This Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza is an amazing copycat version of Papa Murphy’s Cinnamon Wheel, featuring a delightful blend of brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and wholesome oats, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese icing. It’s an effortlessly delicious sweet treat perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying your dessert cravings.

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Indulge in Homemade Bliss: The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, but what if you could transform that classic into an even more exciting, shareable format? Enter the Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza! This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration, a delightful project for the family, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’ve ever savored the iconic Papa Murphy’s Cinnamon Wheel, prepare to be amazed, because we’ve cracked the code to replicate that irresistible flavor right in your own kitchen.

For us, June is a month filled with joy and cake! We affectionately call it “Christmas in June” because of the flurry of birthdays. My eldest son turns seven today, my youngest celebrates his first birthday tomorrow, and my daughter’s fifth birthday follows closely on Sunday. It’s a busy but incredibly rewarding time, and while some jokingly suggest we aim for a June 11th baby to complete the set, three June birthdays are certainly enough excitement for now! (And no, we absolutely did not plan this delightful convergence of birth dates.)

The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Dessert Pizza

Since today marks my son’s special day, our thoughts naturally turn to his favorite things – and at the top of that list is pizza! He absolutely loves our local Pizza Pie Cafe, where he enjoys plates of pasta, savory garlic knots, and, of course, the star of the show: dessert pizza. His passion for pizza, both savory and sweet, served as the perfect inspiration for this recipe. Our goal was to create a homemade version of Papa Murphy’s Cinnamon Wheel, a treat so utterly delicious that it could tempt anyone away from an all-you-can-eat buffet (a feat it accomplishes for me every single time!). This dessert pizza is truly for him, and for anyone who appreciates a sweet, satisfying, and easy-to-make dessert.

I genuinely believe I’ve perfected this Papa Murphy’s Cinnamon Wheel copycat recipe. It boasts a wonderfully thick, tender pizza crust, which is simply thawed Rhodes white bread dough – truly “easy peasy,” just the way I like it! This perfectly prepared base is then generously slathered with a rich, flavorful layer of melted butter, perfectly spiced brown sugar, and hearty oats. The combination bakes into a delightful texture and taste that’s surprisingly gourmet for such a simple preparation. The beauty of using Rhodes bread lies in its convenience and consistent quality, ensuring a delicious result every time without the hassle of making dough from scratch.

A Family-Friendly Baking Adventure

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this dessert pizza is its incredible simplicity, making it an ideal recipe for involving little helpers in the kitchen. My children absolutely love assisting me with baking and cooking, and with this recipe, they can take on many of the steps almost entirely on their own! Of course, my supervision is always close by, but the process is straightforward enough for even young chefs to contribute. This means more than just a delicious dessert; it creates wonderful memories and fosters a love for baking in a fun, accessible way. Imagine the pride on their faces as they help create this delectable treat!

4.80 from 5 ratings

Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza

Created by
Amber Brady

Prep:
50 minutes mins

Cook:
12 minutes mins

Total:
1 hour hr 2 minutes mins

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Yields
Yields
8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Rhodes white bread, thawed and slightly risen
• 6 Tbsp (85 g) butter, slightly melted
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, gently packed
• ½ cup (40 g) old fashioned oats
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 Tbsp (57 g) butter, softened
• 2 oz (57 g) cream cheese
• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by lightly greasing a standard pizza pan. Carefully unroll the thawed and slightly risen Rhodes white bread dough onto the prepared pan. Using a rolling pin, gently stretch and roll out the dough to an even thickness, ensuring it covers the pan and leaves a small edge for the crust.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly melted butter, rich brown sugar (gently packed for best results), old-fashioned oats (these add wonderful texture!), ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive and fragrant butter mixture forms. The cornstarch helps to keep the topping together and gives it a slightly jammy consistency when baked.
3. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the prepared butter mixture evenly over the uncooked pizza dough. Be sure to leave about a ½-inch to 1-inch border around the edges to form the crust. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Bake the dessert pizza for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges of the crust achieve a beautiful deep golden brown, and the topping is bubbly and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
4. While your pizza is baking, it’s the perfect time to whip up the dreamy cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one-third at a time, mixing well after each addition to prevent lumps. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until just incorporated. You want a smooth, pipeable consistency.
5. Once baked, remove the dessert pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This prevents the frosting from melting entirely upon application. For that classic cinnamon roll swirled look, transfer the cream cheese frosting into a zip-top bag. Snip a small corner off the bag (about ¼ inch). Starting from the center of the pizza, pipe the frosting in concentric circles, working your way outwards towards the crust. Alternatively, you can simply spread the frosting evenly with a knife for a simpler finish. Slice the pizza into wedges, serve warm, and enjoy every sweet bite! Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, warm leftovers slightly in the microwave before serving.

