If you have a sweet tooth and a love for easy-to-make treats, then this Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza with Buttery Crescent Crust Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. It’s that perfect blend of crispy, buttery crust topped with a luscious cinnamon sugar mix and creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, a casual get-together, or simply craving a delightful dessert, this pizza offers a fun and delicious twist that’s incredibly simple to prepare yet irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blue glass bowl sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture visible beside it. Inside the bowl, there are three distinct pieces of white cream cheese and one stick of pale yellow butter placed in the center. In the background, a teal and white striped towel and part of a wooden board with a yellow item on it are also visible. The scene is lit softly, showing the smooth, soft texture of the cream cheese and the firm, rectangular shape of the butter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the short list of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the incredible flavors and textures that make this dish stand out. From the flaky crescent dough base to the sweet cinnamon sugar topping and the creamy frosting, every element works together beautifully.

Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The buttery, flaky base that forms the crust and gives the dessert pizza its delightful texture.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons total): Used in both the crust and frosting, it adds richness and a silky finish to the pizza.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon total): Enhances the sweetness and ties all flavors together with a warm, inviting aroma.
Light brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon (1½ tablespoons): The star spice that gives the pizza its signature warm, spicy kick.
Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): Creates a creamy, tangy frosting layer that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Powdered sugar (½ cup + extra for dusting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting while adding that pretty finishing touch on top.
Milk (1-2 teaspoons): Just enough to smooth out the frosting to spreadable perfection.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza with Buttery Crescent Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This temperature will give your crescent crust that perfect golden-brown finish without burning the delicate sugars. Next, line a 10-12 inch round pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is a small effort that makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your dessert doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Shape the Crescent Crust

Unroll your crescent dough onto the prepared pan. If you’re using the traditional crescent roll sheet, simply press the seams to seal them into one solid dough sheet. Gently stretch and mold it into a round shape about 10 to 11 inches across – this is your pizza crust! To give your dessert a classic pizza look and to hold the toppings in place, carefully fold or roll the outer edge to create a raised crust border. This crust is going to be buttery and flaky, a perfect base for the toppings.

Step 3: Brush with Butter and Vanilla

Mix your melted butter with vanilla extract in a small bowl. Then, using a pastry brush, spread this luscious mixture evenly over the entire crescent dough, making sure to cover the crust edges as well. This simple step infuses the crust with an irresistible buttery flavor and adds a lovely golden sheen after baking.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Pop your prepared crust into the oven and bake for approximately 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. This ensures a crispy, flaky crust that serves as the perfect vessel for the toppings ahead.

Step 5: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the crust bakes, combine the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mix is simple yet packed with flavor. The cinnamon gives that warm, spicy touch, while brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the topping.

Step 6: Beat the Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of milk. You’re aiming for a smooth, spreadable frosting; if it feels too thick, add a little more milk, drop by drop. This creamy layer will perfectly balance the crunchy cinnamon sugar topping once spread on the warm crust.

Step 7: Assemble the Pizza

Once your crescent crust has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface, stopping before the crust edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture liberally on top. The slight warmth from the crust will begin to melt the sugars and frosting a little, creating a dreamy texture and flavor combo.

Step 8: Finish with a Dusting

To give your dessert pizza that professional touch, dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the top. This final touch adds a hint of extra sweetness and a beautiful, snowy finish that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza with Buttery Crescent Crust Recipe

The image shows a round dessert with three main layers on a round white plate. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crust with a slightly puffed edge dusted with powdered sugar. The middle layer is a dark brown filling, likely chocolate or a rich cake, covered lightly with powdered sugar. The top layer is a light cream-colored icing or frosting applied in thick, parallel stripes across the surface. A metal pizza cutter is cutting a slice from the dessert, with the woman's hand holding it. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface with a green pitcher and striped cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a personal flair by garnishing with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas for a burst of freshness and color. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also elevate this dessert to an indulgent treat sure to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This dessert pizza pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy twist, serve with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate – the perfect way to balance the warm spices and creamy layers of the pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your dessert pizza into smaller squares or bite-sized pieces and serve them on a decorative platter for parties or potlucks. You can even layer the slices with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch that makes it a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and that’s not always the case!), wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cinnamon sugar dessert pizza with buttery crescent crust recipe stays fresh for up to 2 days when refrigerated.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the crescent dough before baking for up to one month. Freeze the baked dessert pizza sparingly, wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap, but be aware that after freezing, the texture may change slightly and the frosting might separate.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness of the crust and warm the toppings just enough to melt the sugars again – your dessert will taste almost as good as fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated crescent dough tubes instead of sheets?

Yes! Just be sure to press all the seams together firmly when spreading them out to create one solid crust. This will keep your dessert pizza from falling apart during baking.

Is cream cheese necessary for the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a lovely tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness. You can substitute with mascarpone or a thick yogurt cheese for a similar effect, but cream cheese is definitely the classic choice here.

Can I make this dessert pizza gluten-free?

You can try using gluten-free crescent dough if available, but results may vary since the texture differs from traditional crescent dough. Always check your dough’s label for gluten-free certification.

How sweet is this dessert pizza?

This recipe strikes a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the brown sugar and cinnamon topping plus the creamy frosting just sweet enough without being overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds can add delightful crunch. You could also sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle honey for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza with Buttery Crescent Crust Recipe a try because it combines the best of simple ingredients with mouthwatering flavors in a way that feels both special and approachable. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, and making it will bring a smile to your face just like it does mine every time. Enjoy every delicious bite!