Purim is, perhaps, one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays, but for food writer, editor and recipe developer Liza Schoenfein (@lifedeathdinner), it deserves way more recognition. A culinary staple of Purim are the triangular cookies called hamantaschen, which are usually filled with prune purée or poppy seeds. Taking inspiration from those sweet treats, Liza came up with a triangular apricot-ginger hamantaschen pizza that’s a superb addition to any dessert table. 

Purim is a celebration of the rescue of Jews in Persia (current day Iran), and a time when people are encouraged to make donations to those in need, drink and share a meal. (Purim doesn’t fall on the same date each year; in 2024 the celebration takes place from March 23 through March 24.) The shape of the hamantaschen invoke either the hat, pockets or ears of Haman, the chief minister of King Ahasuerus who convinced him to execute all Jews. (Luckily, Queen Esther got the King to cancel that order.) 

For the filling, Liza went the more traditional route with lekvar, a fruit filling from Central and Eastern Europe usually made from prunes or dried apricots. She opted for apricots and added candied ginger and a sprinkling of toasted almonds for extra depth of flavor. The final touch is purely visual – instead of a circular pizza, Liza folds the edges of the dough toward the middle to form a triangle as a nod to the shape of hamantaschen. 

Sweet, slightly zingy and nutty, the next time you have a Purim gathering – or any jubilant occasion – this pizza will elevate your taste buds (and your dessert game!). And if you really want to impress, you can also make Liza’s savory version with caramelized onions, olives, feta, and pomegranate seeds, which is wonderful as a main dish or appetizer.

Can’t get enough? Read more about the history of Purim and hamantaschen here.