If you love bakery-style pastries but want something easy to make at home, this strawberry cream cheese puff pastry strudel is the perfect recipe. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, while a quick homemade strawberry sauce and creamy filling add rich flavor. This dessert looks impressive with its braided top but requires no special skills, making it ideal for entertaining or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Store-bought puff pastry sheet | 1 sheet |
Strawberry Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries, chopped | 2 cups |
| White sugar | ¼ cup |
| Water | 3 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
Cream Cheese Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, room temperature | 8 oz |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Egg Wash
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large egg | 1 |
| Cold water | 1 teaspoon |
Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coarse sugar | As needed |
Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Strudel (Easy Bakery-Style Dessert)
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky puff pastry filled with homemade strawberry sauce and sweet cream cheese, braided and baked until golden. Easy bakery-style dessert.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Strawberry Sauce:
2 cups chopped strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
Topping:
Coarse sugar
Instructions
1. Thaw puff pastry according to package directions.
2. Cook strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch until thickened. Cool.
3. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet.
5. Spread cream cheese down center of pastry, top with strawberry sauce.
6. Cut diagonal strips and braid pastry.
7. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar.
8. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
9. Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
Cool filling before assembling.
Do not overfill pastry.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry
Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions. This can be done on the counter for about 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Helpful tip: Puff pastry should be cold but flexible too warm and it becomes sticky.
Step 2: Make the strawberry sauce
Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries. Add strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch to a small saucepan and stir until the cornstarch dissolves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Helpful tip: Cooling the sauce prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Prepare the cream cheese filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
Helpful tip: Fully softened cream cheese ensures a lump-free filling.
Step 4: Assemble the strudel
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry onto the baking sheet. Lightly fold it into thirds to mark the center section, then unfold. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly down the center, leaving space at the top and bottom. Spoon the cooled strawberry sauce over the cream cheese.
Helpful tip: If the filling looks too full, remove a few tablespoons so the pastry seals properly.
Step 5: Cut and braid
Cut ½-inch diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry. Remove two strips at the top and bottom. Fold the top and bottom edges inward, then braid the strips over the filling, alternating sides.
Helpful tip: Keep strips even for a cleaner braid.
Step 6: Egg wash and bake
Whisk the egg and water together. Brush over the pastry and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Allow the strudel to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
This strawberry and cream cheese puff pastry strudel delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Flaky, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before cooking.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the fillings ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving.
What can I serve with this strudel?
It pairs well with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream.