Grab For Eats The Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe is one of those rare dessert creations that blends comfort food with a dash of decadence. With its golden-baked crust, rich cream filling, and sweet crumble topping, this pizza offers a dessert experience like no other. Inspired by the beloved Cici’s menu favorite, this delightful treat is perfect for parties, family nights, or whenever you’re craving something sweet but unique. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that nostalgic, creamy goodness at home, this recipe is your go-to guide.
What Is Cici’s Pizza? The Origin Behind the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
To truly appreciate the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe, it helps to know the brand that made it famous—Cici’s Pizza. Founded in Plano, Texas, in 1985, Cici’s quickly rose to popularity as one of America’s most affordable and family-friendly buffet-style pizza chains. Known for offering “endless pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert”, it became a go-to spot for birthday parties, casual dinners, and after-game hangouts.
What set Cici’s apart from other pizza restaurants was its ability to combine variety with value. Their buffet-style dining meant you could sample everything from classic pepperoni and stuffed crust to more creative and indulgent options like dessert pizzas, including the beloved Bavarian Cream Pizza. This sweet treat became a fan favorite and remains one of the most remembered items from their menu.
As of today, Cici’s has locations spread across dozens of states, with a strong presence in the South and Midwest. Whether you’re in Texas, Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina, chances are there’s a Cici’s not too far away. Though some locations have closed in recent years, the brand still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many pizza lovers—and that’s exactly why recreating the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe at home is such a delicious idea.
A Slice of History: The Origins and Popularity of Pizza
Pizza has long been a staple of comfort food around the world, but its roots date back centuries to Naples, Italy. Originally a humble dish of flatbread with toppings, pizza gained massive popularity in the United States in the 20th century, evolving into various regional and creative forms.
From deep-dish Chicago style to thin-crust New York slices, pizza became the ultimate blank canvas for culinary experimentation—and eventually, dessert pizza was born. With chains like Cici’s leading the charge, sweet pizzas became a fan favorite, especially for those looking to end their meal with a creative twist. Today, dessert pizzas like the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe are beloved by all ages for their perfect blend of sweetness and comfort.
What Is Bavarian Cream Pizza?
The Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe takes a classic pizza dough and turns it into a dessert masterpiece. Instead of tomato sauce and cheese, this sweet pizza is layered with creamy pudding (often chocolate or vanilla), a buttery sugar crumble topping, and baked to perfection.
Compared to traditional pizzas, Bavarian cream pizza is all about the dessert experience. It’s also different from other dessert pizzas like fruit pizzas or cinnamon sugar pizzas, which often rely on fresh fruit or spiced spreads. Bavarian cream pizza leans more into rich custard-like textures and sweet pastry flavors, making it a standout treat that feels like a cross between a pizza and a cream-filled pastry.
Ingredients for Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe (With Health Benefits and Fun Facts)
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that bring this Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe to life—along with some interesting facts and health-related benefits.
Pizza Dough (340g): Provides a satisfying base with carbohydrates for energy.
Fun Fact: Pizza dough has been around since ancient times, originally cooked on hot stones by early civilizations.
Chocolate Pudding Mix (⅓ cup): Rich in calcium (when made with milk) and adds creamy texture.
Fun Fact: Bavarian cream is actually a custard-based dessert originating in France but named after Bavaria!
All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): A source of carbohydrates and iron.
Fun Fact: All-purpose flour is versatile enough for both bread and desserts, making it a kitchen staple.
Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp, chilled and cubed): Adds rich flavor and moisture. Contains vitamin A.
Fun Fact: Chilled butter creates that perfect crumb texture in baked goods.
Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp): Provides the sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
Fun Fact: Granulated sugar has been refined from sugarcane or beets for thousands of years.
Brown Sugar (½ tbsp): Contains molasses, which adds trace minerals and a richer flavor.
Fun Fact: Brown sugar’s moisture content makes baked goods softer and chewier.
Salt (Pinch): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Fun Fact: A tiny pinch of salt can make sweet dishes taste even sweeter.
Utensils You’ll Need for Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
To make this sweet treat, you’ll need:
- 12-inch pizza pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Fork (for docking the dough)
- Knife or pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe Instructions
Ready to recreate this delicious dessert at home? Here’s a friendly guide to making the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe, one easy step at a time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 430°F and lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding mix by following the instructions on the box. Typically, that means whisking it with 2 cups of cold milk and heating it over medium heat until it thickens.
Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the chilled butter and mix with your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 3 cm thick. Transfer it to your prepared pan.
Step 5: Pre-Bake the Crust: Prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbling and bake for 12 minutes until slightly golden.
Step 6: Add the Layers: Spread the prepared pudding evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top.
Step 7: Final Bake: Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for another 18–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Cool and Slice: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into delicious portions. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Best Drinks to Pair with Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
The Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Iced Coffee or Mocha: Complements the chocolate notes of the pudding and adds a cool contrast.
- Hot Chocolate: For a rich, indulgent pairing—especially cozy in winter.
- Vanilla Milkshake: A fun, creamy drink to enhance the dessert vibe.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: Balances the sweetness and refreshes the palate.
- Chai Latte: Offers a warm, spiced contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza.
Special Occasions to Enjoy Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
This dessert pizza is perfect for:
- Birthday Parties
- Holiday Gatherings (Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter)
- Game Nights
- Sleepovers
- Potluck Events
- Valentine’s Day (especially with chocolate pudding!)
Irresistible Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe is So Wonderful to Make
Equipment
- 12-inch pizza pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven mitts
- Fork (for docking the dough)
- Knife or pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 340 g pizza dough pre-made
- ⅓ cup chocolate-flavored pudding mix
- ½ cup all-purpose Flour
- 4 tbsp butter chilled, cubed, unsalted
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- all-purpose flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 430°F and lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray.
- Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding mix by following the instructions on the box. Typically, that means whisking it with 2 cups of cold milk and heating it over medium heat until it thickens.
- Create the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the chilled butter and mix with your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 3 cm thick. Transfer it to your prepared pan.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbling and bake for 12 minutes until slightly golden.
- Add the Layers: Spread the prepared pudding evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top.
- Final Bake: Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for another 18–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into delicious portions. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Use cold butter when making the crumble—it helps create that signature crumbly texture.
- Don’t overbake the crust initially—it should be slightly underdone before adding toppings.
- Experiment with pudding flavors like vanilla, banana, or butterscotch for variety.
- Chill the pudding slightly before spreading—it spreads more evenly.
- Add toppings like mini chocolate chips or sliced almonds for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
How to Store Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
To store leftover Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe:
- Let it cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes for best texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding and crumble can change texture.
Why You’ll Love This Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe
There’s a lot to love about the Bavarian Cream Pizza Recipe—from its buttery crust to its creamy center and crumbly topping. It’s fun, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re recreating a Cici’s favorite or introducing dessert pizza to friends for the first time, this recipe promises smiles and second servings. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and totally satisfying. It’s not just dessert—it’s a whole experience!
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