries)
Storage Tips:
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Best eaten within 24 hours of assembly for the freshest taste.
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Store covered in the refrigerator, though the crust may soften slightly over time.
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Do not freeze the assembled dessert as the cream cheese and fresh fruit don’t thaw well.
Serving Suggestions:
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Summer Parties: Serve as a refreshing finale to a summer meal.
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Birthday Celebrations: A perfect alternative to traditional cake for a fresh and light treat.
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Potluck Dinners: Bring this beautiful dessert to a potluck; it’s sure to be a hit.
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Special Occasions: This dessert is a wonderful way to add elegance to any special event.
Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):
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Tropical Lemon Pizza: Use mango, pineapple, and kiwi, and add toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
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Berry Medley Version: Focus on strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for patriotic colors.
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Orange Cream Pizza: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
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Glazed Fruit Pizza: Brush the fruit with warmed apricot preserves for a glossy, sweet finish.
What Makes This Recipe Special:
Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza takes the classic fruit pizza to the next level by adding a citrusy twist with fresh lemon zest in the cream cheese layer. This adds a sophisticated flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the fruit, making every bite refreshing and complex. The stunning presentation makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion, turning even simple gatherings into a celebration!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Lemon Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is a delightful American dessert that combines a crispy sugar cookie crust, a creamy lemon-infused cream cheese layer, and a colorful array of fresh fruits. It’s a refreshing treat perfect for special occasions, summer gatherings, or a fun dessert any time of the year. Not only does it look stunning, but it also tastes just as amazing, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
16 oz package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (the roll-out kind, not break-apart)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon zest (from about 1/2 large lemon)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
3-4 cups assorted fresh fruits, sliced (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Cookie Crust:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Press the sugar cookie dough evenly onto a 12-inch pizza pan or a large round baking sheet, creating an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
-
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but not browned.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the pan. This step is crucial to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
- 2. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
-
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- 3. Assemble the Pizza:
-
Once the cookie crust is completely cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
-
Arrange the sliced fruit on top in any pattern you like. You can create concentric circles, geometric designs, or a more artistic arrangement—get creative!
- 4. Chill and Serve:
-
Place the assembled fruit pizza in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the cream cheese layer and allow the flavors to meld together.
-
After chilling, slice using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve.
Notes
- Tropical Lemon Pizza: Use mango, pineapple, and kiwi, and add toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
- Berry Medley Version: Focus on strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for patriotic colors.
- Orange Cream Pizza: Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Glazed Fruit Pizza: Brush the fruit with warmed apricot preserves for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
