I've been subconsciously aware since I created Jeanne or Jimmy that whatever I posted as my first favorite thing had to be magnificent. Congruent with this mindset, I am fully willing to go to war for this particular recommendation.
The Cactus Bread Dessert Pizza.
I'm aware Pizza Ranch's chain of restaurants is not available in a lot of places (not even here in the United States). In fact, many people I've met over time aren't even aware of its existence—they know now of course. You're still welcome to place it on your "to eat" list if you ever find yourself somewhere they're available.
It's been quite a bit since I had an original one and I've tried to give the best representation by editing an older phone camera photo I'd taken of my last one.
I still remember the day I first tried the Cactus Bread pizza. We'd had a gathering with some of my friends where we'd ordered some pizza, alongside other food. We laid out the three boxes we'd ordered open, and previously I'd never given any attention to the dessert pizzas from Pizza Ranch—or anywhere honestly. I'd made a disapproving face and asked "What's that?", pointing to the Cactus Bread pizza—a sin of a question now, considering how it's affected my life. One of them had told me what it was and encouraged me to try it out. Everything changed. I ended up only having one slice of any other type of pizza that night. Considering I had four, I think that decision mattered.
The thing is, the satisfaction doesn't end with this particular favorite. It's the right amount of dry, and a respectable amount of creamy. You know how a good amount of creamy is sensible in say, a red velvet cake, but odd in a cinnamon roll?—I mean, that might also be a subjective taste. Anyway, this dessert pizza does that balance justice.
A plain traditional pizza crust is topped with a full, buttery, cinnamon-flavored layer of crumbs. This combination is arguably the reason life is so good. I said what I said. I mean, I've given you two somewhat juxtaposing layers of joy.
If you weren't satisfied with that, here's the subtle key to this one: The frosting is the perfect tie together for this combination.
There was an indescribable joy every time I opened up a box or picked up a serving and I'd see a generous amount of frosting. This meant every slice was covered up enough whereby it had somewhat jelled into the top layer of the crumbs. This is key because you still want the cream from the frosting to merge into the other textures, but you don't want soaked crumbs. I mean, just look at the center of this pizza. That was honestly the best part. When the first bite you took was all just cream and cinnamon with the right amount of a softer crunch. What more do you want from life?
If this is something you're keen to try, I'm happy to inform you that while you wait for a time when you can visit a Pizza Ranch, there are copycat recipes online—I found my own resolve from this knowledge.
I was initially hesitant to try them out, expecting that I would be underwhelmed with the results, but I was pleasantly surprised. It really doesn't take an expert baker to make them as well, so there's that. Most importantly, you can make them exactly how you'd want them—make sure you use a generous amount of frosting.
All in all, I'm glad I was able to share this joy in my life with you all. I can only hope it brings you as much joy as it has me.
Bake a Cactus Bread Dessert Pizza today!—or...whenever. Just do it.