Description
This delightful Strawberry Pizza features a sweet sugar cookie crust topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and fresh, juicy strawberries. Finished with an optional honey glaze for a glossy, fresh look, this dessert is perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Topping
- 2–3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced, and patted dry
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-inch pizza pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing well. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Press the dough evenly into the pizza pan, reaching the edges. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla bean paste, mixing until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Spread evenly over the cooled cookie crust using an offset spatula.
- Arrange Strawberry Topping: Place the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer in concentric circles from the outer edge towards the center, slightly overlapping the slices for an attractive presentation.
- Apply Optional Glaze: Microwave honey for about 20 seconds until runny. Lightly brush the honey over the strawberries with a silicone pastry brush to add a glossy finish and maintain freshness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the strawberry pizza for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are well-patted dry to avoid soggy crust.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth and creamy texture.
- This dessert is best served within a day for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if unavailable.
- For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and substituting some sugar with a natural sweetener.
