If you’ve ever craved the warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar topped dessert pizza from Pizza Inn, you’re not alone. This beloved sweet treat is a nostalgic favorite for many, and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen. With a buttery crust, sweet cinnamon streusel, and a creamy icing drizzle, this homemade version is easy, satisfying, and sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 1 (13.8 oz) tube refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade equivalent)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or line with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough onto the pan, stretching it to fit. If using homemade dough, roll to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Brush with butter: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and brush evenly over the surface of the dough, all the way to the edges. This adds flavor and helps the topping adhere.
- Make the cinnamon streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or clean fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the dough: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the buttered dough, going nearly to the edges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the streusel is bubbling and crisp. Check at 12 minutes and add a minute or two if needed. The bottom should be cooked through and lightly browned.
- Make the icing: While the pizza bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk, a few drops at a time, until the icing is thick but pourable.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm pizza using a spoon or piping bag. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Tips
- Substituting dough: If you prefer, use homemade pizza dough or even a pre-baked flatbread for a crispier base. Just be sure not to over-bake.
- Topping variations: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips to the streusel for extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes; overbaking will make the crust too hard and the sugar may burn.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the streusel topping a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture and fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with extra icing or even a bit of caramel sauce for more decadence.
- Cut into small squares or strips for a fun party treat or buffet addition.
Variations
- Apple Dessert Pizza: Thinly slice and layer 1 small apple over the buttered dough before adding the streusel. The apple will soften as it bakes.
- Berry Dessert Pizza: Scatter a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries under the streusel for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the topping before baking for a chocolatey finish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pizza dough and substitute the flour in the streusel with a gluten-free blend.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover dessert pizza can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or in a toaster oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy. If freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
- Absolutely. Store-bought refrigerated pizza dough works well and saves time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling out, which prevents shrinking and tearing. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer.
- What makes Pizza Inn’s dessert pizza unique?
- Pizza Inn’s dessert pizza is known for its soft, slightly chewy crust, buttery cinnamon-sugar streusel, and a creamy icing drizzle. The combination of the warm, pillowy base and the sweet, crunchy topping is what sets it apart from other dessert pizzas.
- Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
- You can assemble the pizza up to the point before baking and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest result. The streusel topping can also be made a day ahead and kept chilled in a covered container.
- Is there a dairy-free version of this dessert pizza?
- Yes! Substitute plant-based butter for both the melted and cold butter, and use a non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat) in the icing. Be sure your pizza dough is also dairy-free, as some brands contain milk powder.
- How do I keep the icing from melting too much?
- Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes after baking before drizzling on the icing. If the pizza is too hot, the icing will melt and run off the top. For a thicker icing, use less milk.
- Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
- Definitely. Double all ingredients and prepare two pizzas, baking them on separate pans. You may need to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.