This Brownie Fruit Pizza is a fun twist on pizza! It features a chewy brownie base topped with creamy frosting and colorful fruits. It’s like dessert and a fruit salad in one!
Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home! I love picking my favorite fruits to put on top. It’s a great way to enjoy brownies without feeling too guilty, right? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control salt levels. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe. I personally love the richness that butter brings to the brownie base.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds deep chocolate flavor. While Dutch-process cocoa is more mellow and gives a darker color, you can use regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind it may taste a bit sharper.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese is the star! If you want a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a little powdered sugar. It’ll still taste great and add some tang!
Fruit Topping: Fresh fruits make this dessert pop, but feel free to substitute with your favorites such as bananas, peaches, or even canned fruit if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure any canned fruit is well-drained.
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Cooked Just Right?
Getting the brownie base cooked perfectly can be tricky but is crucial for your fruit pizza’s success. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your oven well. A hot oven helps the brownies rise and set properly.
- Check doneness around 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs – not wet batter!
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and helps the flavors meld nicely.
How to Make Brownie Fruit Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes for baking the brownie base, and it’s best to let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour total before you can enjoy your delicious brownie fruit pizza!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Base:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-inch round pizza pan or a similar-sized baking dish. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until everything is well mixed. Let this mixture cool a bit, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting will give your fruit pizza a delicious, creamy layer!
3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
Once your brownie base has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Now it’s time to decorate! Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi in a pretty pattern over the frosting. Feel free to get creative! If you’d like, garnish with some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and an extra touch of flavor.
4. Serve:
Cut your Brownie Fruit Pizza into slices and serve immediately. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on a sunny day. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Enjoy your colorful and delicious dessert!
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Options like sliced bananas, peaches, or even citrus segments can work wonderfully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the fruit separate from the brownie if possible to maintain freshness. Just assemble them again before serving!
Can I Make the Brownie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake the brownie base a day in advance! Just allow it to cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and top it.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Sweeten it to taste with powdered sugar if needed!