Decadent Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza with Rosemary and Candied Pecans
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with this sweet and savory Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza. It’s a dish that truly has it all, combining rich, creamy brie cheese with the vibrant sweetness of both raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, the aromatic hint of chopped rosemary, the delightful crunch of candied pecans, and a luxurious drizzle of honey to complete this masterpiece. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a versatile treat that will captivate as an appetizer, a special snack, or the grand finale to any meal.
The beauty of this pizza lies in its exquisite balance. Imagine a golden, slightly sweet crust acting as the perfect canvas for a symphony of flavors and textures. The melting brie offers a luscious, buttery foundation, its mild, earthy notes providing a sophisticated contrast to the bright, tart burst of raspberries. The surprising addition of fresh rosemary introduces an unexpected herbaceous quality that elevates the entire profile, preventing it from becoming overly sweet and adding a gourmet touch that will impress even the most discerning palates. And let’s not forget the candied pecans – they bring a warm, nutty sweetness and a satisfying crunch that makes every bite an adventure.
Crafting the Perfect Pizza Crust: The Sweet Foundation
Every exceptional pizza begins with an exceptional crust, and this dessert pizza is no exception. We start with a tried-and-true basic pizza dough recipe, but with a special addition: a touch of honey. This subtle inclusion in the dough itself is crucial, as it beautifully harmonizes with the sweet toppings that will adorn it. The honey doesn’t just add flavor; it also contributes to a wonderfully golden-brown crust and a tender crumb, making it the ideal base for our sweet and savory creation.
Making pizza dough from scratch might seem daunting to some, but it’s a rewarding process. The key steps involve combining warm water, olive oil, and honey, ensuring the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is at the right temperature (around 120-130°F) to activate the yeast. This warm liquid then meets a blend of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and active-dry yeast. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading a breeze, transforming the ingredients into a smooth, elastic dough in about five minutes. This elasticity is what gives the crust its desirable chewiness and allows it to rise beautifully.
Once kneaded, the dough needs time to prove, or rise. Placed in a greased bowl and covered with greased plastic wrap, it patiently doubles in size in a warm environment, typically within an hour. This rising process is essential for developing the dough’s flavor and achieving that light, airy texture that is the hallmark of a great pizza crust. It’s during this time that the magic happens, setting the stage for a truly delightful eating experience.
A Symphony of Toppings: Brie, Berries, Herbs, and Nuts
The selection of toppings is where this dessert pizza truly shines. Each component is carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that tantalize the senses. We begin with thin slices of luxurious brie cheese, ensuring the rind is removed for a smoother melt and purer flavor. Brie, with its mild, creamy interior, melts into a delightfully gooey layer that serves as a rich backdrop for the fruit.
Next, a generous spread of raspberry preserves adds a concentrated burst of sweet and tart fruitiness, while fresh raspberries are scattered across the surface, providing vibrant color and juicy pockets of flavor. The combination of both jam and fresh fruit ensures a multifaceted raspberry experience, from intensely sweet to brightly tangy.
The star of the unexpected is undoubtedly the fresh rosemary. Finely chopped, it’s sprinkled over the pizza, infusing it with its distinctive, slightly peppery, pine-like aroma. This herb might seem unconventional on a sweet pizza, but it’s the secret ingredient that elevates the dish, cutting through the sweetness and adding an earthy sophistication that truly makes it gourmet.
And as if these layers of flavor weren’t enough, we introduce homemade candied pecans. These aren’t just any pecans; they’re toasted to perfection and coated in a delicate caramel, providing a sweet, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese and fruit. They are added after the pizza comes out of the oven to ensure they retain their perfect crispness and caramelized texture. A final generous drizzle of good quality honey acts as the crowning glory, adding a glossy finish and an extra touch of natural sweetness that ties all the elements together.
