Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe
Cherry Dessert Pizza is that playful, colorful treat you whip up when you want to brighten your day or wow your guests with something deliciously unexpected. It features a pillowy-soft golden crust, a silky cheesecake layer, and a sparkling, ruby-red cherry topping—all crowned with an irresistible vanilla glaze. Whether you’re sharing it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just because, this cherry dessert pizza brings big smiles and even bigger flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This sweet masterpiece comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each one playing a starring role. The beauty of Cherry Dessert Pizza is in its contrast: creamy, tart, buttery, crunchy, and sweet, all in each glorious bite.
- Refrigerated pizza dough or homemade crust: This is your pillowy base—choose homemade for extra love, or go store-bought for ultimate ease.
- Cream cheese (4oz, softened): Whipped into a luscious spread, it adds a cheesecake-like richness beneath all those cherries.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Blends seamlessly into the cream cheese for just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Wakes up the flavors and makes the cream cheese layer sing with warmth.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp, melted): Gives the brown sugar layer its gooey, caramelly magic.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Melts into the butter and cinnamon, creating those dreamy bakery notes.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Cherry pie filling (21oz can): The radiant red topping, bursting with sweet-tart fruitiness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For an ultra-smooth, sweet drizzle to top it all off.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp): Helps turn the powdered sugar into a pourable, glossy glaze.
How to Make Cherry Dessert Pizza
Step 1: Prepare The Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. This is your blank canvas—aim for an even thickness and don’t worry about perfection. Place it on a greased pizza pan or baking sheet, making sure the edges don’t hang over. The dough will puff and crisp up, creating the ideal base for your cherry dessert pizza.
Step 2: Make The Cream Cheese Layer
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until you have a cloud-like, spreadable filling. Use a spatula to gently dollop and spread this mixture over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border. This creamy layer adds richness and gently melts into the crust while baking.
Step 3: Add The Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in another bowl. This brown sugar crumble gets scattered over the cream cheese, so you get pockets of caramel-cinnamon bliss in every bite. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes cherry dessert pizza reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats.
Step 4: Top With Cherry Filling
Evenly spoon the cherry pie filling on top of everything, letting the juices swirl with the cream cheese and cinnamon layers. Each bite will be loaded with juicy cherries and just the right amount of sweet sauce.
Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection
Pop the pizza into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to get crispy. Your kitchen will smell like a cherry-filled wonderland!
Step 6: Glaze And Serve
As the pizza cools just slightly, whisk powdered sugar and a tablespoon or two of milk until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously across the bubbling cherries and let it set for a minute or two. The glaze gives your cherry dessert pizza that “bakery window” look—with extra sweetness in every slice.
How to Serve Cherry Dessert Pizza
Garnishes
Amp up your cherry dessert pizza with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or sliced almonds before baking for a lovely crunch, or dust it with an extra snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving. Add a few fresh mint leaves if you’re feeling extra fancy—they make the colors pop and add a delicate aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair each warm, gooey slice with cool vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience. If you want to balance out the sweetness, serve your cherry dessert pizza alongside a simple berry salad or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your cherry dessert pizza into wedges for that classic pizza vibe, or cut it into dainty squares for a dessert platter at parties. For a fun twist, try layering individual naan breads or flatbreads with the toppings for mini personal pizzas—perfect for kids’ parties or buffet tables!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cherry dessert pizza (lucky you!), simply transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The glaze might set a bit more, but the flavors stay luscious.
Freezing
Cherry dessert pizza can be frozen after baking! Let the pizza cool completely, slice it, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It keeps beautifully for up to a month. For best texture, freeze without the glaze and drizzle fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the just-baked vibe, warm slices in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds. This softens the crust and revives the creamy, cherry-topped goodness. Add a little fresh glaze if you want that extra sweetness and shine.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh or frozen cherries, cook them down with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until thickened. Homemade filling will add even more vibrant flavor to your cherry dessert pizza.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You sure can make this gluten-free—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can indulge.
What other fruits can I use?
You can totally swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even peach! Let your creativity guide you—just make sure your fruit filling isn’t too runny or liquidy.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone if you have one, or prebake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings. Also, don’t overload with cherry filling—spread an even layer for perfect results.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double every ingredient and bake two pizzas side by side or one large, rectangular dessert pizza. It’s a showstopper for feeding a crowd, and the method is exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
If you adore easy, crowd-pleasing desserts with a wow factor, you absolutely have to bake this cherry dessert pizza. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, whimsy, and bold flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try—you just might spark a new sweet tradition at your table!
Print
Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Cherry Dessert Pizza that combines the sweetness of cherries with a creamy cheese layer on a golden crust, topped with a sugary glaze.
Ingredients
Pizza Crust:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or 1 homemade pizza crust
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a greased pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla; spread over crust.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over cream cheese.
- Add Cherry Topping: Spoon cherry pie filling on top.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm pizza, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or sliced almonds.
- Try different fruit fillings like blueberry or apple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
