Add Preferred SourceThere’s something so comforting about the combination of apples, caramel, and a buttery cookie crust. Every fall, I find myself craving something that brings the warmth of the season right to my kitchen, and this caramel apple pizza does just that. The idea of a dessert pizza might sound a little unexpected, but once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper. With soft, creamy ricotta in the cookie crust and a decadent caramel drizzle, this treat is a celebration of fall flavors in every bite.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you! See Disclosure.
One of my fondest memories involves making this caramel apple pizza for a family gathering. The house filled with the scent of cinnamon, apples, and butter, and everyone was instantly drawn to the kitchen. We didn’t even have a chance to set it on the table before people started cutting slices and sneaking tastes. It's that kind of dessert, the one that’s perfect for sharing and impossible to resist!
A Cozy Fall Delight
There’s something magical about the crisp air and cozy moments that come with the fall season. And when apples are in full harvest, there’s no better way to enjoy them than in this caramel apple pizza. The sweet, tangy apples, paired with the smooth cream cheese and rich caramel, create a dessert that’s as comforting as a fall afternoon wrapped in a blanket. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this pizza brings all the warm feels.
Ingredients
For the cookie crust
- unsalted butter, softened
- sugar
- cheese
- egg
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
For the topping
- cream cheese, softened
- caramel sauce
- apple pie spice
- Granny Smith apples, sliced
- pecans, chopped
- Additional caramel sauce, to drizzle
How to Make Caramel Apple Pizza
Start by making the cookie crust. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar, creaming them together until smooth and fluffy. This step is key to getting a light and tender crust. Add in the ricotta cheese and egg, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl often to make sure everything is incorporated. The ricotta gives the dough a rich, slightly tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness. Once those ingredients are mixed together, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, forming a dough.
Next, transfer the dough onto a strip of plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc, and wrap it tightly. Let it chill in the fridge for about 2 hours to firm up, which makes it easier to roll out. While the dough chills, you can prepare your toppings.
Once the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 16 inches in diameter and about ½ to ⅝ of an inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set. Allow the crust to cool completely before assembling the pizza.
While the crust cools, make the cream cheese topping. In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, and apple pie spice until smooth and well combined. The caramel and spice bring a cozy warmth to the cream cheese, making it the perfect base for the fresh apples.
Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples on top, followed by a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel and cream cheese.
Finally, slice your caramel apple pizza and serve it right away, though I’m sure it won’t last long.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel apple pizza is perfect for sharing at a family dinner or fall gathering. Pair it with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat that will have everyone coming back for more. You could even top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. It's simple but so satisfying!
Storage Tips
While this pizza is best served fresh, it can be stored in the fridge for up to one day. Make sure to cover it well to keep the crust from getting soggy. If you plan to store the apples for a longer period, treat them with a little lemon juice before placing them on the pizza to prevent browning.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the caramel apple pizza, you’ll love these other fall-inspired treats! The Pecan Pie Brownies are a decadent blend of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans, making them a perfect pairing. For more apple goodness, try the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars; they’re a creamy, indulgent take on the classic caramel apple. If you love soft and spiced desserts, the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies will definitely hit the spot, while the Apple Dump Cake offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy apples in a cozy dessert. And for something light and buttery, the Pecan Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. These recipes will make your fall gatherings even sweeter!
Caramel Apple Pizza
Equipment
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples sliced
- ⅓ cup pecans chopped
- Additional caramel sauce to drizzle
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add ricotta and egg, mixing well.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix to form dough.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap, chill for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll dough into a 16-inch circle, bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow crust to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, caramel sauce, and apple pie spice together.
- Spread cream cheese mixture on cooled crust, top with apples, caramel, and pecans.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter option.
- Use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
