{Pizza Week Part Two} The Dessert Course

Ah, two of the most wonderful words in the English lexicon: Dessert and Pizza. Put them together, and it’s pure heaven. While it isn’t a “true” pizza, this Dessert Pizza combines a sauce and lovely toppings on a doughy crust, just as traditional pizza would. Plus (in my opinion), it really isn’t a meal unless you end it with something sweet. So eat up all the other delicious pizza recipes, then devour this sweet treat afterwards! This is a great way to use up seasonal fruits and items from your CSA share or local farmers market.

Dessert Pizza
Makes 2 12″ Pizzas

Dough
1 cup sugar
½ cup shortening
1 egg
½ cup milk with ½ tsp. of baking soda dissolved in it
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
3 ½ cups flour

Sauce
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tbsp. milk
½ tsp. vanilla

Toppings
Approximately two cups of whatever you want! I used toasted coconut (for the “cheese”), nectarines, and black caps from my farm

1. For the dough, cream together sugar and shortening. Add the egg and beat to combine. Add the milk (with dissolved soda) and vanilla, stir to combine. Incorporate the salt and baking soda, then add the flour, one cup at a time. Wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least thirty minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Grease a round baking sheet. On a well-floured surface, begin to roll half of the dough into a circle. Because the dough is very soft, roll only until the dough is about 6 inches in diameter, then transfer to the baking sheet (otherwise the dough will tear). Continue to roll to desire size (the dough should easily make a 12 inch pizza). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

3. In the meantime, make the “sauce” by beating together the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla. Add confections’ sugar. Whip until well combined.

4. Once dough is baked, allow it to cool completely. Spread half the sauce on the dough (save other half for another pizza or as a tasty fruit dip). Sprinkle toasted coconut on top as you would shredded cheese on a traditional pizza. Assemble fruit on top in an appetizing manner. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top, if desired. Cut into slices just like a traditional pizza. Serve immediately. Enjoy!