Name: Chocolate Strawberry Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza dough; 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional); 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Delicious homemade dessert pizza with chocolate spread, fresh strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese on a wooden serving board. | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this incredible dessert pizza at a friend's dinner party in Italy, where sweet pizzas are sometimes served as a surprising finale to a meal. The combination of the slightly savory crust with the sweet chocolate and fresh fruit completely won me over. When I returned home, I was determined to recreate it, and after several attempts, I perfected this version. What I love most is how the melted chocolate forms a luscious base that holds the fresh strawberries in place, while the feta adds small pockets of saltiness that enhance all the other flavors. The visual appeal is undeniable - the bright red strawberries against the dark chocolate make for a stunning presentation that always draws gasps when I bring it to the table.

Why I love this recipe

I love this dessert pizza recipe because it combines simplicity with sophisticated flavors. It's one of those magical recipes that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. The contrast between the warm, melty chocolate and the cool, fresh strawberries creates such a pleasing texture experience, while the feta adds an unexpected twist that elevates it beyond typical dessert fare. I also appreciate how versatile it is - I can make it with store-bought pizza dough when I'm short on time, or create a homemade crust when I want to impress. It's become my signature dessert for gatherings because it's both casual and elegant at the same time. Plus, there's something inherently fun about serving a 'pizza' for dessert - it always brings smiles to people's faces and creates a sharing, communal experience around the table.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Pizza dough: Creates the base for our dessert pizza with its slightly chewy texture and mild flavor.
Chocolate hazelnut spread: Forms a rich, creamy layer that melts slightly when warm.
Fresh strawberries: Provide juicy sweetness and bright color that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
Feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy element that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Honey: Drizzled on top to add glossy shine and additional sweetness.
White chocolate chips: Optional addition that melts slightly when added to the warm pizza, creating creamy pockets of sweetness.

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the dough: Start with room temperature pizza dough for easier handling. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness - about 1/4 inch works well for this dessert pizza. The dough should be slightly thinner in the middle and thicker around the edges to create a nice crust.
Pre-bake wisely: Partially baking the crust before adding toppings ensures it will be fully cooked and slightly crisp, not soggy. Brush with butter and vanilla for enhanced flavor before the first bake. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
Layer strategically: Spread the chocolate while the crust is still warm from pre-baking so it melts slightly and creates a smooth layer. Don't spread all the way to the edge - leave that border for a clean crust to hold onto.
Time the toppings: Add strawberries and cheese after the final bake. The residual heat will warm them slightly without making them mushy or melting the cheese completely. This preserves the fresh flavor and texture contrast.
Serve promptly: While this dessert pizza can be enjoyed at room temperature, it's absolutely magical when served warm, about 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. The contrast between the warm chocolate and the cool, fresh strawberries creates a delightful sensory experience.

Recipe picture — Freshly baked dessert pizza with chocolate ganache, sliced strawberries, and cheese crumbles cut into slices on parchment paper. | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made this dessert pizza, I was a bit nervous about combining feta cheese with chocolate and strawberries. But after my first bite, I was completely converted! I've experimented with different variations since then - sometimes using a mixture of berries like raspberries and blackberries alongside the strawberries, or substituting mascarpone for the feta when I want a creamier, less tangy finish. For a special occasion, I've even drizzled a balsamic reduction over the top, which adds an incredible depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.

Perfect Pairings

This Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Pizza pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. For a casual dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side, allowing it to melt slightly against the warm pizza. For an adult gathering, pair it with a glass of ruby port or a late-harvest Zinfandel, which will complement the chocolate and berry flavors. If you're serving it for brunch, consider offering it alongside a creamy cappuccino or a sparkling rosé to create a delightful contrast to the rich, sweet flavors of the pizza.

Sweet dessert pizza featuring a golden crust, chocolate hazelnut spread, ripe strawberries, and white cheese crumbles. | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using pre-made?: Absolutely! A homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. For a dessert pizza, consider adding 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to your dough recipe for added sweetness that complements the toppings.
→ Is there a non-dairy alternative to the feta cheese?: Yes, you can substitute with coconut yogurt thickened with a bit of coconut cream, or use a non-dairy cream cheese. Another option is to skip the cheese entirely and add more white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to maintain that sweet-salty balance.
→ Can I prepare this dessert pizza in advance?: You can pre-bake the crust and even add the chocolate layer up to a day ahead. Store covered at room temperature, then reheat briefly in a 300°F oven before adding the fresh strawberries, feta, and honey just before serving.
→ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?: The key is properly pre-baking the crust and creating a barrier with the chocolate layer. Make sure to spread the chocolate all the way to where the strawberries will sit to create a moisture barrier between the fruit and the crust.
→ What other fruits work well on this dessert pizza?: This pizza is incredibly versatile! Try raspberries, blackberries, sliced bananas, peaches, or a combination of fruits. Just make sure they're not overly juicy, or pat them dry before placing on the pizza to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Pizza strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty flavors. The buttery, golden crust provides a wonderful base for the rich chocolate spread, while the fresh strawberries add a bright, juicy element. The unexpected addition of feta cheese creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this dessert beyond the ordinary. It's a crowd-pleasing treat that's equally suitable for casual family gatherings or elegant dinner parties.