Apple Dessert Pizza Recipe

Combine warm water, warm milk, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid, stir gently, and let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt.

Add the softened butter and the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms; if dough is very sticky, add up to 1–2 tbsp additional flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm spot 30–45 minutes until puffy (not necessarily doubled).

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down dough and roll or stretch into a 10–11 inch round on a piece of parchment paper. Transfer (on parchment) to a baking sheet or pizza stone.

Dock the dough lightly with a fork to prevent large bubbles. Brush the edge with 1 tbsp melted butter for color if desired.

Bake crust in preheated oven 8–10 minutes until just set and very lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare fillings.

While crust cools, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth and spreadable. If too thick, stir in 1–2 tsp milk to reach a spreadable consistency.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm (not hot) crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Core and thinly slice the 2 apples (about 1/8-inch thick). Toss slices in a bowl with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp cornstarch.

Toss the sugared-cinnamon mixture with the lemon-coated apple slices until evenly coated.

Arrange the apple slices over the cream cheese layer in overlapping concentric circles, keeping the pattern even across the pizza.

Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake 6–8 minutes more at 425°F (220°C) until apples have softened slightly but still hold shape and edges begin to color. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

While the pizza bakes, warm 2 tbsp apricot jam with 1 tsp water in a small saucepan or microwave 10–15 seconds, stirring until smooth.

Remove pizza from oven and immediately brush the warm apricot glaze over the apples to give shine and hold slices in place.

If desired, sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds over the pizza for crunch.

Let the pizza cool 5–10 minutes, then dust the edges lightly with 1 tsp powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.