Delightfully Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Turnovers: Your Ultimate Guide for Breakfast & Dessert
Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry, revealing a warm, sweet explosion of fresh strawberries perfectly complemented by a creamy, rich cream cheese filling. These quick and easy turnovers, crafted with store-bought puff pastry, offer just that! They are a dream come true for anyone seeking a perfect breakfast treat or an exquisite dessert.
Do you recall those irresistible apple turnovers I shared a while back? They were such a hit that I’ve been constantly brainstorming new ideas for these delightful hand-held pastries. With the vibrant colors of spring always inspiring me, a berry-filled version felt absolutely essential. This time, I decided to take it up a notch with a luscious strawberry turnover, further elevated by a decadent cream cheese filling. It’s truly a universally accepted fact that cream cheese has a magical way of enhancing almost any sweet treat, and these turnovers are no exception!
The moment these strawberry puff pastry turnovers emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had something special. After capturing their beauty in photographs, I eagerly shared them with my in-laws. Their immediate reaction? They were utterly smitten and practically demanded the recipe on the spot! I can confidently guarantee that once you try these, you’ll fall head over heels for them too. They’re simply that good – a harmonious blend of flaky pastry, sweet-tart strawberries, and creamy goodness.
Why These Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Are a Must-Try
There’s a certain charm about homemade pastries, but sometimes, the thought of elaborate baking can be daunting. That’s where these strawberry cream cheese turnovers truly shine! They deliver all the joy and deliciousness of a homemade treat with a fraction of the effort, thanks to the brilliant shortcut of frozen puff pastry. Whether you’re planning a special brunch, looking for a quick yet impressive dessert, or simply craving something sweet to enjoy with your morning coffee, these turnovers fit the bill perfectly. Their beautiful presentation, combined with their comforting flavors, makes them suitable for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations. The combination of fresh fruit and rich cream cheese encased in a buttery, flaky shell is undeniably irresistible.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Turnovers
Crafting these strawberry cream cheese puff pastry turnovers is significantly simpler than you might imagine, primarily because we lean on the convenience of store-bought puff pastry – no need for daunting scratch-made dough here, thankfully! Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create these delectable treats:
- Puff Pastry: The cornerstone of these turnovers! Opt for a high-quality frozen, store-bought puff pastry. It’s a fantastic time-saver that yields wonderfully flaky results every time. Remember to thaw it thoroughly according to the package instructions before you begin, as properly thawed pastry is crucial for easy handling and optimal puff.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of our filling! Fresh, ripe strawberries are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and natural sweetness. Their slight tartness balances the richness of the cream cheese perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar is mixed with the chopped strawberries. This helps to sweeten the fruit slightly and encourages it to release some of its juices, creating a delicious, syrupy filling.
- Cornstarch: This essential ingredient is mixed with the berries and sugar. Cornstarch acts as a thickener, preventing the strawberry filling from becoming too watery during baking. This ensures your puff pastry remains delightfully crisp and doesn’t turn soggy. It’s a small but mighty ingredient that makes a huge difference in the final texture of your turnovers.
- Cream Cheese: For that irresistible, tangy cream cheese filling! It’s crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese filling, powdered sugar dissolves smoothly, guaranteeing a silky texture without any grittiness. It also contributes to the lovely glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract goes into both the cream cheese filling and the optional glaze. It’s a classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth, complementing both the fruit and the dairy components beautifully.
- Egg White: For that beautiful golden-brown finish! Lightly whisked egg white is brushed over the tops of the turnovers just before baking. This helps them achieve a wonderfully shiny, crisp, and golden crust in the oven.
- Milk: A small amount of milk is combined with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a simple, yet incredibly delicious and visually appealing glaze. The milk helps achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers
The beauty of these turnovers lies in their deceptive simplicity. Thanks to the use of frozen puff pastry, the process is streamlined, allowing you to create a bakery-quality treat with minimal fuss. I always advocate for keeping a box of puff pastry in my freezer – it’s a genuine lifesaver for last-minute impressive desserts or breakfasts! While your puff pastry thaws, which is typically the longest waiting period, you can efficiently prepare both delicious fillings.
The first step involves creating the vibrant strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, combine your freshly chopped strawberries with a little granulated sugar and a touch of cornstarch. The sugar helps to draw out the natural juices from the berries, creating a more flavorful mixture, while the cornstarch is crucial for thickening the filling as it bakes, preventing a soggy pastry bottom. Through extensive “quality control” (which mostly involved enjoying many delicious turnovers!), I’ve found that two tablespoons of sugar strike the perfect balance – enough to sweeten without overpowering the natural tartness of the strawberries. Make sure to mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is nicely coated and combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and thickness.
Next comes the luxurious cream cheese filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The powdered sugar ensures a fine, lump-free consistency, contributing to the delicate texture of the filling. Once both fillings are ready, it’s time to prepare your puff pastry. Gently unroll your thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Each sheet should then be cut into four equal squares. A pizza cutter works wonderfully for this, providing clean, straight cuts, but a sharp knife will also do the trick perfectly.
