I’m super excited to share this Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe with you because it’s one of those magical desserts that combines the cozy warmth of apple pie with the fun of pizza night. Imagine a yeasted dough topped with tart cinnamon-spiced apples, a luscious cream cheese layer, and a crumbly, buttery streusel that adds the perfect crunch. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a new favorite for your family and friends!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Nostalgic: It smells like fresh apple pie and tastes like a warm hug from your childhood.
Textural Magic: The combination of soft cinnamon apples, creamy cheese topping, and crumbly streusel creates layers of texture that keep you coming back for more.
All-in-One Dessert: This feels like a treat and a comfort food rolled into one gorgeous dessert pizza everyone will rave about.
Easy to Make: I broke down the steps so even beginners will nail this with ease and enjoy the reward.

The image shows a round apple dessert pizza divided into seven slices on a silver tray placed on a white marbled surface over a red and white checkered cloth. The pizza has a light golden-brown crust with a base layer of apple slices arranged evenly in a circle. On top, there is a layer of crumbly streusel in small clumps and a thick drizzle of caramel sauce spread unevenly over the whole pizza. Two white plates each hold a single slice with caramel sauce drizzled on top, one plate has a fork beside the slice. A small green bowl filled with caramel sauce and a spoon rests near the pizza. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel, dessert pizza with apples, cinnamon apple dessert, easy apple dessert, apple streusel pizza, warm apple desserts

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together like a dream team — the flour and yeast create the perfect dough base, tart apples bring a fresh zing, and the sugar and cinnamon add just the right amount of sweet spice. I’ve also included some butter in a few places to boost that richness we all crave in desserts.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a few tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small white bowl, a small heap of active dry yeast granules, a pinch of salt in a tiny white bowl, a small white bowl with water, a small white bowl with milk, cubes of fresh butter, several peeled and thinly sliced tart apples arranged neatly, a small white bowl with brown sugar, a small white bowl with caramel ice cream topping, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl containing a mixture of flour and sugar, and cold butter cubes grouped together, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel, dessert pizza with apples, cinnamon apple dessert, easy apple dessert, apple streusel pizza, warm apple desserts

All-purpose flour: Use a good quality flour for the dough and streusel to get that perfect texture and tenderness.
Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used to balance sweetness and moisture – choose your favorites but I prefer light brown sugar for that mild molasses hint in the cheese topping.
Active dry yeast: This is what gives the dough its soft, airy texture — make sure it’s fresh and alive for best results.
Salt: Just a pinch to highlight all the flavors.
Water and milk: Warm, but not too hot, for activating the yeast without killing it.
Butter: Cubed and cold for the streusel, but softened for the dough mixing – different temperatures make a big difference!
Tart apples: Granny Smith or any crisp tart variety works best to hold up to cooking without turning mushy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy apple-pie vibe I love.
Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth, rich cheese topping that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Caramel ice cream topping: A little indulgence stirred into the cheese topping and also great drizzled on the finished pizza.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Apple Dessert Pizza as is, but sometimes I switch things up depending on the season or who I’m serving. You can easily personalize it to your taste buds or dietary needs.

Gluten-free dough: I’ve swapped the regular flour with a gluten-free blend (checking yeast compatibility) and it still turned out tender and delightful.
Spiced up streusel: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the streusel brings extra warmth if you want a fall flavor boost.
Pecan or walnut topping: Sprinkling chopped nuts on top before baking adds a fantastic crunch that my family goes nuts for.
Sugar swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust liquid ratios) for a more natural sweetener alternative.

How to Make Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Rest the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then, warm the water, milk, and butter together – you’re aiming for 120°-130°F so the yeast wakes up without getting hurt. Pour this warm mixture into the dry ingredients and beat the batter for about two minutes. Keep stirring in enough extra flour until the dough becomes firm enough to handle. Roll it onto a floured surface, cover loosely, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This little break helps the dough relax and rise slightly, which makes rolling it out smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Cinnamon Apples

While the dough chills, get your apple topping going. In a large skillet, toss the peeled, sliced tart apples with butter over medium heat for about two minutes. Then mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle this over the apples. Cook and stir for another three minutes as this mixture thickens, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 4 to 6 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Don’t rush this — tender apples are essential for a perfect balance of texture!

