If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the delightful flavors of cherries with a soft, sweet crust, the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza is the perfect treat! This dessert features a deliciously baked crust topped with cherry filling, cream cheese icing, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s a delightful way to end any meal or to enjoy as a snack. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to recreate this delicious dessert pizza at home, from ingredients to serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

To create a delicious Cherry Dessert Pizza, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: For a soft and chewy crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: To help the dough rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: For flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup warm water: Activates the yeast.
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For richness.

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: The star of the dessert.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon milk: To achieve the desired consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. 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.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, almond extract, and cinnamon. Stir gently to mix.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: Add the Cherry Topping

Spread the cherry filling evenly over the warm crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: 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.

Step 8: Serve

Let the dessert pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges. Optionally, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Cherries: If cherries are in season, consider using fresh cherries instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor.
• Customize the Icing: Feel free to add lemon zest or additional flavorings to the cream cheese icing for a unique twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one slice of Cherry Dessert Pizza (assuming 8 slices):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	220
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	32g
Sugars	12g
Protein	3g

This dessert pizza is a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you want to make your Cherry Dessert Pizza a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese for a lighter option.
• Natural Sweeteners: Replace powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in the icing.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Dessert Pizza is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Ala Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
• Pair with Beverages: This dessert pairs well with coffee, milk, or dessert wines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Cherry Dessert Pizza, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Overbaking the Crust: Keep an eye on the crust to prevent it from becoming too hard. It should be golden brown but still soft.
• Too Much Topping: Avoid overloading the pizza with cherry filling, as it can become soggy. Less is often more!
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the crust to cool slightly before adding toppings to prevent them from melting into one another.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers or want to prep in advance, here are some storage tips:

• Store in the Fridge: Keep any leftover dessert pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture without drying it out.

Conclusion

The Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza is a delicious and creative way to enjoy a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and dessert! With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. We invite you to try this recipe and share your feedback in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

What other toppings can I use?

You can customize your dessert pizza with toppings like blueberries, strawberries, or even a chocolate drizzle for added flavor.

Is this dessert pizza suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This dessert pizza is a fun and interactive treat that kids will love. You can even let them help with the toppings.