Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers Puff

Strawberry cheesecake turnovers are a dreamy treat that blend the buttery flakes of puff pastry with a creamy sweet tang from cheesecake filling. This version makes it easy for anyone to create an impressive springtime dessert or brunch pastry thanks to frozen puff pastry and fresh strawberries. Each bite gives you a burst of seasonal fruit with rich vanilla cream for a perfect balance. My family absolutely lights up when these hit the table and I cannot blame them one bit.

I remember the first time I tried this recipe for Easter brunch. The turnovers disappeared before I could even brew a second pot of coffee and now I always double the batch.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: Frozen dough gives you effortless layers and crispness. Look for a brand with plenty of butter for best flavor and texture
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base of the filling. Use full fat for a creamy result and avoid low quality brands
• Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness to both the filling and final dusting. Sift before adding for smoothness
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor. Use real vanilla for a rich aroma
• Strawberries: Sweet tart spring berries provide juicy contrast. Look for ripe berries that smell fragrant and have vibrant red color
• Egg plus water: Needed for the egg wash. This helps give the pastry a golden finish and nice sheen

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven and ingredients:

Heat your oven to four hundred degrees. Allow puff pastry to thaw fully and cream cheese to reach room temperature for easy mixing

Make the cheesecake filling:

Beat the cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the mixture so it stays thick for filling later

Prep the strawberries:

Remove all stems then dice the strawberries into small even pieces. Smaller pieces distribute better in each bite

Roll and cut the pastry:

Roll out the thawed dough to an eleven inch square. Cut into four even squares using a sharp knife for clean edges then place on a parchment lined pan

Egg wash and shape:

Beat the egg with water for a smooth egg wash. Lightly brush each square then fold into a triangle shape but do not seal the edges shut. Brush the tops as well for crispness and shine

Bake until golden:

Place in the oven for about eighteen minutes. The turnovers should puff up and take on a golden hue with visible flaky layers. Let them cool fully before filling

Fill each turnover:

Carefully open the triangles along the fold. Pipe or spread the cold cream cheese mixture inside then layer on diced strawberries for fresh bite

Finish and serve:

Sift more powdered sugar over the warm pastries to make them look special and enjoy immediately while still slightly warm

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My favorite part is always the burst of fresh strawberry flavor against the creamy cheesecake. My daughter insists on helping with the egg wash so her hands are always dusted with sugar by the end.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store them uncovered at room temperature for a few hours or loosely covered in the fridge overnight but know the pastry will lose some crispness by morning. To refresh just place in a warm oven for a couple minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries if you want to change things up or make these off season. Whipped mascarpone or ricotta cheese also works as a swap for cream cheese though the flavor will be more mild.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these turnovers with strong coffee or tea for brunch or offer alongside whipped cream and extra berries for a plated dessert. I love surprising guests with a warm pastry on cool spring mornings.

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Cultural Context

Turnovers are a classic pastry rooted in many European baking traditions but the strawberry cheesecake twist celebrates American dessert flavors. Puff pastry shortcuts make bakery style treats simple for any home cook.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep puff pastry crispy after filling?

Let the turnovers cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling. Fill just before serving to keep the pastry at its crispiest.

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor and texture for this dessert, especially when diced just before serving.

→ What's the best way to pipe in the filling?

Fill a piping or zip-top bag and snip the corner for control. This ensures an even, smooth layer inside the pastry.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Both the cream cheese mixture and diced strawberries can be prepared in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.

→ How do I avoid the turnovers becoming soggy?

Cool the baked pastries fully and make sure excess moisture is drained from the strawberries prior to filling.

→ What can I serve alongside these for brunch?

Coffee, tea, or fresh fruit salad pair well, making this a delightful addition to breakfast or a light dessert buffet.