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and caramel ice cream topping until completely smooth. This cheese layer is my favorite part — it adds a velvety, lightly sweet counterpoint that complements the tangy apples beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Streusel

Now, for the streusel — combine flour and sugar in a small bowl, then cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized chunks. Here’s a little secret I learned: using cold butter is critical because it creates that classic crumbly texture that melts perfectly while baking. This streusel topping takes this dessert pizza to the next level with a crunchy, buttery finish.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 14-inch pizza pan, then gently pat your floured dough onto it, shaping it evenly and building the edges up a bit like a crust. Spread the cream cheese layer over the dough first, then spoon the warm cinnamon apples evenly on top. Finally, sprinkle the streusel all over. Pop it into your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the streusel looks beautifully toasted. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like heaven!

Serve warm or room temperature. If you’re feeling super indulgent, drizzle extra caramel ice cream topping just before serving — it’s a total game-changer.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe

Perfect Dough Warmth: I like to test water with a kitchen thermometer or just my wrist – it should feel warm but not hot, about 120°-130°F, so the yeast activates without dying.
Apple Texture Balance: Don’t overcook the apples; you want tender but firm slices that won’t turn mushy when baked on the pizza.
Cold Butter for Streusel: Keep the butter cubes ice cold and cut them in quickly for that crumbly texture — warm butter will just melt and make your streusel soggy.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye after 20 minutes – oven temps vary, and you don’t want the crust or streusel to burn; golden brown is your cue.

How to Serve Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe

A single slice of apple crumble pie sits on a round silver tray with the rest of the pie still in the background. The pie has three visible layers: a bottom golden-brown crust that looks firm and slightly crunchy, a middle layer filled with soft, cooked apple slices that are pale yellow and tender, and a top layer of crumbly streusel that is light brown and uneven in texture. A shiny caramel sauce is drizzled on top, pooling slightly on the tray around the slice. In the background, there is a white bowl with a spoon containing more caramel sauce and a white plate with some pastries. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel, dessert pizza with apples, cinnamon apple dessert, easy apple dessert, apple streusel pizza, warm apple desserts

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the flavors shine, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves adds a pretty finishing touch. A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce is a must in my book, especially if you’re serving this as a special dessert after dinner.

Side Dishes

This dessert pizza is pretty indulgent on its own, but if you’re serving it for a fall gathering, I like to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or chai tea for that cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve sliced the pizza into smaller, bite-sized squares and served them on a festive platter with little dessert forks. Once, I even served it alongside a scoop of whipped cream piped in rosettes around the edges — trust me, it’s a conversation starter and looks super impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving or reheat gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully assembled apple pizzas before baking — wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. It’s a lifesaver when you want to prep ahead for holidays.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crisp. Microwave is faster but can make the crust a bit soggy, so I reserve that for really quick snacks.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they hold up well and offer a nice tang, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter, slightly softer texture. Just try to avoid very soft apples that might turn mushy during cooking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes, you can make the dough a day before and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out. This can save you some time on busy baking days.
Is the streusel topping sweet or savory?

The streusel topping is sweet and buttery, made from flour, sugar, and cold butter. It adds a delicious crumbly, slightly crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese and soft apples.
Can I skip the cream cheese topping?

You can, but the cream cheese layer adds richness and a slight tanginess that balances the sweet apple and streusel layers wonderfully. If you want a lighter version, you might substitute with a lightly sweetened Greek yogurt spread.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this dessert pizza?

Use a sharp pizza cutter or large serrated knife. Let it cool slightly to keep the toppings from sliding off but serve warm for optimal flavor. Cutting into 12 slices works well for sharing.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Dessert Pizza with Cinnamon Apples, Cream Cheese Topping, and Streusel Recipe feels like one of life’s simple pleasures – combining comforting flavors with a fun presentation. I love how it brings everyone to the table, from kids eager for a sweet treat to adults who appreciate the nostalgic twist on classic apple pie. Give it a try; I promise it’s worth every delicious bite and will quickly become your go-to dessert when you want to impress without stress.