Strawberry Pizza Recipe
The Strawberry Pizza Recipe is pure dessert delight for berry lovers and cookie fans alike! Imagine a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with a lusciously creamy layer, then finished off with a glossy strawberry glaze and loads of fresh strawberries. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers sweet nostalgia and refined flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, celebrating summer with friends, or just want an excuse to whip up something special, this is the recipe you’ll want to share — and savor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Pizza Recipe shines through its simple, honest ingredients. Each component has a purpose: some add rich flavor, others ensure tender texture, and, of course, those strawberries bring a vibrant color pop and a burst of freshness!
- Butter (6 Tbsp, softened): The foundation of the cookie crust, lending richness and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth taste.
- Sugar (1/2 cup, plus 1/2 cup): Divided between the crust and glaze, it sweetens and caramelizes for irresistible flavor.
- Egg (1): Provides structure and a touch of richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp): Boosts the overall aroma and deepens those classic dessert notes.
- Almond Extract (1/4 tsp): Adds a whisper of nutty, fragrant complexity.
- Flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of the crust, giving it substance and tender bite.
- Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): Lifts the dough, keeping the base lightly crisp.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps everything in balance.
- Fresh Strawberries (4 cups, sliced and divided): The star! Bright, juicy, and so visually stunning.
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp): Thickens the strawberry glaze, holding it together like a shiny ruby blanket.
- Lemon Zest (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of sparkle and keeps the flavors lively.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz): Smooth and tangy, it balances out the sweet and brings creamy decadence.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Combines with the cream cheese for a smooth, easily spreadable filling.
How to Make Strawberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy — this makes your base tender but crisp. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract for unbeatable flavor depth. Gently stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Cover the dough and give it a good 30-minute chill in the fridge; this is key for rolling and shaping later on.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Crust
Once your dough is chilled, roll it (or simply pat it) into a 12 to 13-inch circle on parchment paper. Transfer this to a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The kitchen will smell incredible! Let the crust cool completely — this is the perfect opportunity to prep your strawberry topping.
Step 3: Macerate the Strawberries
Toss 2 cups of strawberry slices with 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This draws out the juices, turning the berries syrupy and perfect for a luscious glaze that clings to the finished pizza.
Step 4: Prepare and Thicken the Strawberry Glaze
Drain the released juice from the berries and measure out 1/2 cup (add water if needed). In a saucepan, whisk the cornstarch into this juice until smooth. Add the sweetened berries, bring everything to a boil over medium heat, and stir constantly. Boil at least 2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens to jammy perfection. Finish with lemon zest for a fresh pop, then cool the mixture in an ice bath, stirring occasionally. This step guarantees your glaze sets up beautifully!
Step 5: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until completely smooth and fluffy. This makes a dreamy, tangy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet strawberries and crisp crust.
Step 6: Assemble the Strawberry Pizza Recipe
Spread the cream cheese mixture lavishly over your cooled cookie crust. Next, spoon and gently swirl the strawberry glaze mixture on top — it should be thick but glossy. Finally, artfully arrange the remaining 2 cups of fresh sliced strawberries over the glaze for irresistible eye appeal and juicy freshness.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Grab a sharp knife, cut your masterpiece into wedges, and share immediately! Each slice is a perfect harmony of buttery cookie, luscious cream, and sweet-tart strawberries — truly the best of every world.
How to Serve Strawberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Take this Strawberry Pizza Recipe over the top by adding a few extra touches: a sprinkle of powdered sugar, some chopped fresh mint for a hint of green and aroma, or even a handful of toasted, sliced almonds if you love a little crunch. Whipped cream piped around the edges also looks beautiful for special occasions.
Side Dishes
For a bright, summery spread, serve your strawberry pizza with a refreshing fruit salad, a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade, or iced herbal tea. If you’re hosting brunch, a tray of mini quiches or homemade granola bars keeps the menu playful and perfectly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the usual wedge by cutting smaller “pizza bites” for dessert buffets, or pressing the dough into tart pans for individual servings. Arrange the strawberries in patterns — stripes, hearts, or concentric circles — to make your Strawberry Pizza Recipe a true showstopper. Edible flowers are a fun, floral flourish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a few slices left (lucky you)? Cover the Strawberry Pizza Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or a domed container and refrigerate. It’ll keep nicely for up to 2 days, though the crust may soften a bit over time as it absorbs moisture from the cream cheese and strawberries.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the components separately rather than the assembled pizza. Both cookie crust and strawberry glaze keep well in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw the crust and glaze completely, whip up the cream cheese layer, and assemble fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No need to reheat — this Strawberry Pizza Recipe is intended to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to refresh the cookie crust after chilling, you can let the pizza sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to bring out all the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Pre-made sugar cookie dough saves time and still works as a tasty base. If you’re in a pinch or just eager to get to the strawberry goodness, feel free to swap it in. You’ll still get that wonderful combo of chewy cookie and creamy, fruity layers.
What’s the best way to slice strawberries for topping?
For beautiful presentation and the juiciest bite, use a small paring knife to slice berries lengthwise into even pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. Arranging the slices in a fan or spiral makes your Strawberry Pizza Recipe look like it came straight from a bakery!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the crust. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join in the fun.
Is it possible to make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and the glaze up to a day ahead and store them separately. Don’t assemble until just before serving — this keeps the crust crisp and fresh, and the strawberry slices bright and beautiful.
What fruits can I use besides strawberries?
If you’d like to play with flavors, try thinly sliced peaches, kiwi, blueberries, or raspberries as toppings. Just adjust the glaze accordingly — but honestly, the Strawberry Pizza Recipe is at its best when you let those juicy berries take the starring role!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a bright, gorgeous treat like the Strawberry Pizza Recipe with your favorite people! It’s a celebration of the season, a sweet work of art, and pure joy on a plate. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your family or guests — or simply treat yourself to a little slice of happiness!
Print
Strawberry Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Strawberry Pizza – a unique and delightful dessert that combines the flavors of sweet sugar cookie crust, creamy cheese filling, and fresh strawberries glazed to perfection. This recipe is a perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 6 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz package cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Crust: Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla, stir in dry ingredients, chill dough, roll out into a circle, bake.
- Strawberry Glaze: Combine berries and sugar, drain juice, boil juice with cornstarch, add berries, thicken, cool.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla till smooth.
- Assemble: Spread cream cheese on crust, top with strawberry glaze, arrange strawberry slices, serve.
Notes
- This dessert is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a day.
- You can customize the toppings with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Strawberry Pizza, Dessert, Fresh Strawberries, Cream Cheese, Sugar Cookie Crust
