Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza

**Ingredients:**

**For the Crust:**
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

**For the Filling:**
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Topping:**
– Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and cherries)
– Optional: 1/4 cup apricot preserves, heated and strained (for glaze)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a pizza pan or a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
– Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming a crust about 1/4 inch thick. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool completely.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
– Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust.

3. **Add the Topping:**
– Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the cream cheese filling in a decorative pattern.
– If desired, brush the fruit with the heated and strained apricot preserves to give it a glossy finish.

4. **Serve:**
– Slice the fruit pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.