If you’ve ever craved something sweet after polishing off a hot slice of pepperoni, you’re not alone. And if you’ve had the chance to try Little Caesars’ dessert pizza, then you already know how dangerously delicious it is — that soft pizza crust baked to golden perfection, smothered in a cinnamon-sugar topping and drizzled with sweet icing. It’s like a cinnamon roll and a pizza had a baby, and it’s every bit as good as it sounds.
This Little Caesars Dessert Pizza copycat recipe is easy to make at home and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a fun dessert with the kids, or just want something warm and comforting from the oven, this recipe delivers in a big way.
You can use store-bought dough or homemade pizza crust, and it comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors — soft, fluffy crust with a golden base, a caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping that gets just the right amount of crisp, and a thick, sweet vanilla icing to pull it all together.
It’s kid-approved, customizable, and much easier than making a full dessert from scratch. Plus, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
What You’ll Need
For the Pizza Base:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cinnamon Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Icing Drizzle:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Let your dough rest – Room-temperature dough is easier to stretch and gives a more tender crust.
- Don’t overbake – You want a soft, chewy center with just a light golden edge.
- Mix butter into the topping – Combining butter with the cinnamon sugar creates that melt-in-your-mouth topping that caramelizes slightly in the oven.
- Add icing while warm – Drizzling while the pizza is still warm makes the icing melt slightly into the topping for the perfect finish.
- Use parchment paper – It helps with even browning and easy cleanup.
Tools Required
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Rolling pin or hands to stretch dough
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Substitutions and Variations
- Use crescent dough – Crescent roll dough or flatbread can be used for an ultra-fast version.
- Swap icing flavors – Add maple or almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist.
- Add chopped nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon topping before baking.
- Add fruit – Thin apple or banana slices can be placed under the cinnamon topping.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in both the topping and icing.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough and mix the cinnamon topping up to 24 hours in advance, storing both in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
The icing can also be made ahead and refrigerated for 3–4 days. Let everything come to room temperature before using. Fully baked dessert pizza keeps well for 2–3 days, and individual slices can be frozen and reheated.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prep dough
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stretch or roll pizza dough into a 12-inch round or rectangle.
2. Brush with melted butter
Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to create a golden base.
3. Mix and spread cinnamon topping
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until it forms a thick paste. Spread this evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Bake the pizza
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the topping has melted into a bubbly layer. Remove and let cool slightly.
5. Make and drizzle icing
While the pizza cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pizza.
6. Slice and serve
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into wedges or squares. Serve warm for the best gooey, melty texture.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover dessert pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also freeze slices between layers of parchment for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use pre-baked crust?
Yes, a pre-baked crust like naan or flatbread works great. Reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes.
2. Is this the same as cinnamon pizza?
Very similar! This version mimics Little Caesars’ style with a specific cinnamon-to-butter ratio and thick icing drizzle.
3. Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of sugar in the topping or drizzle less icing. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
4. What’s the best way to drizzle icing neatly?
Use a spoon, fork, or a small sandwich bag with the tip snipped off to control the icing flow.
Sweet Pizza Night, Made Easy
This Little Caesars Dessert Pizza copycat brings the best part of pizza night — dessert — right into your home oven. It’s quick, indulgent, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a party, or just need a sweet finish to your meal, this dessert pizza hits all the right notes.
Try it tonight, and when you do, let me know how it turned out. Did you add fruit, nuts, or a twist to the icing? Leave a comment and share your version — and enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-drizzled bite.