Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of tart and sweet, you’re in for a treat with this Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza. This delightful rendition takes the beloved classic pizza format and transforms it into a luscious dessert experience starring rich cherry pie filling, a soft, chewy crust, and a velvety cream cheese icing drizzle. It’s a dessert that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up. You’ll find yourself craving it again and again, thanks to its inviting cherry flavor and comforting textures that taste like warm memories shared with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring this dessert pizza to life. Each item plays a starring role in delivering the perfect combination of softness, sweetness, and fruity tang that makes the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza so unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for a tender yet sturdy crust that holds up to the juicy cherry topping.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the dough a light lift for that perfect chewiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the crust without overpowering the sweetness.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- Warm water (1/2 cup): Activates the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully.
- Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): The magic ingredient that makes your dough light and airy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and keeps the dough tender.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): The star ingredient that delivers juicy bursts of cherry flavor in every bite.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the cherry topping with a subtle nutty aroma.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy hint that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): For a smooth and rich icing that contrasts the fruitiness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese icing beautifully.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Smooths out the icing to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings depth and warmth to the cream cheese drizzle.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by waking up the yeast in warm water, giving it about five minutes until it’s frothy and alive. Then, mix your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar—in a big bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Set it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot for 30 minutes so it can double in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While you’re waiting for the dough to rise, turn your oven up to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting that golden brown, slightly crispy crust that pairs perfectly with the luscious cherry topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a small bowl, gently mix together the cherry pie filling with almond extract and cinnamon. This step transforms the filling into a more aromatic and layered topping, making the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza taste like a bakery-worthy treat.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has had its warm nap and doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out onto a floured surface. Aim for a 1/4 inch thickness in a round shape, perfectly sized to fit your greased baking sheet or pizza stone. This step creates the perfect base to carry all the cherry goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Pop your dough into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden color. At this stage, your crust is fully cooked and ready to support the juicy cherry topping without getting soggy.
Step 6: Add the Cherry Topping
Spread that fragrant cherry filling over your warm crust, leaving a little border around the edge for a beautiful presentation and easier slicing. This juicy layer is where the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza really shines, with every bite bursting with sweet-tart magic.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
Mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, drizzle this luscious icing across the top of your cherry-covered crust in any decorative pattern you like. The contrast of tangy cream cheese icing with sweet cherries creates an irresistible flavor dance.
Step 8: Serve
Allow the dessert pizza to cool just a few minutes to lock in flavors and make slicing easier. Cut it into wedges and serve. For a final touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar if you want to add an extra drizzle or sprinkle of sweetness.
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of sliced almonds add a lovely finishing touch without stealing the spotlight. Fresh mint leaves also brighten the plate visually and aromatically, making each slice feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. A cup of hot coffee or tea balances out the sweetness, making your serving perfect from start to finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the dessert pizza into smaller squares for casual parties or serve it as individual mini pizzas baked in muffin tins for bite-sized treats. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce alongside the cream cheese icing to create a gourmet look that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days without losing its charm, so you can enjoy those cherry and cream cheese flavors just as much the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled dessert pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and pop it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to two months, making it a convenient treat to pull out whenever your sweet cravings hit.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the pizza in the fridge overnight, then warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the crust’s texture and gently warms the cherry topping without melting the cream cheese drizzle too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, pit and cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken, then use that as your topping. It offers a fresher, less sweet flavor that still works wonderfully.
Is the dough recipe similar to traditional pizza dough?
The dough here is slightly sweeter and softer than traditional savory pizza dough because of the added sugar and baking powder, which makes it perfect for a dessert base.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this dessert without gluten. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix and refrigerate the dough overnight or even prepare the cream cheese icing in advance. Storing these components separately helps cut down on prep time when you’re ready to bake.
What other fruit toppings could I substitute for cherries?
Other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches work beautifully with the cream cheese icing. Adjust spices like cinnamon or almond extract accordingly to complement different fruits.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy enough for any home cook to make but special enough to feel like a celebration. Its inviting cherry flavors, soft crust, and silky cream cheese drizzle come together in a way that’s downright irresistible. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones — it’s going to become one of your all-time favorite sweet treats, guaranteed!
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Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe recreates the beloved Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza, featuring a soft and chewy homemade dough topped with a warm cherry pie filling enhanced with almond and cinnamon, finished with a luscious cream cheese icing drizzle. It’s a delightful treat combining sweet, tangy cherries with creamy frosting on a perfectly baked crust.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, almond extract, and cinnamon. Stir gently to mix evenly.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a round shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Add the Cherry Topping: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the warm crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cherry topping in a decorative pattern.
- Serve: Let the dessert pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges. Optionally, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to successfully activate the yeast.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if almond flavor is unavailable.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cherry dessert pizza, Pizza Hut dessert, cherry pie filling pizza, cream cheese icing pizza, sweet dessert pizza
