The Banana Split Fruit Pizza is a creative take on the classic banana split. With a chewy sugar cookie crust as the base, it’s topped with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, and pineapples, and finished with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, combining the fruity freshness with rich chocolate in every bite.
Banana Split Fruit Pizza combines the fun flavors of a banana split with the simplicity of a pizza dessert. The sugar cookie crust offers a soft and chewy base, while the sweetened cream cheese layer provides a rich, creamy topping. The fruit—bananas, strawberries, and pineapple—adds a burst of freshness, balancing out the sweetness of the cookie crust. Finished with a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache, this fruit pizza is perfect for parties, picnics, or a family dessert night.
INGREDIENTS
- Sugar cookie dough: 16 oz roll, refrigerated, for the base
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the topping
- Sugar: ⅓ cup, to sweeten the topping
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp, for flavor
- Banana: 1 large, sliced, for a fresh fruit topping
- Strawberries: 8, fresh, sliced
- Pineapple rings: 2, thin, sliced into sixths
- Chopped nuts: 1 tbsp, optional, for added crunch
- Bittersweet chocolate: 2 oz, for the ganache
- Heavy cream: 2 tbsp, to make the ganache smooth and silky
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-14 inch pizza pan.
- Step 2:
- Press sugar cookie dough into the pan to form a crust. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled cookie crust.
- Step 4:
- Arrange banana slices, strawberries, and pineapple slices on top. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the fruit, if desired.
- Step 5:
- Heat heavy cream just until it begins to boil, then remove from heat. Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle the warm ganache over the fruit pizza. Slice and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this fruit pizza chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Helpful Notes
- You can swap out the fruits with your favorites, such as kiwi or blueberries.
- If you prefer a sweeter ganache, use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- To make sure the cookie crust doesn't get too soft, allow it to cool completely before adding the toppings.
- Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from browning too quickly on the pizza.
Why This Dessert Pizza Is a Must-Try
This Banana Split Fruit Pizza offers a balance of sweet and fresh flavors in every bite. The creamy cheese layer and rich chocolate ganache make it indulgent, while the fruit keeps it light. It's a fun, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love!
A Fun Take on the Classic Banana Split
With its tropical fruits and rich chocolate drizzle, this dessert pizza is a creative spin on a banana split, delivering all the flavors you love in a new, playful way.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crust instead of sugar cookie dough?
Yes, a pre-made sugar cookie crust or a shortbread crust will work well as an alternative.
What other fruits can I use?
You can try using other fruits like kiwi, blueberries, or peaches for different flavors and colors.
How do I keep the fruit from browning?
To prevent browning, you can lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice before placing them on the pizza.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookie crust ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.
Summary
Banana Split Fruit Pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a dessert pizza with tropical flavors. It starts with a baked sugar cookie crust that is topped with a sweetened cream cheese layer. Fresh banana slices, strawberries, and pineapple give it a fruity, refreshing flavor, and the dessert is finished off with a rich chocolate ganache drizzle. The pizza can also be garnished with chopped nuts for extra crunch. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or as a fun dessert after dinner, this easy-to-make treat is sure to be a hit.