Imagine a dessert that combines the buttery sweetness of a sugar cookie, the creamy richness of cream cheese, and the vibrant freshness of seasonal fruits - all in one irresistible bite! These Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something spectacular, this recipe is about to become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Assorted fresh fruits for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should look slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan, about 30 minutes.
- For the cream cheese topping, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookie base is completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
- Wash and prepare your selected fresh fruits, cutting them into thin slices or small pieces.
- Artfully arrange the fruit on top of the cream cheese layer, creating a colorful and appealing design.
- Chill the fruit pizza bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 even squares.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Bars!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal texture.
- Don't overmix the cookie dough - this can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Allow the cookie base to cool completely before adding cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Choose fruits that are ripe but firm for the best presentation and taste.
- For a more decorative look, use a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.
- Chill the bars for at least an hour before serving to help the layers set and enhance flavor melding.
- These bars are best served within 24 hours of preparation to maintain the freshness of the fruits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
