This fun Brownie Fruit Pizza combines a rich, chocolaty brownie base topped with sweet cream cheese and colorful fresh fruit! It’s a delightful treat that everyone loves.
Who can resist a pizza made from chocolate and fresh fruit? I love to get creative with the toppings—each slice feels like a mini dessert adventure! 🍓🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for the brownie base. It allows me to control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just skip adding extra salt elsewhere in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. However, you could swap it with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, just keep in mind it may affect the final cake’s rise slightly.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but note that the texture may be a bit different.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip here for lightness. If you’re avoiding processed products, you could whip your own heavy cream with a bit of sugar or use coconut cream for a non-dairy option.
Fresh Fruits: The berries and kiwi really bring this dessert to life! If you can’t find some, feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches, bananas, or even canned fruit, just make sure to drain them well.
How Do I Ensure My Brownie Base is Perfectly Baked?
Getting the brownie base right is key to this fruit pizza. Here’s how to make sure it comes out just right:
- Preheat your oven properly. This ensures even baking from the start.
- Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and sliding.
Perfecting this step leads to a chewy, fudgy base that’s ready for all those delicious toppings!
How to Make Brownie Fruit Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- Additional fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Brownie Fruit Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes baking time, and a little time to cool. Overall, you should set aside about 45 minutes before your delicious dessert is ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or a springform pan to make sure your brownie base doesn’t stick. This is an important step!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. When it’s fully melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now, add in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir the mixture gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay!
4. Bake the Brownie Base:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownie base to cool completely once baked.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the brownie is cooling, it’s time to make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is blended nicely.
6. Assemble Your Fruit Pizza:
Once the brownie has cooled completely, spread the delicious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Now for the fun part: arrange the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi on top of the frosting in a pretty pattern!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, you can add some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. To serve, slice the fruit pizza into wedges and enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch out the fruits based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Some great alternatives include sliced bananas, peaches, or even citrus segments. Just remember to keep the total quantity around 4 cups for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the fruit fresh, it’s best to cover the pizza lightly with plastic wrap. However, the brownie base will soften slightly after a day, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make the Brownie Base Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the brownie base a day ahead and let it cool completely before storing it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just decorate with the cream cheese frosting and fruits on the day you plan to serve it for the best presentation!
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you prefer not to use whipped topping, you can substitute it with an equal amount of heavy cream that has been whipped to soft peaks. Alternatively, Greek yogurt can also work for a tangy twist, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly!
