Pizza dough is a versatile ingredient that’s not just limited to savory dishes. With its soft texture and neutral flavor, pizza dough can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From indulgent pastries to fruity delights, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating desserts with pizza dough. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a range of creative and delectable desserts using pizza dough as the star ingredient.
5 Desserts with Pizza Dough
Pizza dough offers a blank canvas for creating desserts that are both inventive and delicious. Its malleable texture allows for easy shaping and filling, while its ability to crisp up beautifully in the oven adds a delightful crunch to sweet treats. Let’s dive into some irresistible dessert ideas using pizza dough:
1. Fruit-Filled Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Assorted fruits (such as apples, berries, or peaches)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
- Egg wash (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rounds or squares, depending on your preference.
In a bowl, toss the sliced fruits with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice to create the filling.
Place a spoonful of fruit filling onto one half of each dough round or square, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal.
Optional: Brush the tops of the hand pies with egg wash for a shiny finish.
Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Butter, melted
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Icing or caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a round or rectangular shape.
Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar.
Place the cinnamon sugar-coated dough on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Optional: Dust the baked dessert pizza with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Drizzle with icing or caramel sauce, if desired, before serving. Slice and enjoy warm.
3. Nutella and Banana Calzones
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Nutella (or your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread)
- Ripe bananas, sliced
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rounds or squares.
Spread a generous amount of Nutella onto one half of each dough round or square.
Arrange sliced bananas over the Nutella.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal.
Use a fork to crimp the edges of the calzones for a decorative touch.
Transfer the calzones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Allow the calzones to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey chocolate and banana filling.
4. Apple Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter, melted
- Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Arrange thinly sliced apples evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
Slice the dough into rounds, about 1 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired, before serving. Enjoy the warm, gooey apple cinnamon roll-ups as a delightful dessert or indulgent snack.
5. Mini Nutella-Stuffed Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Nutella (or your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle.
Using a small cookie cutter or glass, cut out rounds of dough.
Place a small dollop of Nutella in the center of each dough round.
Fold the dough over the Nutella to enclose it, then pinch the edges to seal.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the stuffed dough rounds to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the fried doughnuts from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Optional: Dust the warm doughnuts with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve the mini Nutella-stuffed doughnuts warm and enjoy the gooey chocolatey filling encased in crispy, golden dough.
See Also: Homemade Pizza & Pizza Dough
Conclusion
Pizza dough isn’t just for savory pizzas anymore—it’s a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a wide array of delicious desserts. From fruit-filled hand pies and cinnamon sugar dessert pizza to Nutella-stuffed calzones and mini doughnuts, the possibilities for sweet creations with pizza dough are endless. Whether you’re craving something fruity, chocolaty, or cinnamon-spiced, these dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, think outside the pizza box and whip up one of these irresistible desserts using pizza dough as your secret ingredient. Your taste buds will thank you!