Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers

These strawberry cheesecake turnovers combine a flaky buttery puff pastry with a creamy smooth filling of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fresh diced strawberries bring a burst of sweet tanginess that complements the rich filling perfectly. After baking the golden turnovers, they are filled with the luscious cream cheese blend and topped with juicy strawberries, then finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They make a wonderful choice for a spring brunch or a sweet treat alongside coffee, offering a delightful balance of crisp pastry and fruity creaminess.

I first made these for Easter brunch and they quickly became a weekly request in my house. Even a neighbor who rarely eats sweets told me she is hooked after trying one.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: Choose a high quality brand made with real butter to ensure a light flaky texture
• Cream cheese: The block form softens smoothly and provides the richest tang and creaminess
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and creates the pretty snowy finish be sure to sift for a smooth mixture
• Vanilla extract: Adds mellow complexity to balance the strawberries pure vanilla is best for true flavor
• Fresh strawberries: Look for ripe, deep red berries for the best sweetness and brightness you can use raspberries or blueberries as an alternative
• Egg: Used for the egg wash to give a beautiful shine and golden color on the pastry fresh organic eggs whip up better
• Water: Mixed with egg to create the perfect consistency for brushing over the pastry before baking

Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed and the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and shaping.

Mix the Filling:

Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until very smooth and creamy with no lumps. Chill the mixture in the fridge to keep it firm and easy to pipe later.

Prepare Pastry Squares:

Lightly flour a workspace and roll out the puff pastry to an eleven inch square. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into four equal squares to ensure even baking.

Apply Egg Wash:

Whisk together the egg and a little water until fully combined. Brush a thin layer over all the pastry squares to help seal them and achieve a golden shiny finish during baking.

Bake the Pastries:

Carefully fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, but do not seal the edges completely leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush more egg wash over the top. Bake in a preheated oven for eighteen minutes or until deeply golden and puffed up.

Fill the Turnovers:

Once cooled, gently separate the folded edge using a serrated knife if necessary. Pipe a generous layer of the chilled cream cheese mixture inside each turnover using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

Add the Strawberries:

Spoon fresh diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese filling. Their juiciness provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.

Finish with Powdered Sugar:

Using a fine mesh strainer, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate and picture perfect finish. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.

The combination of the fresh strawberries and tangy cream cheese always reminds me of long summer afternoons at my grandparents’ house. We would pick berries from their garden and turn them into all sorts of sweet treats. Baking these evokes those cherished memories every time.

Storage Tips

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pastry will soften but reheating briefly in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at low heat helps restore some flakiness. I recommend avoiding freezing after baking since the filling can release moisture and affect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a milder filling, mascarpone cheese works beautifully instead of cream cheese. You can swap strawberries for other ripe berries like blueberries or blackberries depending on the season. If you only have granulated sugar on hand, blend it briefly to create powdered sugar for the smoothest filling and dusting.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers go wonderfully with brunch classics such as scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them feel extra indulgent. They pair nicely with a strong cup of coffee or a robust black tea.

Enjoy these turnovers warm or cooled for the best contrast between crisp pastry and creamy filling. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look and taste irresistible.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of pastry works best?

Frozen puff pastry fully thawed is ideal, providing a flaky, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

→ Can the filling be prepared ahead?

Yes, the cream cheese and sugar mixture can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated to improve flavor melding and ease assembly.

→ How to prevent leaking during baking?

Avoid sealing turnovers completely shut. Leaving a small opening lets steam escape and keeps the pastry crisp rather than soggy.

→ What’s the best way to dice strawberries?

Remove stems and cut strawberries into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and a pleasant bite in each turnover.

→ Is there an alternative to egg wash?

Egg wash offers the best shine, but melted butter can be used as a substitute to achieve a rich color and flavor.