Dessert Pizza with Seasonal Fruits Recipe

Dessert pizza offers a sweet twist on the classic savory dish, blending the comfort of pizza with the indulgence of dessert. This recipe features a lightly sweetened crust topped with a luscious cream cheese base and adorned with fresh, seasonal fruits. It's a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of each season and a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Sweet Pizza Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

• For the Cream Cheese Topping:

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Fruit Topping:

  • Assorted seasonal fruits (berries, sliced peaches, kiwi, grapes, etc.)
  • Optional: honey or agave syrup for drizzling
  • Optional: mint leaves for garnish

Preparing the Sweet Pizza Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Topping:

1. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Assembling the Dessert Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.

Adding the Fruits and Baking:

1. Arrange your choice of seasonal fruits on top of the cream cheese layer.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the edges are slightly crispy.
3. If desired, drizzle with honey or agave syrup for added sweetness.

Serving the Dessert Pizza:

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch.
3. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion: This dessert pizza is a delightful showcase of seasonal fruits and a testament to the versatility of pizza dough. Whether as a sweet end to a pizza night or a unique treat for a gathering, this dessert pizza is sure to captivate and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Fun Facts:

• Dessert pizzas have been around since the 1980s, often featuring ingredients like chocolate, marshmallows, and fruit.
• The concept of sweet pizzas is not new to Italian cuisine, with traditional versions like "Pizza Dolce" made during Easter.
• Seasonal fruits not only add freshness and flavor but also a vibrant visual appeal to dessert pizzas.