Discover the delightfully sweet and comforting treat that is the Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe. This irresistible dessert combines a soft, pillowy dough with a crunchy, buttery cinnamon crumb topping and a luscious drizzle of vanilla icing. It’s like having the best parts of cinnamon rolls and crumb cake all in one slice, making it perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a moment of pure bliss. Whether you’re new to dessert pizzas or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for this Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe ensures you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the airy dough base to the sweet crumbly topping and luscious icing drizzle.
- 1 tsp instant yeast: Activates the dough to create a soft, airy crust.
- 1 ½ Tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
- 2 Tbsp hot water: Helps dissolve the yeast for even fermentation.
- ⅓ cup warm milk: Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 2 Tbsp oil: Keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, adjust as needed for consistency.
- 1 cup flour (for crumb topping): Creates the crunchy, crumbly texture on top.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the crumb topping.
- ¼ cup sugar: Brightens sweetness and helps caramelization.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses that signature warm, spicy flavor throughout.
- ¼ cup softened butter: Binds the crumb topping and adds richness.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens the glaze for a creamy finish.
- ½ tsp vanilla: Elevates the icing with a lovely aromatic note.
- 1 Tbsp milk: Adjusts icing consistency for perfect drizzling.
How to Make Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the instant yeast, sugar, hot water, and warm milk in a bowl. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves and starts to activate. This forms the foundation for your soft, pillowy dough. Add salt and oil, then slowly incorporate one cup of flour until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms, developing enough elasticity to knead comfortably. Knead just a few times on a floured surface, then place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes to rise and relax. This resting period ensures a tender but sturdy crust perfect for holding the crumb topping.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
After resting, roll or press the dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly greased cookie sheet or pizza pan. The even, thin base provides the perfect stage for the cinnamon crumb to shine without overpowering the crust. Lightly greasing the pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine all the crumb topping ingredients—flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your hands to work them together until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. This hands-on approach breaks the butter into perfect little pockets, ensuring a crave-worthy crunchy topping after baking. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over your rolled-out dough for optimal coverage.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Your cinnamon crumb dessert pizza needs about 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake until the crust turns a lovely light brown and the topping is crisp and golden. This quick bake time is key to locking in softness under the crumb layer while achieving that irresistible crunch on top.
Step 5: Drizzle with Icing
While the pizza is cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to craft a smooth icing. Adjust the milk for a thin enough consistency to drizzle effortlessly. For a neat, controlled drizzle, transfer the icing to a small ziplock bag, snip a tiny corner, and artfully zigzag it over the warm pizza for a stunning finish that tastes as good as it looks.
How to Serve Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe even further, consider topping it with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries for bursts of color and tartness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds textural contrast and visual appeal. These small touches make every bite exciting and Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dessert pizza shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy morning treat, serve alongside a cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm cinnamon flavors. These thoughtful pairings transform it from simple dessert to an unforgettable gathering centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe into bite-sized squares for a charming party appetizer or buffet addition. For an unexpected twist, layer the baked dessert pizza with slices of warmed apples or pears before adding the icing. Even serving it on a rustic wooden board can make your presentation feel warm and inviting—perfect for sharing stories over dessert with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe, keep them covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain the crust’s softness and preserves the crumb topping’s crunch as much as possible.
Freezing
To enjoy this dessert pizza later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating and texture retention.
Reheating
Warm up slices in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that just-baked aroma and crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy. A quick heat-up brings back the joy of that fresh-from-the-oven bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use regular active dry yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but be sure to activate it in warm water for about 5 minutes before mixing it with other ingredients. Instant yeast skips this step, but either works well in creating a soft dough for this dessert pizza.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling out. This method often enhances flavor and makes baking day easier.
Can I add other spices to the crumb topping?
Definitely. Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom make wonderful additions that complement the cinnamon beautifully. Just keep the spice balance subtle so the cinnamon remains the star of the show.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the icing?
If powdered sugar isn’t available, you can make a simple glaze with granulated sugar dissolved in a bit of hot water or milk. It won’t be as smooth but still adds a sweet finishing touch.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch thickness is ideal—thin enough to bake through quickly but thick enough to support the crumb topping without becoming soggy. It creates the perfect chewy yet tender base for the dessert pizza.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness with every bite. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and simply perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a beloved go-to treat for any occasion—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch dessert pizza (serves 6-8)
Description
This Cinnamon Crumb Dessert Pizza features a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping and finished with a smooth vanilla icing drizzle. Perfect as a cozy, sweet treat for any occasion, this dessert pizza combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a tender crust baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp hot water
- ⅓ cup warm milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more or less as needed)
Cinnamon Crumb Topping
- 1 cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
Icing
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp milk (more or less as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, hot water, and warm milk. Stir well until the yeast dissolves completely and the mixture is slightly frothy.
- Add salt, oil, and flour: Mix in the salt and oil to the yeast mixture, then add one cup of the all-purpose flour. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Knead the dough: Gradually add the remaining flour until you form a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rest: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax and slightly rise.
- Shape the crust: Roll or press the dough on a lightly greased cookie sheet or pizza pan into a 12-inch circle, making sure it’s evenly thick.
- Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Apply topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping over the rolled-out dough crust.
- Bake: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown and the crumb topping is set.
- Prepare icing: While the pizza bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle icing: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over the dessert pizza. For precision, place the icing in a small ziplock bag, snip a corner, and drizzle it artistically over the top.
Notes
- Ensure the milk used in the dough is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Adjust the amount of flour to get a soft but workable dough; slight variations may occur due to humidity.
- The crumb topping can be mixed with a fork or fingers for best texture.
- Let the baked pizza cool slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting too much.
- Use a ziplock bag for easy icing drizzle control.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
