Homemade Cherry Dessert Pizza: Your New Favorite Sweet Treat

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible Homemade Cherry Dessert Pizza! Crafted with a rich, buttery yeast dough, generously spread with luscious cherry pie filling, topped with a delightful streusel, and finished with a sweet, delicate icing drizzle, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a delightful twist on classic cherry pie, presented in a fun, shareable pizza format that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual weeknight treats. If you’re searching for an impressive yet surprisingly simple dessert, look no further than this delightful sweet pizza creation.

Why This Cherry Dessert Pizza Will Become a Family Favorite

Dessert pizzas hold a special place in many hearts, and for good reason! They offer a fantastic combination of convenience, customizability, and pure deliciousness. This cherry version takes all those qualities and elevates them, making it an irresistible sweet treat that’s bound to be requested again and again. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out:

Quick to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert pizza comes together more quickly than you might imagine. The yeast dough is straightforward, and the assembly process is quite simple, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Effortlessly Shareable: Just like savory pizza, dessert pizza is inherently designed for sharing. Its convenient slices make it ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply dividing among family members. No need for individual servings; just cut and enjoy!
Highly Customizable Flavors: While cherry is a timeless classic, the beauty of dessert pizza lies in its adaptability. You can easily swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like apple, peach, blueberry, or even mixed berries to suit your preferences or seasonal availability. Feeling adventurous? Try a “half and half” pizza with two different fillings for variety!
Irresistible Texture Contrast: This recipe perfectly balances textures. You get the soft, slightly chewy base of the yeast dough, the juicy sweetness of the cherry filling, the delightful crunch of the streusel topping, and the silky smoothness of the icing drizzle. Every bite is an experience!
Comfort Food Appeal: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, sweet pizza. The aroma alone is enough to bring smiles, and the taste is pure nostalgia, reminding many of home-baked goodness.

Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Sweet Dessert Pizza

Achieving dessert pizza perfection is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips up your sleeve. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to working with yeast dough, these pointers will ensure your homemade cherry dessert pizza turns out beautifully every time:

Understanding the Dough’s Rest: When you let the dough rest, don’t expect it to double in size like a traditional bread dough. For this recipe, the primary purpose of resting is to relax the gluten, making the dough much more pliable and easier to roll out into a smooth, even circle. The significant rise will occur in the heat of the oven, resulting in a wonderfully light and airy crust.
Time-Saving Dough Options: If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, feel free to use a pre-made pizza crust or frozen pizza dough. This is a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor, as demonstrated in many other popular dessert pizza recipes. Just ensure it’s fully thawed if using frozen dough and follow package instructions for any pre-baking requirements.
Baking Surface Versatility: While a pizza pan is ideal for a perfectly round crust, a standard baking sheet works just as well. Simply shape the dough to fit your sheet, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking. If you’re lucky enough to own a seasoned pizza stone, it will provide an extra crispy crust; in this case, skip the non-stick spray.
Customizing the Streusel Topping: The sliced almonds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the streusel. However, if you have allergies, prefer a nut-free option, or simply don’t have almonds on hand, feel free to omit them entirely. The streusel will still be incredibly delicious. For a slightly different flavor profile, you can also substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar in the streusel for a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness.
Hand-Mixing the Dough: No stand mixer? No problem! You can easily mix the dough by hand. Start by combining the ingredients with a sturdy wooden spoon. As the mixture begins to come together into a shaggy mass, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This manual kneading process will develop the gluten necessary for a great crust.
Patience with the Icing: It’s crucial to let your baked cherry dessert pizza cool almost completely before applying the sweet icing drizzle. If the pizza is too warm, the icing will melt instantly, soaking into the streusel and crust rather than creating that beautiful, distinct drizzle on top. A cool pizza allows the icing to set nicely, giving you that perfect visual appeal and a delightful sugary finish.
Expedited Dough Rest (If Needed): While a 30-minute rest is recommended for optimal flakiness and ease of handling, if you’re truly pressed for time, you can shorten the resting period to just 10 minutes. The dough might be a little less extensible, requiring a bit more effort to roll out, and the final crust might be slightly less flaky, but it will still yield a delicious result.
Explore Different Fruit Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to cherry! This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to fruit fillings. Consider using apple, blueberry, peach, or even mixed berry pie filling for a different seasonal flavor. Each variation will offer a unique and delightful experience.
Storage Recommendations: To keep your homemade cherry dessert pizza fresh and delicious, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, gently warm individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving if you prefer a warm dessert.

Essential Ingredients for This Delightful Dessert Pizza

Gathering your ingredients before you start ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering cherry dessert pizza, from the tender crust to the sweet glaze. Full measurements are detailed in the recipe card below.

Milk
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Salt
Instant dry yeast
All-purpose flour
Cherry pie filling
Large egg
Ground cinnamon
Sliced almonds
Powdered sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Dessert Pizza

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own homemade cherry dessert pizza. Each section breaks down the process, from preparing the buttery yeast dough to drizzling the perfect sweet icing.

