There’s something magical about re-creating nostalgic flavors at home, and few desserts spark as much joy and memory as the classic Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza. This copycat recipe brings back that warm, sweet, buttery bite we all remember from buffet nights and birthday celebrations. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been baking it for every gathering.
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What Is Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza?
This dessert pizza is a sweet twist on a classic savory favorite. Inspired by the beloved offering from Pizza Hut’s once-famous dessert buffet, this cherry version delivers nostalgia in every bite. It starts with a buttery pizza crust, layered with glossy cherry pie filling, and is finished with a vanilla glaze drizzle that sets into a sugary sheen. Optional toasted almonds on top add a subtle crunch and hint of nuttiness.
This dessert is baked twice: once to pre-bake the crust so it stays light and flaky, and then again with the cherry topping to caramelize and meld the flavors. The result is a warm, bakery-quality treat that looks and tastes like it came straight from your favorite pizza joint.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just a dessert pizza. It’s an experience. It’s easy to make, perfect for groups, and endlessly customizable. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Simple Ingredients: You can use store-bought pizza dough and cherry pie filling, which makes this a great last-minute dessert.
- Customizable: Don’t like cherries? Swap in any other pie filling. Want more crunch? Add nuts or granola. Prefer a richer glaze? Try cream cheese instead of milk.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of treat that disappears fast at potlucks, family dinners, and sleepovers.
- Nostalgic: For many of us, this dessert brings back memories of Pizza Hut’s old-school buffets and childhood parties. It’s comfort food with a side of sentiment.
Flavor Profile
This dessert is all about balance. The crust is slightly sweet, buttery, and soft with a golden edge. The cherry filling is bright and juicy, offering a pop of tartness that cuts through the richness. The vanilla glaze adds a creamy sweetness that ties everything together, and the optional toasted almonds introduce a nutty crunch that enhances the texture.
Each bite is warm and gooey, with just the right contrast between soft crust and thick cherry topping. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need ice cream to shine—but a scoop doesn’t hurt either.
Is It Healthier Than It Looks?
While it’s definitely a treat, this dessert doesn’t go overboard. You’re not dealing with deep frying or heavy cream here. Plus, if you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to cut into smaller portions to keep things balanced. Using a lighter glaze or homemade pie filling can also reduce the sugar content.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the crust:
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To keep things easy and efficient, have these tools ready:
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Knife or pizza cutter
Optional Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This dessert pizza is super flexible. Here are some ideas if you’re feeling creative or need to adjust for dietary preferences:
- Different Pie Fillings: Apple, blueberry, or even strawberry rhubarb are fantastic substitutes.
- Flavored Glaze: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or even a splash of fruit juice to the glaze.
- Cinnamon Roll Crust: Swap the pizza dough for cinnamon roll dough for extra sweetness.
- Nut-Free: Skip the almonds or replace with crushed graham crackers or a streusel topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough evenly onto the sheet. Brush the entire surface with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust just begins to turn golden.
Step 2: Add the cherry filling
Remove the crust from the oven. Using a spoon or spatula, carefully spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the surface, stopping just short of the edges to leave a crust border. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the filling should be bubbling gently.
Step 3: Make and drizzle the glaze
While the pizza finishes baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly across the pizza using a spoon or piping bag. If using toasted almonds, sprinkle them over the top.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What to Serve With Cherry Dessert Pizza
This dessert stands strong on its own but can easily be elevated with the right pairing. Try these:
- Vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream for added creaminess
- Fresh whipped cream and berries for contrast
- Coffee or espresso for a classic coffeehouse vibe
- Milkshakes or floats to keep things fun and family-friendly
Want to turn it into a themed dessert night? Try pairing it with recipes like my Pizza Burgers for a playful savory main course, or follow up with Root Beer Cupcakes for an all-American retro dessert duo.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake the crust in the first step—if it gets too hard, it won’t absorb the cherry flavor.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before adding glaze—if it’s too hot, the glaze will melt and soak in rather than sit pretty on top.
- Use parchment paper to keep the crust from sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Toast the almonds for a deeper flavor—just a few minutes in a dry skillet is enough.
- Use high-quality pie filling for better taste and texture. If you have time, homemade cherry compote is even better.
Storage Instructions
If you somehow end up with leftovers (I doubt it, but still), here’s how to store them:
- Let the pizza cool completely before storing.
- Place slices in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Note: the crust will soften slightly over time.
- To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it can make the crust soggy.
More About Dessert Pizzas
Dessert pizzas gained popularity in the 80s and 90s thanks to chains like Pizza Hut and Cici’s, which introduced sugary versions of their savory staples. What makes them so lovable is their flexibility—they can go fruity, chocolaty, creamy, or crunchy depending on the toppings.
And because they start with a simple crust, the creative possibilities are endless. From Nutella banana dessert pizzas to white chocolate raspberry swirl versions, there’s a version for every craving.
If this cherry one leaves you hungry for more colorful creations, check out my Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake. It’s vibrant, creamy, and just as fun to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, absolutely. If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe or want to make it from scratch, go for it. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough for the dessert style.
Can I freeze this dessert pizza?
While technically you can freeze it, the texture is best when served fresh. The glaze and filling can get a little runny when thawed. If you must freeze, skip the glaze and add it after reheating.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Just use a gluten-free pizza crust and confirm that your pie filling and glaze ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is this overly sweet?
It’s definitely a dessert, but the tartness of the cherries helps balance out the sweetness of the glaze and crust. You can also reduce the glaze amount if you prefer a lighter touch.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the crust and add the cherry filling ahead of time, then reheat and glaze just before serving for the best presentation.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
This Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza copycat recipe is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a nostalgic journey. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough for parties. And best of all, it brings people together around a slice of warm, sweet, buttery goodness.
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or re-creating a childhood memory, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Looking for more creative and crave-worthy dessert ideas? Explore these:
- Pizza Burgers Recipe – the savory sibling to this sweet pizza
- Root Beer Cupcakes – classic soda shop flavors in cupcake form
- Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake – colorful, fun, and perfect for celebrations
Leave a Review and Share Your Creations
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest, or leave a review below with your thoughts. Your feedback helps others and keeps these recipes flowing!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza Copycat Recipe
Description
Recreate the nostalgic magic of the classic Pizza Hut Cherry Dessert Pizza right at home! This sweet treat features a buttery, golden crust topped with juicy cherry pie filling, a creamy vanilla glaze drizzle, and optional toasted almonds for crunch. It’s ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing, and just as good—if not better—than the original. Perfect for pizza night, potlucks, or when you’re craving a retro-inspired dessert that feels both familiar and special.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
For the glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Roll out the pizza dough on the prepared sheet or pan. Brush the surface with melted butter.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, just until it starts to turn lightly golden.
Remove from oven and carefully spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
While it bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make your glaze.
Let the pizza cool slightly (about 5–10 minutes), then drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds if using. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Crust options: Store-bought dough keeps this simple, but feel free to use your favorite homemade pizza dough.
Nut-free? Skip the almonds or swap in crushed graham crackers or streusel topping for crunch.
Make it your own: Try apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling as fun variations.
Glaze tip: Let the pizza cool a bit before drizzling so the glaze doesn’t melt into the topping too much.
Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.