Name: Strawberry Dessert Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz store-bought sugar cookie dough (softened); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup butter (softened, salted); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 lb fresh strawberries (divided); 1 cup water; ½ cup sugar; 3 oz strawberry gelatin powder; ¼ cup cornstarch

A delightful dessert twist on classic pizza, this strawberry treat begins with a soft sugar cookie crust layered with luscious cream cheese frosting and glazed fresh strawberries. It’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, using store-bought sugar cookie dough to save time while still delivering a delicious, homemade dessert.

Perfect for Spring and Summer: With its vibrant strawberry topping and light cream cheese frosting, this dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the warm months.

Customizable: While strawberries are the star of this dessert, you can easily swap them for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

Crowd-Pleasing: With its sweet, creamy, and fruity layers, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering, from casual picnics to birthday parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

16 ounces sugar cookie dough, softened (store-bought)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened (salted)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

1 pound fresh strawberries, divided
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3 ounces strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., JELL-O)
1/4 cup cornstarch

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10 x 15 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with oil.
Prepare the Cookie Crust: Rub a small amount of oil on your hands and evenly press the sugar cookie dough into the baking sheet. It may seem like there isn’t enough dough, but continue spreading until the surface is fully covered.
Bake: Bake the crust for 17–18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool on the pan for 15 minutes.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add the remaining cup of powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Spread the Frosting: Once the cookie crust is completely cool, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
Make the Strawberry Layer: Dice about 4 medium strawberries (½ cup), remove the stems, and mash them in a bowl. Set aside. Slice the remaining strawberries into ¼-inch slices, removing stems as you go.
Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine gelatin, water, sugar, cornstarch, and the mashed strawberries. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Cool the Glaze: Let the glaze cool for about 15 minutes until it’s just warm.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of glaze over the cream cheese frosting. Layer the sliced strawberries on top in neat rows, then spoon the remaining glaze evenly over the top.
Chill and Serve: Chill the assembled dessert in the fridge for at least 20 minutes until the glaze sets. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 pieces
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Fruit Swaps: Try using other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a different twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough for a gluten-free dessert option.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for an extra refreshing zing.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries for a decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: This dessert can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh glaze and strawberries before serving.

Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries work best, but you can use frozen strawberries in the glaze. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.

How do I prevent the crust from being too soft?

Make sure to bake the crust until it’s lightly golden and firm around the edges. Let it cool completely before spreading the frosting to avoid any melting or sogginess.

Can I make the cookie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sugar cookie crust ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

How do I get the glaze to set?

Ensure the glaze cools to room temperature and thickens properly before spreading over the fruit. If it’s too runny, allow it to cool longer.

Can I add more frosting?

Feel free to add extra cream cheese frosting for a richer, creamier dessert.

Can I use a store-bought glaze?

Yes, you can use a pre-made strawberry glaze if you prefer to skip the homemade version.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

If the glaze is too thin, you can add a bit more cornstarch or allow it to simmer longer to achieve the desired thickness.

Can I add nuts to this dessert?

To add a crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top before serving.

What size pan should I use?

A 10 x 15 inch rimmed baking sheet is ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a standard cookie sheet or 9 x 13 inch pan can be used, but the crust may be thicker.

Conclusion

Strawberry Dessert Pizza is the ultimate sweet treat for any gathering, offering a delightful combination of creamy frosting, fresh strawberries, and a soft, chewy cookie crust. It’s a fun and fresh dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer celebrations!