Dessert dreams, meet your new obsession: Berry Brownie Pizza. This rich and playful creation is where a fudgy brownie crust meets tangy cream cheese frosting, and it’s all crowned with a colorful medley of berries and a shower of chocolate. If you crave desserts that are as stunning as they are delicious, you simply must try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showstopper Appeal: Berry Brownie Pizza looks absolutely gorgeous on a party table, making it perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or just a special weeknight treat.
- Layers of Flavor: The combination of chewy brownie, creamy frosting, and juicy berries hits every dessert craving—richness, tartness, and a pop of freshness.
- Simple, Fun, and Customizable: Most of the work is mixing and spreading, so it’s wonderfully approachable even if you’re baking with kids or short on time.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert chills beautifully, which means you can prep it hours ahead and serve it stress-free to rave reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of classic ingredients, Berry Brownie Pizza transforms into a dessert that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Every component matters—each one adds its own unique flavor, texture, and wow-factor color!
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix: This mix produces a super-rich, ultra-fudgy “crust” with chocolate chips in every bite. Your shortcut to brownie perfection.
- Egg: Helps bind the brownie mix and gives structure to the base.
- Vegetable Oil (or Canola): Keeps the brownie perfectly moist and decadent.
- Water: Loosens the batter so it spreads easily into that pizza shape.
- Cream Cheese: Softened and creamy, it forms the irresistible tangy “sauce” layer over the brownie base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips up rich and airy, making the frosting extra fluffy—substitute with cool whip for a shortcut!
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the cream cheese mixture so it pops.
- Vanilla: Rounds out the cream cheese layer with classic aroma and flavor.
- Strawberries (finely chopped): Folded into the frosting for surprise little bursts of berry with every bite.
- Raspberries, Sliced Strawberries, and Blueberries: These fresh fruits form the gorgeous, jewel-like “pizza toppings.”
- White or Dark Chocolate Bar (chopped or grated): A final shower of chocolate that brings it all home with a flourish.
Variations
You can easily make Berry Brownie Pizza your own—swap out fruits, play with chocolate, or adapt for allergies and preferences. The possibilities are nearly endless so you can keep this dessert fresh each time you serve it!
- Gluten-Free Brownie Base: Just substitute your favorite gluten-free brownie mix for an allergy-friendly rendition that’s every bit as decadent.
- Different Fruit Combinations: Try blackberries, mango slices, sliced kiwi, or even bananas for a tropical spin on your pizza toppings.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Warm a little peanut butter and drizzle it between layers for extra richness and a nutty surprise.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan brownie mix and a plant-based cream cheese and whip for a dairy- and egg-free treat everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Berry Brownie Pizza
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 13 or 14-inch pizza stone or pan with parchment paper—tracing and cutting it to fit makes things spiffy and easy to clean. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, and water. Add in your brownie mix and stir until just combined for the chewiest crust. Spread the thick batter in the center of the pan, forming an 11-inch circle and leaving a margin at the edge so the pizza shape bakes up perfectly. Bake for 18–20 minutes, just until set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownie crust cool completely before you move on—this keeps the frosting from melting.
Step 2: Make the Fluffy Cream Cheese Layer
Once the brownie base has cooled, whip up your “sauce.” Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. Pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and keep beating until you see beautiful, stiff peaks (this step makes the frosting airy and luscious). Scrape down the sides often—no lumps left behind! Finally, gently stir in the finely chopped strawberries for pretty pink flecks and pops of berry flavor throughout.
Step 3: Frost and Decorate Your Pizza
Now comes the truly fun part: Assembly! Spread the creamy topping generously over your cooled brownie crust, leaving a slight “edge” for that classic pizza look. Artfully arrange your sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on top so every bite gets a blend of fruit. If you want a professional glossy finish, brush the berries lightly with warmed seedless jam. Then, top everything off by grating or finely chopping white or dark chocolate for a sweet finish. Chill the Berry Brownie Pizza until you’re ready to serve, then slice it like, well, pizza!
Pro Tips for Making Berry Brownie Pizza
- Perfect Pizza Shape: For the prettiest pie, use a spatula to gently nudge the batter into an even circle—an offset spatula works best for smooth edges.
- Ultra-Creamy Frosting: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and whip the cream when it’s icy cold to get that dreamy, billowy texture.
- Berry Freshness: Pat your berries dry before topping—extra moisture can make the cream cheese layer runny over time.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can bake the brownie base a day in advance and frost/decorate just before serving for ultimate freshness and convenience.
How to Serve Berry Brownie Pizza
Garnishes
The best part of serving Berry Brownie Pizza? Dress it up! Add extra chocolate curls, a sprig of fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These simple touches make every slice look bakery-worthy and even more tempting.
Side Dishes
Round out your dessert table with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or, for special brunches, a fruit salad with citrus and herbs to keep things refreshing and light alongside your Berry Brownie Pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza whole for that classic “wow” factor, then slice it into wedges or even fun bars for snacking. Try using a cookie cutter for individual “mini pizzas,” or arrange slices on a wooden board for a rustic-chic dessert display at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the Berry Brownie Pizza tightly and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and the cream cheese layer keeps the brownie base moist and delicious!
Freezing
The plain brownie base can be frozen (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months; just thaw and add toppings when you’re ready. I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled pizza, as the berries and cream can lose their lovely texture.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Berry Brownie Pizza is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If the base feels a bit firm straight from the fridge, let slices sit out for a few minutes to soften before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade brownie batter and bake it in a pizza shape. Keep an eye on bake time—homemade mixes may need a couple minutes more or less in the oven compared to commercial mixes.
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Can I make Berry Brownie Pizza ahead of time?
Yes! The brownie base can be baked the day before and kept covered. Add the cream cheese and fruit toppings a few hours before serving for freshest results. It’s a great make-ahead option for parties!
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What other toppings taste great on Berry Brownie Pizza?
Get creative—try mini chocolate chips, chopped toasted nuts, coconut flakes, kiwi slices, or even a zigzag of caramel or berry sauces. As long as you love them, your pizza will be a hit!
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Can I make this recipe if I don’t have a pizza stone or pizza pan?
You sure can! Just use any large, rimmed baking sheet or even shape the brownie on a round cake tin. The shape might be rustic, but the taste will always be spot on.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to dazzle your family and friends or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Berry Brownie Pizza is the answer. It’s joyful, colorful, and full of flavor in every single bite. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your dessert rotation—don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you can say “just one more slice!”
Print
Berry Brownie Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Berry Brownie Pizza, a unique twist on a classic dessert. A chewy brownie crust topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and a colorful assortment of fresh berries, finished with a sprinkle of chocolate. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day!
Ingredients
Brownie Crust:
- 1 box Ghirardelli Chocolate Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1/4 cup water
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream*
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries
Toppings:
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- White or dark chocolate bar, chopped or grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Prepare the crust: Mix egg, oil, water, and brownie mix. Spread on a pizza stone and bake.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Whip cream until stiff peaks and fold in strawberries.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread cream cheese mixture on cooled brownie crust. Top with berries and chocolate.
- Chill and serve: Chill the pizza until ready to serve, then cut into wedges or squares.
Notes
- *You can substitute the heavy cream for cool whip. Only use 1 tablespoon granulated sugar if you make this substitution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
