Name: Easy Cherry Dessert Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 roll sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade, about 16 oz); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; Optional: whipped topping, fresh mint leaves, or melted chocolate for garnish

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Easy cherry dessert pizza is a sweet, fruity treat that brings together a soft cookie crust, creamy filling, and a luscious cherry topping. It’s one of those fun, colorful desserts I love to make when I want something simple but eye-catching—and totally delicious. With just a few steps, I can serve up a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this dessert is. It uses basic ingredients and turns them into something festive and flavorful with minimal work. The sugar cookie crust is soft and buttery, the cream cheese layer adds a tangy richness, and the cherry pie filling gives it that glossy, fruity finish. It’s great for birthdays, BBQs, or when I need a last-minute sweet that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Cherry pie filling
Optional: whipped topping, fresh mint, or chocolate drizzle for garnish

Directions

I start by pressing the sugar cookie dough into a round pizza pan or baking sheet to form the crust.
I bake the crust until it’s golden around the edges and set in the center, then let it cool completely.
While it cools, I beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
I spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
I spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
I chill the pizza in the fridge for about an hour before slicing and serving.
Sometimes I add whipped topping, a few mint leaves, or a drizzle of melted chocolate just before serving for a little extra flair.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 to 10 slices, depending on how large I cut them. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to bake, and at least 1 hour to chill before serving—so I usually plan for a little over an hour total.

Variations

When I want to change it up, I use different fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry pie filling. I’ve also made it with chocolate chip cookie dough for a richer crust, or added lemon zest to the cream cheese for a fresh twist. For a fancier finish, I sometimes layer sliced fresh fruit over the top of the pie filling.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Since it’s a chilled dessert, I serve it straight from the fridge—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cookie dough?

Yes, I often use my favorite sugar cookie dough recipe. Just make sure to press it out evenly and bake it until golden.

What if I don’t have a pizza pan?

A round cake pan, sheet pan, or even a rectangular baking dish works fine. I just shape the dough to fit whatever I’m using.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. I like to make it a few hours or even a day in advance so the flavors can set. Just wait to garnish until serving time.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I’ve made it with dairy-free cream cheese and cookie dough alternatives, and it still turns out great.

Can I freeze it?

I don’t recommend freezing this dessert—the texture of the cream cheese and crust changes too much once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

Easy cherry dessert pizza is one of my favorite no-fuss desserts that always gets rave reviews. It’s pretty, creamy, fruity, and comes together with minimal effort. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, this recipe delivers big flavor in a fun and simple way.