Strawberry Pizza Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both fun and delicious, look no further than this Strawberry Pizza. With a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake layer, luscious strawberry glaze, and fresh strawberries on top, this dessert has all the flavors and textures you could ever want. It’s colorful, festive, and perfect for any occasion—from summer gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Whether you’re serving family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this strawberry pizza is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this dessert flawlessly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pizza

• Visual impact: A vibrant, colorful dessert that looks impressive on any table.
• Creamy cheesecake filling: Smooth, tangy, and sweetly balanced with fresh strawberries.
• Perfect texture combo: Crispy sugar cookie crust, silky cream cheese, and soft fruit glaze.
• Customizable: Add blueberries, kiwi, or chocolate drizzle for a creative twist.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill the dessert in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Family-friendly dessert: Fun to make with kids or as a centerpiece for parties.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 8 people and combines a sweet cookie crust, fruity glaze, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping.

Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Strawberry Glaze:

• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp lemon zest

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Microplane or zester
• Strawberry huller or small knife
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Knife for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts until fully incorporated.
• Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
• Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookie Base

• Roll out or pat the sugar cookie dough into a 12–13-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper.
• Transfer the circle to a cookie sheet.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.

3. Make the Strawberry Glaze

• Combine 2 cups of sliced strawberries with ½ cup sugar in a bowl. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to release juice.
• Drain the berries and measure ½ cup of juice. Add a little water if necessary to reach ½ cup.
• In a medium saucepan, whisk the cornstarch with the strawberry juice until smooth.
• Add the drained strawberries and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Boil for at least 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest.
• Cool the glaze quickly by placing the saucepan in a bowl or sink filled with ice water, stirring occasionally.

4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Ensure there are no lumps for a silky, spreadable layer.

5. Assemble the Strawberry Pizza

• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled sugar cookie crust.
• Spoon and spread the strawberry glaze over the cheesecake layer.
• Arrange the remaining 2 cups of fresh sliced strawberries on top.
• Cut into wedges and serve immediately, or chill for a firmer slice.

Tips & Variations

• Juice consistency: Let the berries sit until you have enough juice. Add a splash of water or orange juice if needed.
• Alternative fruits: Substitute blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top for crunch.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate for a decorative finish.
• Mini pizzas: Divide dough into smaller circles for personal-sized servings.
• Make-ahead option: Chill the assembled pizza for 1–2 hours to firm up the cheesecake layer.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This strawberry pizza is:

• Sweet and creamy: The cream cheese filling balances the sweetness of the cookie and glaze.
• Fruity and tart: Fresh strawberries and lemon zest add brightness.
• Buttery and rich: The sugar cookie crust provides a firm, yet tender base.

Suggested Pairings:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or iced tea for a refreshing balance.
• Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Nutritional Overview (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	371 kcal
Carbohydrates	65 g	Mostly from sugar & crust
Protein	8 g	From cream cheese
Fat	10 g	Includes butter & cream cheese
Saturated Fat	6 g	From butter and cream cheese
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	3 g
Trans Fat	0.3 g
Cholesterol	46 mg
Sodium	448 mg
Potassium	222 mg	From strawberries
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	45 g	Natural + added sugars
Vitamin A	316 IU
Vitamin C	42 mg	From strawberries
Calcium	135 mg
Iron	1 mg

Dietary notes: Gluten-free substitutions possible with almond flour crust; vegetarian-friendly; nut-free if no nuts added as topping.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Chill before serving: Assemble and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to help the cheesecake layer set.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can freeze the crust separately, or assemble and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, but thaw them and drain excess liquid before making the glaze.

Q2: Can I make the crust gluten-free?
A: Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Q3: How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
A: Make sure to boil the cornstarch and juice mixture until thickened, and cool it slightly before spreading.

Q4: Can I use a pre-baked cookie crust?
A: Absolutely! A pre-baked sugar cookie or shortbread crust works fine.

Q5: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: 2–3 days is best for freshness; strawberries may release more juice if stored longer.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prepare dough & chill	30 minutes
Bake crust	18–20 minutes
Prepare strawberry glaze	30 minutes
Prepare cheesecake filling	10 minutes
Assemble pizza	10–15 minutes
Chill before serving	Optional 1 hour
Total	2 hours 18 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into wedges like a pizza and serve on a platter.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for presentation.
• Serve chilled for a firmer slice, or at room temperature for a softer texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Berry Mix Pizza: Use blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries alongside strawberries.
2. Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top.
3. Tropical Twist: Replace strawberries with mango and kiwi slices.
4. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries

• Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Hull and slice evenly for consistent topping and glaze.

Cream Cheese

• Use full-fat cream cheese for a smooth, rich filling.
• Soften it to room temperature before beating to prevent lumps.

Pro Baking Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Butter, cream cheese, and eggs should be at room temperature for smooth textures.
• Even crust thickness: Roll or pat dough evenly to prevent burning on the edges.
• Chill the dough: Helps maintain shape and creates a tender cookie base.
• Cool crust completely: Prevents the cheesecake filling from melting or becoming too soft.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Freezing crust: Unbaked or baked crust freezes well for 1–2 months.
• Assembled pizza: Freeze for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly; thaw in the fridge overnight.

Expanded Conclusion

This Strawberry Pizza combines all your favorite dessert elements: a tender sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tangy strawberry glaze, and fresh, juicy fruit. It’s versatile, visually stunning, and perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or any time you want a sweet treat that stands out.

With step-by-step instructions, make-ahead tips, and creative variations, this recipe is approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. Serve chilled or at room temperature, cut into wedges, and enjoy a dessert that’s both fun and indulgent. Strawberry pizza is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings color, flavor, and joy to your dessert table.

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