Strawberry Pizza: A Sweet and Fruity Delight

Introduction & Inspiration

Strawberry Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, swapping savory toppings for sweet and fruity ones. It’s a fun and festive dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of both pizza and fresh strawberries. I wanted to create a dessert that was easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with fresh, summery flavors. It is perfect to bring at a party.

This Strawberry Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a unique and refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s also a great way to use up a bounty of fresh strawberries.

A different dessert, that will please everyone.

Nostalgic Appeal

While Strawberry Pizza might not be a traditional, generations-old recipe, it taps into the nostalgic appeal of fruit pizzas and dessert pizzas that gained popularity in the late 20th century. It’s a fun, playful dessert that’s reminiscent of childhood treats and summer gatherings.

The combination of a sweet cookie crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that’s both comforting and familiar, and the pizza format adds a touch of whimsy.

This recipe is about taking a fun concept and making it even better with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for sharing and creating new memories.

This is a perfect dessert, for children and adults.

Homemade Focus

This Strawberry Pizza is all about embracing the joy of homemade baking. We’re making the sugar cookie crust from scratch, whipping up a creamy cream cheese filling, and creating a simple, yet delicious strawberry glaze.

While you could certainly use store-bought cookie dough or a pre-made glaze, taking the time to make each component yourself elevates the overall flavor and texture of the dessert.

It’s about creating something delicious and satisfying from simple ingredients. It’s about the joy of baking and sharing your creations with others. This is a great recipe to make with kids.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal for this Strawberry Pizza is a delightful balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors, with a focus on fresh strawberries. The sugar cookie crust should be buttery and slightly crisp, providing a perfect base for the toppings.

The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the crust. The strawberry glaze provides a concentrated burst of strawberry flavor and a beautiful, glossy finish.

The overall effect is a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying, a perfect celebration of summer flavors. The combination of textures – the crisp crust, the creamy filling, and the fresh fruit – adds to the overall experience.

The different textures, makes this recipe special.

Ingredient Insights

For the Crust:

• Butter (Softened): Provides richness, flavor, and tenderness to the sugar cookie crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and contributes to its slightly crisp texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract and Almond Extract: Enhance the flavor of the crust, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the crust.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the crust, creating a slightly puffed and tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Cream Cheese (Softened): The base of the filling, providing its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the filling and creates a smooth consistency.

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the glaze.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze, creating a beautiful, glossy consistency.
• Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create the base for the glaze.
• Crushed Strawberries: Provide the intense strawberry flavor and color for the glaze.
• Orange-flavoured Liquer or Lemon Juice
• Red food coloring (Optional)
• Whole Fresh Strawberries (Halved)

Essential Equipment

• Large Bowl: For mixing the crust dough and the filling ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): For creaming the butter and sugar for the crust, and for beating the cream cheese filling.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the cookie dough.
• 12-Inch Pizza Pan: For baking the cookie crust.
• Saucepan: For making the strawberry glaze.
• Whisk: For combining the glaze ingredients.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

FILLING:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

STRAWBERRY GLAZE:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups crushed strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.

2. Preheat and Prepare Crust:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 13-inch circle.
• Transfer the dough to an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan.
• Build up the edges slightly to create a rim.

3. Bake the Crust:

• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until lightly browned.
• Cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
• Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.

5. Arrange Strawberries:

• Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.

6. Make the Strawberry Glaze:

• In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and crushed strawberries until blended.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until thickened. The glaze should be clear and glossy.
• Cool slightly.

7. Glaze and Chill:

• Spoon the slightly cooled glaze over the strawberries, allowing some to drip down the sides of the “pizza.”
• Refrigerate until serving.

Troubleshooting

• Crust is Too Crumbly: If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water, one at a time, until it comes together.
• Crust is Too Sticky: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour, one at a time, until it’s easier to handle.
• Glaze is Too Runny: Make sure to cook the glaze until it’s thickened. If it’s still too runny, you can try returning it to the heat and cooking it a bit longer, stirring constantly.
• Glaze is too thick: Add a little bit of water.

Tips and Variations

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing it from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t Overbake the Crust: The crust should be lightly browned, but not overly crisp.
• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor and appearance, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
• Add Other Fruits: Try adding other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, along with the strawberries.
• Make it a Chocolate Strawberry Pizza: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pizza for an extra touch of decadence.
• Use a Different Crust: Try using a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of the sugar cookie crust.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Serve Chilled: This Strawberry Pizza is best served chilled.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Adds an extra touch of creaminess.
• With a Glass of Milk or Lemonade: A refreshing pairing for a summer dessert.
• As a Fun Dessert for a Party: Perfect for a birthday party, potluck, or any casual gathering.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary.) Per Serving (assuming 8 slices):

• Calories: 350-400
• Fat: 18-22g
• Saturated Fat: 10-12g
• Cholesterol: 60-80mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugars: 30-35g
• Protein: 4-5g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Summary: This Strawberry Pizza recipe features a homemade sugar cookie crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, a fresh strawberry topping, and a homemade strawberry glaze. The process involves making and baking the crust, making the filling and glaze, assembling the pizza, and chilling before serving.

Q&A:

• Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
  • A: Yes, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough to save time. However, a homemade crust will have a better flavor and texture.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  • A: Yes! You can make the crust and the filling a day ahead. Assemble the pizza and add the glaze just before serving.
• Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
  • A: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled pizza, as the strawberries will become mushy upon thawing. You can freeze the baked cookie crust, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.
• Q: My glaze is too thick/thin. What do I do?
  • A: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, return it to the heat and cook it a bit longer, stirring constantly.
• Q; Can I use another fruit?
• A: Yes