Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Topping
- Fresh fruit, diced small, for topping (e.g., bananas, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and line it with one long sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. Butter the parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth and well blended. Add granulated sugar and salt, mixing well. Using a wooden spoon, beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add the flour last and stir until there are no flour streaks.
- Bake brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and set the baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut brownie rounds: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut the brownies into rounds.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue whipping until the frosting is smooth and light.
- Assemble fruit pizzas: Frost each brownie round generously with the cream cheese frosting, piping or spreading as preferred. Top with a variety of diced fresh fruit. For fruits like banana, toss them briefly in a lemon water mixture to prevent browning before drying and topping.
- Serve or refrigerate: For best flavor and texture, serve immediately after assembling. These can be made ahead by preparing the brownies and frosting beforehand; brownies can be frosted the day before and refrigerated. Add fresh fruit just before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- To prevent banana slices from browning quickly, toss them in a light lemon water mixture and dry before adding to the pizzas.
- You can use any fresh fruit of your choice such as berries, kiwi, mango, or peaches depending on season and preference.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies from the baking dish and avoid breakage when cutting rounds.
- Make cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter together first before adding powdered sugar for a perfectly smooth texture.
- Store frosted brownies covered in refrigerator if not serving immediately, but add fresh fruit just before serving for best taste.
- The brownie rounds can be sized differently if desired; adjust baking time accordingly if using a smaller or larger pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
