Brownie Fruit Pizza is a fun twist on dessert! It starts with a delicious brownie crust topped with creamy frosting and colorful fresh fruits.
It’s like eating a pizza but way sweeter! My kids love helping to pick out the fruits, and I can’t resist sneaking a slice when they’re not looking! 🍕🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich brownie base. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but skip any additional salt in the recipe. I like to melt the butter for a smoother texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but for a deeper flavor, consider using brown sugar. Half brown, half white can boost the brownie’s chewiness. Just be careful—too much brown sugar can make it dense!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential here. If you’re in a pinch, you could swap it with Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It won’t be as rich, but it still gives a nice tang. You can also try mascarpone for a creamier topping.
Fruits: Fresh berries are great, but you can switch out for your favorites. Try peaches, mangoes, or even bananas. Keep in mind that bananas brown quickly, so use lemon juice to help prevent that!
How Do I Make Sure My Brownies Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting brownies just right can be tricky. You want them fudgy yet fully baked, and there’s a simple trick to check doneness! Instead of relying solely on baking time, use a toothpick to test for doneness.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies.
- If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfect. If it’s wet with batter, they need more time.
- Be cautious not to overbake, or you’ll lose that gooey texture!
Cooling completely in the pan is also important for easier slicing later on. Patience is key!
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 Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning of fruits)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, let your brownie base cool completely before topping it, which may take about 30 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour total from start to finish, plus a little time in the fridge if you choose to chill it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-inch round pizza pan or a large rectangular baking dish to ensure your brownie base doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed together.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. After mixing, gradually add this dry mixture into the brownie batter, stirring until just combined. You want it smooth but not over-mixed!
4. Bake the Brownie Base:
Spread the brownie mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
While your brownie base cools, prepare the cream cheese topping. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is well combined and fluffy.
6. Assemble the Pizza:
Once your brownie base is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Make sure it’s covered all the way to the edges for a full flavor experience!
7. Prepare the Fruit:
Now, wash and slice the strawberries and kiwi. If you want to keep your fruits looking fresh, you can toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice (this is optional). This step will help prevent browning.
8. Add Fruits on Top:
Arrange your prepared fruits over the cream cheese layer in a colorful and artistic manner. You can get creative with how you want to place them!
9. Slice and Serve:
Once your fruit is arranged, slice the brownie pizza into wedges. It’s ready to serve right away, but you can also refrigerate it for a short while to let it set a bit more, which makes it even better!
10. Enjoy!
Savor your delicious Brownie Fruit Pizza and share it with friends and family. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute the fruits with your favorites or whatever is in season. Bananas, peaches, or even mandarin oranges can make great alternatives. Just keep in mind that fruits with higher moisture content, like watermelon, might make the topping too wet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but for optimal freshness, try to consume it sooner. If the fruit starts to brown, simply remove any that don’t look fresh before serving again.
Can I Make the Brownie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The brownie base can be made ahead of time. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen before adding the cream cheese topping.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can try mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using whipped coconut cream or a cashew-based cream cheese. Just keep the texture in mind and adjust the sugar if necessary for sweetness!