Now for the assembly! Spoon an even amount of the strawberry mixture onto one half of each puff pastry square, followed by a dollop of the cream cheese mixture. It’s important to place the fillings closer to one corner of the square. Be generous, but careful not to overfill, as you need enough space to properly seal the turnovers. Once filled, gently fold the opposite corner of the pastry over the filling, creating a triangular shape. Press down firmly along the edges to seal the turnover, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a secure seal that will keep all that delicious filling inside during baking and add a beautiful decorative touch.
Before popping them into the oven, I recommend brushing the tops of each turnover with a lightly whisked egg white. This egg wash is the secret to achieving that beautiful, glossy, golden-brown crust that makes these pastries look as good as they taste. Finally, while the turnovers are cooling slightly, you can whip up the simple glaze. It takes less than a minute to combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and though optional, it adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely finish that is highly recommended for an extra touch of decadence.
Can I Use Frozen Berries in Strawberry Turnovers?
While I’ve exclusively developed and tested this particular recipe using fresh strawberries to achieve optimal flavor and texture, it is understandable that fresh berries might not always be available or in season. If you choose to use frozen berries, there are a couple of important considerations to ensure your turnovers turn out well. Frozen strawberries tend to release significantly more moisture when thawed compared to fresh ones. Therefore, I would strongly advise thawing them completely first, and then draining them thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. You might even want to gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Additionally, you might need to slightly increase the amount of cornstarch in the filling to account for any residual moisture, ensuring the pastry doesn’t become soggy. While the texture might be slightly different, with careful preparation, frozen berries can certainly be a viable alternative.
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Turnovers
- Adjust Sugar Based on Berry Sweetness: If your strawberries are perfectly ripe and sweet, especially when they’re fresh and in season, you can absolutely reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling to 1 tablespoon. Taste your berries first!
- Serve Fresh for Best Texture: These puff pastry turnovers are at their absolute best when enjoyed the day they are made. The delicate puff pastry tends to lose its signature crispness and flakiness over time. If you do have leftovers, a quick reheat in a toaster oven can help restore some of their delightful crispness.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch! This is a crucial step for a reason. The cornstarch in the strawberry filling is not optional. It acts as a thickener, preventing the juicy fruit filling from making your beautiful puff pastry soggy. Without it, you’d end up with a delicious but messy and soft pastry.
- Proper Puff Pastry Handling: Work with cold puff pastry as much as possible. If your kitchen is warm, you might need to chill the pastry briefly if it becomes too soft and sticky to handle. This ensures maximum flakiness.
- Sealing is Key: When crimping the edges with a fork, press firmly to create a good seal. This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking, which can lead to burnt filling and a less appealing turnover.
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. Using parchment paper on your baking sheets not only prevents sticking but also helps with even heat distribution and easier cleanup. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets; allow space for air circulation around each turnover.
More Delicious Strawberry Dessert Recipes!
If you’re a fan of fresh, sweet strawberries, you’re in luck! There are countless ways to incorporate this delightful fruit into your baking. Here are some more irresistible strawberry dessert ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Homemade Strawberry Shortcake: A classic for a reason, featuring tender biscuits, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
- Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes: Individual portions of creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for parties.
- Strawberry Sweet Rolls: Soft, gooey rolls filled with a sweet strawberry swirl, ideal for a special breakfast or brunch.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes: A delightful fusion of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries in cupcake form.
- Chocolate, Strawberry & Nutella Turnovers: For those who love an extra touch of indulgence, combining berries with chocolate and hazelnut spread.
Strawberry Turnovers
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Ingredients
For the turnovers:
- 1 (17.3 ounce) package puff pastry thawed according to packing directions (2 sheets)
- 1 and 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
- 4 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white (lightly beaten)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To make the turnovers:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper; set aside.
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Carefully unroll both sheets of the thawed puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into four equal squares. You should now have 8 square pieces of pastry in total. Set these aside while you prepare the fillings.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the strawberries are evenly coated. This ensures the filling thickens properly during baking. Set this mixture aside.
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In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the cream cheese filling is light and creamy.
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Evenly distribute the strawberry mixture and the cream cheese mixture among the 8 puff pastry squares. Spoon the fillings towards one corner of each square, leaving enough space around the edges to seal. Be careful not to overfill.
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Gently fold the empty corner of the puff pastry over the filling to create a triangle. Press down firmly along the edges to seal the turnover, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. Then, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, providing a decorative seal. Lightly brush the top of each turnover with the beaten egg white.
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Carefully transfer the prepared turnovers to your parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until the pastries are beautifully puffed, golden brown, and flaky.
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Once baked, remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before applying the glaze. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the glaze from melting too quickly.
To make the glaze:
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While the turnovers are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and has a pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (1/2 teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until desired thickness is reached.
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Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, evenly drizzle the prepared glaze over all of them. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cream cheese turnovers!