From Vision to Ecstasy: The Unforgettable Taste
This dessert pizza consistently turns out just as stunning as one might envision – perhaps even more so. But its visual appeal is only half the story; the taste is where it truly transcends expectations. The first bite is often described as pure ecstasy. The warm, slightly crisp crust gives way to the molten, creamy brie, followed by the sweet and tart burst of raspberries. Then, the subtle, fragrant notes of rosemary emerge, harmonizing with the sweet crunch of the candied pecans, all brought together by the delicate honey glaze. It’s an intricate dance of flavors that leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations create the most unforgettable experiences.
Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating this extraordinary dish. The meticulous balance ensures that no single flavor overwhelms another, allowing each component to contribute to a complex yet perfectly unified profile. This makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of occasions. Whether served as a sophisticated appetizer at a dinner party, a delightful snack during an afternoon gathering, or a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza is designed to impress.
It’s generous enough to serve a crowd, yet so incredibly delicious that you might find yourself reluctant to share. There’s something inherently captivating about a dish that is both familiar (pizza) and entirely novel (sweet dessert pizza). It appeals to a broad range of tastes, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Just be prepared for compliments – and requests for second slices!
Tips for Success and Creative Variations
To ensure your Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza turns out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips:
- **Dough Temperature:** Ensure your water is not too hot (which can kill the yeast) or too cold (which won’t activate it). A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
- **Brie Preparation:** Removing the rind from the brie ensures a smoother, more uniform melt. You can chill the brie slightly before slicing to make it easier to handle.
- **Rosemary Freshness:** Always use fresh rosemary for this recipe. Dried rosemary has a much more concentrated flavor that might not work as well here.
- **Candied Pecan Storage:** If you make extra candied pecans, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They make a fantastic snack on their own!
- **Serving Temperature:** While delicious at room temperature, this pizza truly shines when served warm, right out of the oven, when the brie is still perfectly melted.
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might consider:
- **Different Berries:** Blackberries or blueberries could easily substitute raspberries for a similar flavor profile.
- **Nut Alternatives:** Walnuts or almonds, candied in a similar fashion, would also be delightful.
- **Cheese Swaps:** While brie is highly recommended, a mild goat cheese or a soft, creamy camembert could offer interesting twists.
- **Citrus Zest:** A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest over the top could add another layer of brightness.
- **Spicy Kick:** For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes could create an intriguing sweet and spicy contrast.
Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza with Rosemary and Candied Pecans
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
For the crust:
- ½ cup water (118 ml)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active-dry yeast
For the toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 ounces brie cheese , thinly sliced and rind removed (57-85 grams)
- ⅓ cup raspberry jam or preserves (113 grams)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (113 grams)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary , chopped
- Candied pecans , recipe below
- Good quality honey , for drizzling
For the candied pecans:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pecans , whole or pieces (110 grams)
Instructions
To prepare the crust:
-
In a small saucepan set over low heat, warm the water, olive oil and honey until honey is dissolved. Set aside for a few minutes to cool slightly, aiming for 120-130°F.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt and yeast. Add the warm liquids and mix until combined. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
-
Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
To make the candied pecans:
-
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and pecans and cook until sugar is caramelized, stirring often, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer nuts to wax paper to cool completely.
To assemble the pizza:
-
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
Gently punch down the dough to release the gases and knead a few times. Let rest for about 5 minutes. On a clean surface, roll out to 8-10 inch circle or oval. No need to be exact. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan.
-
Brush dough with olive oil. Space brie slices on the dough, then drop small spoonfuls of raspberry jam amongst the brie. Place about half of the fresh raspberries on the pizza. Sprinkle with the rosemary.
-
Bake until crust is golden and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Slice and serve immediately with the remaining raspberries and half of the candied pecans (save the remaining candied pecans for another purpose, i.e. snacking)
I must extend my sincere gratitude to Ashton of Something Swanky and her delightful Blackberry Brie Pizza. For weeks, a vague idea of a sweet pizza concept had been swirling in my mind, but it wasn’t until I saw her inspiring creation that all the pieces truly clicked into place. Her innovation helped me connect the dots, transforming a mere thought into this tangible, incredibly delicious recipe. Thank you, Ashton, for the wonderful spark of inspiration!
This Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to be savored. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that promises to be a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy pizza.