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Soft Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza Bars

Colorful fruit pizza bars with soft sugar cookie base and cream cheese frosting

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These bars combine a soft, chewy sugar cookie base with a tangy cream cheese layer and a colorful topping of fresh fruit. They are an impressive yet simple dessert perfect for sharing at any gathering. The recipe is easy to follow and yields a beautiful, delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Sugar Cookie Base:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Fruit Topping:
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mandarin oranges)
  • ¼ cup apricot jam or apple jelly, warmed (optional, for glazing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the cookie crust: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn light golden brown. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the crust cool completely.
  5. Make the cream cheese filling: While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla, and beat again until creamy and well-combined.
  6. Assemble: Once the crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese filling over it in an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
  7. Arrange the washed and thoroughly dried fruit on top of the cream cheese layer in your desired pattern.
  8. If using the glaze, warm the apricot jam in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until thin. Gently brush it over the fruit for a glossy finish.
  9. Chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the filling.
  10. To serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares. Serve cold.

Notes

Ensure the cookie crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easy spreading. Pat fruit dry thoroughly to avoid a soggy filling. Bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

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