To prepare the pizza dough:

Start by gently heating the milk and butter in a small pot on the stovetop until the butter is just melted. Alternatively, you can achieve this by microwaving for approximately 40 seconds. The mixture should be warm to the touch, but not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

Pour the warmed milk and butter mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, salt, and all-purpose flour.
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Begin mixing on a low speed, gradually increasing until the dough comes together. Continue mixing until the dough cleanly pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive ball, indicating proper gluten development.

Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto this surface and knead it briefly, about 3-4 times, just until it feels smooth and uniform. This final kneading helps to perfect its texture. Return the dough to the mixer bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it much easier to roll out later. While the dough rests, you can prepare the streusel topping.

To make the streusel topping:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cubed, cold salted butter.
Using your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue rubbing the mixture between your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that wonderfully crumbly texture.
Stir in the sliced almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the streusel mixture. Set aside until ready to assemble.

To assemble and bake the pizza:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Once the dough has finished its resting period, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a uniform 12-inch circle. Aim for an even thickness to ensure even baking.

Lightly spray a baking sheet or pizza pan with non-stick spray. If you are using a well-seasoned pizza stone, this step can be skipped as the dough won’t stick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your prepared baking surface.

Carefully spread the entire can of cherry pie filling over the surface of the dough. Be sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edge of the pizza crust, which will become your beautiful, golden-brown edge.

Using a pastry brush, gently brush the exposed 1-inch edge of the pizza dough with the beaten egg. This egg wash will help create a beautiful golden sheen and a slightly crispy texture. Then, evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the cherry pie filling.

Place the pizza on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Once baked, carefully remove the cherry dessert pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. It’s essential to allow the pizza to cool almost completely before proceeding to the icing step; this prevents the icing from melting.

To make the icing drizzle and serve:

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and forms a pourable, yet thick, consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Once the pizza is sufficiently cooled, generously drizzle the prepared icing over the top in a decorative pattern. Let the icing set for a few minutes.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dessert pizza into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Craving More Irresistible Cherry Recipes?

If this cherry dessert pizza has left you wanting more delicious cherry-inspired treats, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring the sweet and tangy goodness of cherries:

Instant Pot Cherry Cobbler
Cherry Yum Yum
Maraschino Cherry Cake
Cherry Pie Bars
Cherry Dump Cake
Cherries in the Snow Cake
Skillet Cherry Cobbler
Crescent Cherry Cheesecake Cobbler
Cherry Turnovers

Homemade Cherry Dessert Pizza

This homemade cherry dessert pizza is made with a buttery yeast dough, cherry pie filling, streusel topping, and drizzled with a sweet icing. It’s a delightful and shareable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Resting Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the pizza:

¾ cup milk
2 Tablespoons salted butter
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant dry yeast
2 cups all-purpose flour
21 ounce can cherry pie filling
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the streusel topping:

6 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, cut into cubes
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons sliced almonds

For the icing drizzle:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

To make the pizza:

Place the milk and butter in a small pot and heat just until butter is melted. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for about 40 seconds.
Place the warmed milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and add the sugar, yeast, salt, and flour.
With a dough hook attached, turn on the mixer and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead 3-4 times, just enough to smooth it out. Return to the bowl, cover, and let rest 30 minutes. While the dough is resting you can make the streusel.

To make the streusel topping:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Work the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in the sliced almonds.

To assemble:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). When the dough has finished resting, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12-inch circle.
Spray a baking sheet or pizza pan with non-stick spray. If you are using a seasoned pizza stone, you can skip this step.
Move the dough to the pizza pan and spread the cherry pie filling over the dough, leaving about 1-inch around the edge.
Brush the bare edge of the dough with the beaten egg, then sprinkle the streusel over the top of the pizza.
Place on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edge of the dough is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the icing.

To make the icing drizzle:

Mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle icing on top of the cooled pizza, cut into slices, and serve.

Notes

The dough will not rise much during the initial resting period; this is normal. The rest is mainly to make the dough stretchier and easier to roll. It will rise beautifully in the oven.
If you prefer not to make your own dough, you can use a pre-made pizza crust or frozen pizza dough for convenience.
This dessert pizza can easily be made on a baking sheet instead of a pizza pan.
Sliced almonds can be omitted from the streusel topping if desired, or if there are nut allergies.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough ingredients with a wooden spoon. Once it starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
Ensure the pizza is almost cool before drizzling the icing; otherwise, the icing will melt and absorb into the crust.
In a rush? You can let the dough rest for just 10 minutes before rolling. It won’t be quite as flaky, but it will still work out well.
Any variety of canned pie filling (like apple, peach, or blueberry) can be used as a substitute for cherry.
Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar for the streusel topping, offering a richer flavor.
This pizza will keep for about 2 days after baking. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

The nutritional information provided is an estimate. As “The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator if calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you. Nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used.

Did you make this recipe? Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!