CiCi’s Bavarian Dessert Pizza is a delightful and nostalgic fusion of European pastry traditions and the all-American love for pizza. This recipe was inspired by the classic Bavarian apple strudel, a time-honored dessert that originated in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and became a staple in Bavarian culinary culture. Traditionally, apple strudel features layers of buttery, flaky dough filled with tender apples, warming spices like cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes nuts or raisins. While typically baked as a rolled pastry, this interpretation transforms the treat into a flat, shareable sweet pizza—making it both fun and approachable for modern dessert lovers.
The concept of dessert pizza has gained popularity over the last few decades, particularly in buffet-style pizzerias like CiCi’s Pizza, a well-known American restaurant chain widely recognized for its wide variety of pizza offerings, including sweets. One of their most beloved menu items is a Bavarian-style dessert pizza, known for its soft base, sugary toppings, and comforting flavors. This recipe captures the essence of that dessert, made at home with care and gourmet-quality ingredients.
The foundation of this pizza is a pre-made pizza dough rolled out thin and baked to golden perfection. This choice simplifies the baking process without sacrificing the integrity of the final dish. The dough serves as the canvas for the custard layer, which adds a rich, velvety texture and creamy contrast to the tart-sweet topping. The custard is made traditionally—with egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla—evoking a slight crème anglaise flavor when baked.
Topping the custard is a simple, yet elegant medley of thinly sliced Granny Smith apples. These apples are chosen for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the custard and brown sugar topping. Sprinkled with warming cinnamon and enriched with melted butter and a touch of brown sugar, the apples gently roast in the oven, softening while their natural sweetness becomes more pronounced. The whole combination is baked until the edges of the dough turn golden and crisp, and the custard sets just enough to hold its shape while remaining luscious and smooth in the center.
This dessert is the perfect example of how culinary creativity can breathe new life into traditional dishes. While inspired by a European classic, it adopts American pizza methodology and baking convenience, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and exciting. Ideal for sharing at family gatherings, dinner parties, or even as a unique holiday dessert, CiCi’s Bavarian Dessert Pizza embodies comfort, indulgence, and cross-cultural deliciousness in every bite.
Whether you’re a fan of the original CiCi’s version or just looking to explore a new twist on a beloved dessert, this recipe invites you into the comforting, aromatic world of sweet, spiced apples and creamy custard layered over crisp pizza dough—a fusion of tradition and innovation that’s sure to please any palate.
CiCi’s Bavarian Dessert Pizza
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Pastry Base:
- 1 package store-bought pizza dough preferably fresh or refrigerated
For the Custard:
- 1 cup heavy cream high quality
- 3 pieces egg yolks organic, if possible
- ½ cup sugar white granulated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
For the Topping:
- 2 cups apples thinly sliced, preferably Granny Smith
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
Instructions
- Preparing the Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the store-bought pizza dough onto a baking sheet, ensuring a thin, even layer.
- Making the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Assembling the Pizza: Pour the custard onto the dough, spreading it evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top, and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Baking: Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough.
- Add a spoonful of lemon juice to the apple slices to prevent browning and add a citrusy note.