Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic flavors, then the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This delightful dessert pizza brings together a soft, buttery crust topped with sweet cherry pie filling, crumbly streusel, and a drizzle of creamy icing that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect balance of fruity, crunchy, and smooth textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re recreating a classic favorite or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a warm hug of happiness on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to make this scrumptious dessert pizza. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect dough texture to adding that irresistible sweet cherry flavor and crunchy topping.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the soft and tender dough.
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• ¾ cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the crust a tender, buttery flavor.
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten): Binds the dough together and adds richness.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 2 tablespoons white sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 21-ounce can sweet cherry pie filling: The star ingredient providing juicy, fruity topping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the cherry filling’s sweetness with a warm note.
• 6 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the streusel crumble for a perfect crunch.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps make the streusel crumble light and crumbly.
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cubed: Makes the streusel buttery and crisp.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds depth and slight caramel flavor to the streusel.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the topping a cozy, aromatic lift.
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds: Adds a toasty texture and nutty flavor on top.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet, silky icing drizzle.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the icing smooth and pourable.

How to Make Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Your first step is bringing the dough to life. Combine the yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl and let it sit until frothy, around 5 to 10 minutes. This bubbly transformation means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic for a light, airy crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation of your dough, balancing sweetness and seasoning so every bite tastes perfect.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now, mix the foamy yeast into the flour mixture along with the beaten egg and melted butter until combined. This blend creates that tender, buttery dough we’ll soon turn into our cherry dessert pizza.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, giving the crust a wonderful chewy texture that complements the soft topping.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and set it in a warm spot for approximately an hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is what makes your crust fluffy and tender, the perfect base for this dessert.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel

While waiting, mix the streusel ingredients—sugar, flour, cubed butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon—in a bowl until crumbly. The sweet, spiced aroma will entice you as you anticipate the next steps.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has doubled, punch it down to release air bubbles, then roll it into a pizza shape on a floured surface. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is your canvas for deliciousness.

Step 8: Assemble Your Pizza

Spread the sweet cherry pie filling evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the fruit, then add sliced almonds for a perfect toasted crunch. Layering like this ensures each bite delivers lovely bursts of cherry flavor paired with a buttery crumb topping.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake your dessert pizza for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the streusel topping looks beautifully crisp. Keep a watchful eye so no edges get scorched.

Step 10: Icing Time

Let your pie cool a bit, then whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream to create a smooth icing. Drizzle it over the warm pizza for a luscious finishing touch that ties everything together in sweet harmony.

How to Serve Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the classic Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe, consider adding fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing hint. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds sparkle and an extra touch of sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dessert pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy sides balance the warm, fruity pizza perfectly, making every bite into a little moment of pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice your dessert pizza into small squares and serve on decorative trays at a party. Or, plate individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce for an artisanal touch. Presentation really amps up the enjoyment when sharing with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, allowing you to indulge a little longer without losing that delicious flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking if you want to prep in advance; just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month. You can also freeze fully baked slices by wrapping them well to keep moistness and flavor intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and the topping is slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that wonderful streusel topping from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any extra liquid from frozen cherries before spreading them on your dough to avoid sogginess.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour, though you might need to adjust liquids slightly since gluten-free flours absorb differently.

Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?

Definitely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work wonderfully if you prefer a different nut flavor and texture on top.

How long does it take to prepare and bake the dessert pizza?

From start to finish, plan for roughly 2 hours including dough rising, assembly, baking, and cooling – but the tasty results are so worth the wait!

Is the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe very sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced with buttery dough and a bit of cinnamon-spiced crumble, making it a comforting dessert that’s not overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about making and sharing the Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Recipe. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to pull off at home but delivers incredible flavor and joy in every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a sweet weekend indulgence, I truly believe this dessert pizza will become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of cherry-topped happiness today!

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