This brownie fruit pizza mixes gooey brownies with fresh, colorful fruits. It’s like a party for your taste buds! You get the perfect balance of sweet and fruity in every bite.
Making this pizza is super fun! I love letting my kids choose their favorite fruits to top it, which makes for a creative cooking adventure that ends with a delicious treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt by a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use a sweetener like coconut sugar if you’re looking for something unrefined.
Cocoa Powder: Always opt for unsweetened cocoa. Dutch-processed cocoa can be a nice alternative, giving a smoother flavor. Just know that it can affect the leavening a bit.
Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter frosting, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a different flavor. Both will still be delicious!
Fruit: Feel free to swap out any of the fruits. Bananas, peaches, or mangoes can be great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust based on what’s in season.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Brownie is Not Dry?
Achieving the perfect brownie texture is crucial. To avoid dry brownies, watch your baking time closely. Here’s how:
- Start checking at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it’s done when it comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely; this helps maintain moisture before adding frosting.
- Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mix until just combined to keep them fudgy.
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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup green apple, diced (optional for added crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking, plus some time to let the brownie cool completely before frosting it. Overall, expect about 1 hour from start to finish, including cooling time. Great for a fun dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Base:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-inch pizza pan or another round baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter until it’s nice and warm. Stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well blended.
Next, add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to combine them evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake this in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let it cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your brownie base is cooling, let’s whip up the creamy frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, mixing until you have a nice creamy consistency.
3. Assemble the Fruit Pizza:
Once the brownie base is completely cool, it’s time to frost it! Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the brownie using a spatula. Now for the fun part—arrange your fresh fruit on top of the frosting! You can get creative and make a beautiful pattern with the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and optional green apple. Make it as colorful as you’d like!
4. Serve:
Finally, slice your brownie fruit pizza into wedges. You can serve it immediately or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. Get ready for a delicious and vibrant dessert that will be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use a Store-Bought Brownie Mix?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought brownie mix can work perfectly. Just prepare it according to the package instructions and use it as your base. Keep in mind that baking times may vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Fruit Pizza?
To store leftovers, cover the fruit pizza with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the fruit starts to look soggy, consider removing it and adding fresh fruit right before serving!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Topping?
Yes, feel free to mix and match the fruits! Bananas, peaches, or mangoes would also be delicious on this brownie fruit pizza. Just make sure any fruits you use are fresh and properly prepared (e.g., peeled and chopped as necessary).
How Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you select is suitable for baking. The rest of the recipe can remain the same, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free dessert!
