Sweet summer plum cherries, fresh mozzarella, and homemade pizza dough come together for one unforgettable pizza that's perfect for grilling season.

There's something about homemade pizza that just brings everyone together. The kids love helping stretch the dough, everyone gets to add their own toppings, and before you know it, dinner has turned into one of those nights you'll remember.

This pizza is one of our favorite ways to celebrate summer fruit. The juicy sweetness of fresh Plum Cherries pairs perfectly with creamy mozzarella, garlic, fresh basil, and a crisp, chewy homemade crust. It sounds a little unexpected, but after one bite you'll understand why we keep making it.

The best part? You don't need to wait overnight for the dough. This same-day pizza dough comes together in just a few hours while still giving you that chewy, pizzeria-style crust.

Whether you're baking it in a pizza oven or on a pizza steel in your kitchen, this recipe is one we'll be making all summer long.

Summer Plum Cherry Pizza

Sweet and savory homemade pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, juicy plum cherries, garlic, and basil on a chewy same-day pizza dough. Perfect for summer pizza nights.

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Prep Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 pizzas

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Same-Day Pizza Dough

• 700 g bread flour
• 434 g water 75–80°F
• 18 g fine salt
• 11 g sugar
• 14 g olive oil
• 5 g instant yeast

For Each Pizza

• 1 pizza dough ball 295 g
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• 6-8 ounces fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
• 2-3 Family Tree Farms Plum Cherries thinly sliced
• 1 Pinch of salt
• Fresh basil leaves

Optional Toppings

• Balsamic glaze
• Honey
• Burrata cheese

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Method

 

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar.
2. Add the bread flour and mix until no dry flour remains.
3. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
4. Add the salt and knead for about 5 minutes.
5. Gradually knead in the olive oil until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Cover and let rest for 45–60 minutes.
7. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions (about 295 g each).
8. Place each dough ball into a lightly oiled airtight container.
9. Proof for 2–3 hours, or until the dough is soft, puffy, and stretches easily.

Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your pizza oven or oven according to the baking method below.
2. Slice the plum cherries.
3. Stretch one dough ball into a thin 12-inch round.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle on the garlic.
6. Add the mozzarella evenly over the dough.
7. Top with the sliced plum cherries.
8. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Finish with fresh basil and, if desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey.

Notes

Dough Proof Guide:
68–72°F: About 3 hours
73–77°F: 2–2½ hours
78°F+: Begin checking after 90 minutes

Baking Instructions:

Pizza Oven

625°F
Bake 5–6 minutes

Oven + Pizza Steel

Preheat steel for 60 minutes at 500–550°F
Bake 5–7 minutes

Oven + Pizza Stone

Preheat stone for 60 minutes at 500–550°F
Bake 7–10 minutes

Recipe Tips:
Fresh mozzarella gives the best texture and melt.
Slice the plum cherries thin so they soften while baking.
Finish with fresh basil after baking for the brightest flavor.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready with same-day homemade pizza dough
• Sweet and savory flavor combination
• Perfect for summer entertaining
• Family-friendly pizza night recipe
• Great in a pizza oven or regular oven
• Crispy, chewy crust with fresh ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After dividing the dough into balls, refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 2 hours before stretching.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Homemade gives the best texture, but a quality fresh pizza dough works great when you're short on time.

Can I grill this pizza?

Yes! Cook the crust briefly on one side over medium-high heat, flip it, add the toppings, then continue cooking until the cheese melts.