Pizza isn’t just a savory dish you can enjoy for dinner anymore. It has evolved into a mouthwatering dessert that will leave you wanting more. It’s called dessert pizza, and it’s a game-changer.
Not only is dessert pizza perfect for serving a large group of people, but it’s also a fun addition to any party or gathering, be it a potluck, baby shower, or birthday party.
So, how do you make it? Well, the first ingredient you will need is a crust. The base of a dessert can be made from various ingredients, such as cookie dough or brownies.
Next, it’s time to choose your toppings. The crusts are topped with various sweet treats, including fruit, candy, chocolates, and other confections.
If you’ve never tried making a dessert pizza before, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place. Try this tempting dessert pizza recipe tonight and indulge in a sweet treat like never before.
Chocolate Dessert Pizza Recipe
Dessert pizza is the perfect marriage of two beloved treats: pizza and dessert. It’s a delightful combination of a sweet, chewy crust, luscious toppings, and a drizzle of decadent sauce. I’ll show you how to create your dessert pizza masterpiece that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
Ingredients For the Pizza Dough
- Instant yeast (no proofing required)
- Flour (all-purpose or bread flour for a crisper crust)
- Water
For the Cream Cheese Spread
- Full-fat brick-style cream cheese
For the Toppings
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips (or your preferred variety)
For the Streusel
- Melted butter (a time-saving alternative to cutting in cold butter)
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Add flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl—no need to proof the yeast.
- Add water and stir until a dough forms into a ball.
2. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dessert pizza dough to a floured surface and knead it for at least five minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Shape the Dough
- Shape the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a pizza pan lined with parchment paper. Pinch the edges to create a crust.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce
- Blend the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla in another bowl until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over your prepared dough.
5. Add Chocolate Chips
- Sprinkle mini semisweet chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface.
6. Make the Streusel Topping
- Create the streusel topping by tossing melted butter with vanilla, flour, and sugar until lumps form. Use a fork to combine the ingredients; you want crumbly bits, not a paste. Even sprinkle the streusel over the entire pizza.
7. Bake and Serve
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the dessert pizza for approximately 7 minutes or until the golden crust and the toppings are deliciously melted.
- Allow the chocolate dessert pizza to cool briefly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Variation Ideas For Dessert Pizza
- Fruit Medley: Expand your topping options by adding fresh fruits such as sliced strawberry mix, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, or thinly sliced apples or pears. The combination of cream cheese and fresh fruits creates a refreshing contrast.
- Nutty Delight: Enhance the flavor and texture by sprinkling chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the cream cheese layer. Toasting the nuts beforehand can intensify their nuttiness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Elevate your dessert pizza with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top—the sweet, buttery caramel pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese and chocolate chips.
- Nutella Twist: Replace or complement the cream cheese spread with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate twist. Add banana slices, strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- Cookie Crumbles: Crush your favorite cookies, e.g., Graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies, and sprinkle them over the cream cheese layer for a delightful cookie crust.
- Mint Chocolate Bliss: Incorporate mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor. You can also add a drizzle of mint-flavored syrup for an extra kick.
Storing Dessert Pizza
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the dessert pizza within a few hours, it can be left at room temperature. However, keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the dessert pizza in an airtight container. Refrigeration helps preserve the freshness of the toppings and cream cheese. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
- Reheating: To restore the pizza’s texture and flavor, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake individual slices for 5-7 minutes or until warmed.
Conclusion
Dessert pizza is a delightful and versatile treat that combines the best of both worlds—pizza, and dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual family night, the options for customization are endless.
From a classic cream cheese and chocolate chip combination to creative variations with fruits, nuts, and drizzles, dessert pizza offers a satisfying and fun dessert experience.
Remember to personalize your dessert pizza to suit your taste preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Fruits Instead Of Fresh Fruits As Pizza Topping?
Frozen fruit can be used, but remember that it may release more moisture as it thaws, potentially affecting the crust’s texture. If using frozen fruit, consider thawing and draining moisture before adding it to the pizza.
How Do You Prevent The Dessert Pizza Crust From Becoming Too Soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, apply your cream cheese spread evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with juicy toppings, and dry fresh fruits with a paper towel before adding them.
