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Pizza Ranch Cactus Bread Recipe

Pizza Ranch Cactus Bread Recipe

This Pizza Ranch cactus bread recipe creates a soft, sweet dessert pizza topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and finished with a simple glaze. It’s the perfect mix of chewy crust and sweet topping that feels like a hug from the oven. Great for sharing or sneaking a slice with your coffee.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • Warm water – 1 cup about 110°F
  • Active dry yeast – 1 packet 2¼ tsp
  • Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour – 3 cups plus extra for dusting
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Unsalted butter melted, for topping – 4 tbsp
  • Brown sugar – ½ cup
  • Ground cinnamon – 2 tsp
  • Powdered sugar – 1 cup
  • Milk – 2–3 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Whisk or spoon for glaze
  • Sharp knife for slicing

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This tells you your yeast is happy and ready to work. I always do this first thing so I know we’re off to a good start.
    Activate the Yeast
Step 2: Mix the Dough
  1. Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it starts coming together, then add more flour a little at a time until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. It should pull away from the sides but still feel tender.
    Mix the Dough
Step 3: Knead the Dough
  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it sticks too much, add just a sprinkle of flour. This step builds that nice chewy texture we love.
    Knead the Dough
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is my favorite part, watching it grow like magic.
    Let the Dough Rise
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
  1. While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter and set it aside. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk if needed.
    Prepare the Topping
Step 6: Shape the Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on parchment paper into a large rectangle or oval, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to your baking sheet.
    Shape the Base
Step 7: Add the Toppings
  1. Brush the dough generously with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top, pressing it in lightly. This creates that signature streusel crunch.
    Add the Toppings
Step 8: Bake and Finish
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the topping is bubbly. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with the glaze. Slice and serve warm.
    Bake and Finish

Notes

Pizza Ranch Cactus Bread is a sweet dessert pizza with a soft homemade crust, buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, and a simple vanilla glaze. Baked until golden and warm, it delivers the perfect mix of chewy, sweet, and comforting flavors. Serve fresh from the oven for an easy crowd-pleasing treat.