Notes

Dough Prep Tip: For the Rhodes bread dough, ensure it’s fully thawed and has slightly risen before rolling. This makes it easier to work with and contributes to a lighter, airier crust. You can let it rise at room temperature for a couple of hours or follow package instructions for a quicker rise if available.

Topping Consistency: If your butter mixture seems too stiff, you can warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more spreadable. If it’s too liquidy, let it sit for a moment to firm up slightly.

Baking Uniformity: Ovens can vary. If you notice one side browning faster, rotate your pizza pan halfway through baking for an even golden crust.

Cream Cheese Frosting Hacks: Make sure both butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (half a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Serving Warmth: This dessert pizza is truly best served warm, allowing the topping to remain slightly gooey and the frosting to soften beautifully. A few seconds in the microwave revives any cold slice.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

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Why This Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza Will Become Your Go-To Sweet Treat

This dessert pizza isn’t just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished favorite:

• Incredibly Easy: Using pre-made Rhodes bread dough drastically cuts down on prep time, making this an accessible recipe for even novice bakers. No kneading, no waiting for dough to rise from scratch!
• Copycat Perfection: If you’re a fan of Papa Murphy’s Cinnamon Wheel, this recipe delivers that same irresistible blend of sweet, cinnamony goodness with a tangy cream cheese topping.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The straightforward steps make this a fantastic activity to do with children. They can help mix ingredients, spread the topping, and even assist with the frosting (under supervision, of course!).
• Customizable: While perfect as is, this dessert pizza is also a blank canvas for your creativity. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, a drizzle of caramel, or even mini chocolate chips for an added twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just a family dessert night, this sweet pizza is always a hit. Its unique presentation and familiar flavors make it universally loved.
• Delicious Warm or Reheated: Enjoy it fresh from the oven, or gently warm up leftovers for that just-baked taste. It’s versatile and maintains its deliciousness.

Tips for Success: Achieving Dessert Pizza Perfection

To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza turns out absolutely perfect every time, consider these expert tips:

• Dough Temperature is Key: Make sure your Rhodes bread dough is fully thawed and pliable. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to roll out. If it’s overly warm and sticky, dust your rolling pin and surface lightly with flour.
• Don’t Skimp on the Topping: The generous layer of butter, brown sugar, and oats is what makes this pizza so rich and flavorful. Spread it edge to edge (leaving that crust border) for maximum impact.
• Bake Until Golden: A deep golden-brown crust isn’t just for looks; it indicates a perfectly baked, chewy base. Keep an eye on the edges, as oven temperatures can vary.
• Softened Ingredients for Frosting: Room temperature butter and cream cheese are essential for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese frosting. If they’re too cold, your frosting will be clumpy.
• Piping Bag Alternative: No zip-top bag? No problem! You can use a piping bag with a round tip, or simply use a spoon to dollop the frosting and then spread it gently with a knife for a beautiful swirl or even coverage.
• Let it Cool (Slightly): Resist the urge to frost immediately out of the oven. A slightly cooled pizza (10-15 minutes) will prevent the frosting from melting into a thin, oily mess, allowing it to hold its beautiful swirled shape.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

This Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Enjoyment: Serve warm slices with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
• A La Mode: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice of dessert pizza is an absolute dream. The contrast of warm and cold, creamy and chewy, is simply divine.
• Breakfast or Brunch Treat: While decadent, a smaller slice makes a wonderful addition to a special breakfast or brunch spread, especially when paired with fresh fruit.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the brown sugar mixture for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-oat mixture before baking, or add them to the frosting.
• Fruity Flair: After the pizza has cooled, top with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness that complements the sweet flavors.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted pizza.

This Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy and delicious memories in your home. Its ease of preparation, irresistible flavor profile, and versatility make it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, enlist your little helpers, and get ready to enjoy a sweet treat that rivals your favorite bakery’s best cinnamon rolls, all in a fun, pizza-style format!