Description
Transform ordinary brownies into an extraordinary dessert with this show-stopping Brownie Fruit Pizza! This impressive treat features a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with silky cream cheese frosting and a colorful arrangement of fresh seasonal fruits.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownie Crust:
- 1 box (18-ounce) brownie mix
- Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper for the pan
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping:
- 2 cups assorted fresh fruits (suggestions: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, grapes, peaches)
- ¼ cup apricot preserves or fruit jelly, melted (optional, for glaze)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Crust
- Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package instructions (typically 350°F/175°C)
- Line a 12-inch round pizza pan or a rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly coat with cooking spray
- In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions
- Pour the batter onto your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into a circle (for pizza pan) or rectangle (for baking sheet)
- For a thinner crust, spread the batter all the way to the edges; for a thicker crust, leave a 1-inch border from the edge
- Bake the Brownie Base
- Place the pan in the preheated oven
- Bake according to package directions, usually 20-25 minutes for a pizza pan (note: baking time may be shorter than package instructions due to the thinner spreading)
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack
- Allow the brownie crust to cool completely before adding toppings (about 1-2 hours)
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract
- Continue beating until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined, about 1-2 minutes more
- If the frosting seems too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency
- Prepare the Fruits
- While the brownie crust is cooling, wash all fruits thoroughly
- Slice strawberries, kiwi, peaches, or other larger fruits into thin, even slices
- Pat all fruits dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this prevents the frosting from becoming watery)
- Set aside until ready to assemble
- Assemble the Pizza
- Once the brownie base is completely cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter if desired
- Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownie surface, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges
- Starting from the outer edge, arrange the sliced fruits in a decorative pattern working your way toward the center
- Create concentric circles, a spiral pattern, or a beautiful fruit mosaic – get creative!
- Apply Optional Glaze
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the apricot preserves or fruit jelly for 20-30 seconds until melted
- Stir until smooth, then let cool slightly
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the melted preserves over the arranged fruits
- This gives the fruit a beautiful shine and helps preserve their freshness
- Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the assembled brownie fruit pizza for at least 1 hour before serving
- This allows the frosting to set and flavors to meld together
- Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired
- Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges or squares
- For clean slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes