Fruit Pizza on Chopped Bagel Bites: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Fruit pizza is a classic dessert, often made on a large sugar cookie crust. But what if you could enjoy the same delightful flavors in bite-sized portions, with a slightly unexpected and delightfully crunchy base? Enter: Fruit Pizza on Chopped Bagel Bites! This recipe takes the fun of fruit pizza and elevates it with the unique texture and flavor of bagel chips, creating a simple, elegant, and utterly irresistible treat.
This recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, brunches, or even a fun family activity. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fruit and cream cheese mixture to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bagels and get your kids involved in the kitchen. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly sophisticated and utterly addictive treat!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
* **Unique and Fun:** The chopped bagel base adds a delightful crunch and a subtle savory element that complements the sweetness of the fruit and cream cheese.
* **Customizable:** The fruit and cream cheese options are endless, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and what’s in season.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love assembling their own mini fruit pizzas, making it a fun and interactive activity.
* **Perfect for Parties:** These bite-sized treats are easy to serve and eat, making them a hit at any party or gathering.
* **Great for Using Leftover Bagels:** Instead of tossing out day-old bagels, transform them into a delicious and creative dessert.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Bagels:** 4-6 bagels (plain, everything, cinnamon raisin, or your favorite flavor). Day-old bagels work best for easier chopping.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This ensures it’s easy to spread.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 1/4 cup powdered sugar, to sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, for added flavor.
* **Fresh Fruit:** A variety of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mango, pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, and peaches. Choose fruits that are firm and visually appealing. Aim for at least 3-4 different types of fruit to create a colorful and flavorful pizza.
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Shredded coconut
* Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
* Mini chocolate chips
* A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
* A sprinkle of cinnamon
* A squeeze of lemon juice (to prevent browning of certain fruits like apples and bananas)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the bagels and fruit.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for chopping.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the cream cheese mixture.
* **Electric Mixer (optional):** To whip the cream cheese for a lighter texture.
* **Spatula:** For spreading the cream cheese mixture.
* **Baking Sheet or Serving Platter:** For arranging the fruit pizza bagel bites.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Bagel Bites
1. **Chop the Bagels:** Using a sharp knife, carefully chop the bagels into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size. The smaller pieces will be easier to eat and will create a more even base for the fruit pizza.
2. **Toast the Bagel Bites (Optional):** For a crispier base, you can toast the chopped bagels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can toast them in a toaster oven or a dry skillet over medium heat. Let the bagel bites cool completely before proceeding.
* **Note:** Toasting the bagel bites is optional, but it adds a nice crunch and prevents the cream cheese mixture from making them soggy. If you prefer a softer base, you can skip this step.
### Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
1. **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to mix and create a smooth, creamy texture.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. **Mix Well:** Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk), beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cream cheese to become too thin.
* **Tip:** For an even lighter and fluffier cream cheese mixture, you can whip it with an electric mixer for a few minutes until light and airy.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the cream cheese mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more powdered sugar. If you want a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
### Step 3: Prepare the Fruit
1. **Wash the Fruit:** Thoroughly wash all the fresh fruit under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. **Cut the Fruit:** Cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces. Strawberries should be sliced, blueberries and raspberries can be left whole (if small), kiwi and mango should be diced, grapes should be halved or quartered, and mandarin oranges should be segmented.
* **Tip:** Cut the fruit as uniformly as possible for a more visually appealing presentation.
3. **Optional: Prevent Browning:** If you’re using fruits that tend to brown quickly, such as apples or bananas, toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
4. **Arrange the Fruit:** In separate bowls, arrange the cut fruit for easy access during assembly.
### Step 4: Assemble the Fruit Pizza Bagel Bites
1. **Spread the Cream Cheese:** Using a spatula or spoon, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each chopped bagel bite. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bagel bite to provide a good base for the fruit.
2. **Arrange the Fruit:** Get creative and arrange the cut fruit on top of the cream cheese layer. You can create a simple pattern or a more elaborate design. Encourage kids to get involved and design their own mini fruit pizzas.
* **Tip:** Start with the larger pieces of fruit and then fill in the gaps with smaller pieces.
3. **Add Optional Toppings:** Sprinkle with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or any other desired toppings.
4. **Chill (Optional):** If you’re not serving the fruit pizza bagel bites immediately, you can chill them in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to firm up slightly. However, it’s best to serve them within a few hours of assembly to prevent the bagel bites from becoming soggy.
### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
1. **Arrange on a Platter:** Arrange the fruit pizza bagel bites on a serving platter or baking sheet for easy serving.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the fruit pizza bagel bites immediately and watch them disappear! These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Bagel Flavors:** Experiment with different bagel flavors to create unique flavor combinations. Cinnamon raisin bagels pair well with apples and cinnamon, while everything bagels add a savory note that complements berries and citrus fruits.
* **Try Different Cream Cheese Flavors:** Flavored cream cheeses, such as strawberry, blueberry, or honey walnut, can add another layer of flavor to the fruit pizza.
* **Add a Drizzle:** Drizzle the fruit pizza bagel bites with honey, maple syrup, or a chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Make a Large Fruit Pizza:** Instead of making individual bagel bites, you can create a large fruit pizza on a sliced bagel. Simply slice the bagel in half horizontally, spread with the cream cheese mixture, and arrange the fruit on top.
* **Use a Different Base:** If you don’t have bagels on hand, you can use other types of crackers or cookies as the base for the fruit pizza. Graham crackers, sugar cookies, or even pretzels can be used.
* **Get Creative with the Fruit:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of fruit. Star fruit, dragon fruit, and pomegranate seeds can add a unique and exotic touch to the fruit pizza.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan cream cheese and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
* **Add a Jam Layer:** Spread a thin layer of fruit jam (like strawberry or raspberry) on the bagel bites *before* spreading the cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Nut Butter Base:** For a richer flavor, use a thin layer of peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of (or under) the cream cheese.
* **Savory Version:** Ditch the powdered sugar and vanilla, and use plain cream cheese. Top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of dill for a savory bagel bite appetizer.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
While it’s best to assemble the fruit pizza bagel bites just before serving, you can prepare some of the components in advance to save time.
* **Chop the Bagels:** You can chop the bagels a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:** The cream cheese mixture can also be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it soften to room temperature before spreading it on the bagel bites.
* **Cut the Fruit:** Cut the fruit a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in airtight containers. Toss fruits prone to browning with a little lemon juice. Be aware that some fruits (like berries) release moisture as they sit, so they’re best if used fairly soon after cutting.
## Storage Instructions
Fruit pizza bagel bites are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the bagel bites may become slightly soggy over time.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving – assumes 1 bagel yields 10-12 bites)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of bagel and fruit.
* Calories: 80-120
* Fat: 4-7g
* Saturated Fat: 2-4g
* Cholesterol: 15-25mg
* Sodium: 80-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 2-3g
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use frozen fruit?**
A: While fresh fruit is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using it.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or even a whipped cream cheese. Just be sure to choose a cheese that is soft and spreadable.
**Q: Can I make these gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make these gluten-free by using gluten-free bagels or crackers.
**Q: Can I add a glaze?**
A: Yes, you can add a glaze to the fruit pizza bagel bites. A simple glaze can be made by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the fruit pizza bagel bites after they have been assembled.
**Q: How do I prevent the bagels from getting soggy?**
A: To prevent the bagels from getting soggy, toast them before adding the cream cheese mixture. You can also spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on the bagels before adding the cream cheese mixture to create a moisture barrier.
**Q: Can I use a sugar substitute?**
A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, in the cream cheese mixture.
## Fruit Pizza on Chopped Bagel Bites: Recipe Card
**Yields:** Approximately 40-60 bagel bites
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 5-7 minutes (optional toasting)
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 bagels (plain, everything, cinnamon raisin, or your favorite flavor)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mango, pineapple, grapes, mandarin oranges, peaches, etc.)
* Optional toppings: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Chop the bagels into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. (Optional) Toast the bagel bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Wash and cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces.
5. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each chopped bagel bite.
6. Arrange the cut fruit on top of the cream cheese layer.
7. Sprinkle with optional toppings, such as shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips.
8. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Fruit Pizza on Chopped Bagel Bites! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to enjoy a classic dessert with a unique twist.