If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of crunch with your desserts, the Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a golden, buttery pizza crust coated with a generous layer of cinnamon-spiced sugar, topped with a delightful mix of brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and crunchy pecans, then finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors with a satisfyingly crisp texture that feels both indulgent and comforting. This easy dessert pizza is a quick way to bring a crowd-pleasing dessert to your table anytime you want a cozy, sweet snack or a simple yet impressive finish to your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, approachable ingredients is what makes this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe so appealing. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flaky pizza dough forming a crispy base to the rich melted butter and fragrant cinnamon sugar creating that irresistible flavor and texture contrast.
- 1 ball of refrigerated pizza dough (about 1 lb): Choose store-bought or homemade for a flaky, tender crust that crisps perfectly in the oven.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the sugar topping stick beautifully to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides a sweet sparkle and crunchy texture once baked.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives this pizza its signature cozy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth in the sugar blend.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Offers moist sweetness and a subtle caramel note for added complexity.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers: A crunchy, toasty texture contrast that feels like a comforting nod to a graham cracker crust.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Optional but highly recommended for an even crunchier, nutty twist.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps create a pourable glaze consistency without overpowering sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers a fragrant, sweet aroma that complements cinnamon and sugar perfectly.
How to Make Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready to bake your dessert pizza to golden perfection. While the oven warms up, roll out your pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or your trusty pizza stone. Shape it into a 12-inch circle or rectangle depending on your preference. This forms the perfect canvas for the toppings that bring the Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe to life.
Step 2: Brush with Butter
Brush the entire surface of your rolled-out dough generously with the melted unsalted butter. This step is key because it creates a rich, buttery base that locks in moisture and helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere perfectly during baking.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Evenly sprinkle this fragrant blend over the buttery dough, making sure every bite will carry that lovely cinnamon sweetness balanced with a pinch of saltiness for depth.
Step 4: Add Brown Sugar, Graham Crackers, and Pecans
Following the cinnamon-sugar layer, sprinkle the brown sugar across the dough, packing in more sweetness and a slightly chewy texture once baked. Then scatter the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans (if you’re using them) on top. These layers add the signature crunch that makes this pizza so irresistible and memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch how the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the sugar topping starts bubbling and caramelizing. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks crisp, glossy, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
While the pizza is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a luscious glaze. Once your cinnamon-sugar pizza comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes to set slightly, then drizzle the glaze generously over the top for an extra layer of sweet, creamy delight.
Step 7: Slice and Serve Warm
After glazing, slice your Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe into 8 generous pieces and serve warm. Enjoy the contrast of the crunchy crust, gooey sugar topping, and silky vanilla glaze with every delicious bite!
How to Serve Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and taste by adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a few pecan halves, or even a dollop of whipped cream on each slice. Fresh berries can also add a pop of color and brighten the sweet flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pizza pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea makes a perfect beverage companion that complements the cinnamon zing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the pizza into smaller bite-sized squares and serve it family-style on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze and nuts for topping. You can also layer sliced bananas or apples on the dough before sprinkling the sugars to add fruity freshness to your Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon-sugar pizza can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind the crust may lose some crispiness but will still taste delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pizza dough separately. However, this dessert pizza is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing the baked pizza is not recommended because the crunchy texture may become soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy rather than crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just roll it out to the same size and thickness for the best results.
Is it necessary to use pecans?
No, pecans are optional. You can omit them if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free pizza. The graham cracker crumbs will still provide plenty of crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings and bake up crisp.
What can I substitute for the vanilla glaze?
If you prefer, drizzle melted caramel sauce or a simple honey glaze instead. Both choices complement the cinnamon sugar flavors beautifully.
How soon should I serve this dessert after baking?
It’s best served warm, within 10 to 15 minutes of coming out of the oven, so you enjoy the perfect balance of crispy texture and melty glaze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, you really can’t go wrong with this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe. It’s got that perfect mix of textures and sweetness that makes everyone smile, whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously sweet and crunchy cinnamon-sugar dessert pizza made with buttery pizza dough, topped with a cinnamon-sugar blend, graham crackers, pecans, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect as a warm treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 ball of refrigerated pizza dough (about 1 lb)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone, shaping it into a 12-inch circle or rectangle.
- Butter the Dough: Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with the melted unsalted butter to help toppings stick and add richness.
- Prepare Topping Mix: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Add Additional Toppings: Sprinkle brown sugar, crushed graham crackers, and chopped pecans (if using) evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the sugar topping bubbles and caramelizes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the pizza is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, let the pizza cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough as per your convenience.
- For extra crunch, increase the amount of nuts or try drizzling with caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze.
- This dessert pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven gently to warm before serving.
