Ah, the sweet scent of summer strawberry fields wafts through my memory as I think back on those lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s a place where laughter bubbled like the sweetest iced tea, and every recipe whispered the secrets of love. Today, I’m so excited to share a little nugget of joy with you: Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers. These delightful pastries remind me of home — warm, comforting, and filled with the kind of sweetness that memories are made of.
Why make this recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers bring a touch of nostalgia to any gathering, making them the perfect treat for family reunions, potlucks, or Saturday mornings at home. They’re quick to whip up but feel as special as a labor of love. Plus, these turnovers harness the brilliance of puff pastry paired with creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries, creating the most divine dessert that’ll surely have your loved ones asking for seconds.
How to make Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 – 8oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 strawberries, stem removed and diced
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Make sure that your puff pastry sheets are nicely thawed and your cream cheese is creamy and softened to perfection.
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In a mixing bowl, grab your hand mixer and blend that softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and delightfully spreadable but still holds a bit of thickness. Wrap it up tightly with plastic and pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest.
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Dice those plump strawberries into small chunks, ensuring those sweet stems are removed. Fresh strawberries really take these turnovers to the next level!
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Flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry dough into an 11” square. With a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice it into four equal squares. Lay them gently on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and your kitchen will start to fill with the promise of deliciousness.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg together with one tablespoon of water until you get a frothy blend. Brush that egg wash lightly over each square of pastry. Now, gently fold each square over into a triangle—don’t seal them closed just yet! Brush the tops with that lovely egg wash, letting it glisten just right.
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Place those beauties in the oven and bake for about 18 minutes or until they become puffed up and golden brown. The anticipation will have your heart fluttering in excitement.
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Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool fully. When they’re cool enough to handle, carefully open each pastry where they were folded (a serrated knife can help if you need a little extra touch).
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Grab a piping bag or a handy gallon zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and fill it with the lovely cream cheese mixture. Fill the inside of those turnovers with a generous layer of cream cheese, followed by a spoonful or two of diced strawberries on top. Imagine your family gathered around, eagerly awaiting each bite.
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To finish off, dust those sweet turnovers with powdered sugar using a sifter or a small fine mesh strainer. Serve them up warm, and watch the smiles light up the room. Enjoy them immediately — or better yet, share them with those you hold dear.
How to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers
These delightful pastries are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make for a beautiful dessert or a special addition to a brunch spread. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
How to store Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers
Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To revive their fluffiness, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to warm them through.
Tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers
- Make sure to let your puff pastry thaw completely for easier handling.
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen strawberries — just be sure to thaw and drain them well first.
- For an extra bit of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to your cream cheese mixture.
Variations
Want to get a little creative? Swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches, and you can even try adding a dash of lemon juice to the cream cheese for a zesty twist.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you feel inspired to make your own, go right ahead. Just keep in mind that homemade puff pastry will require a little more time and know-how. -
How long does it take to make these from scratch?
With a bit of love and attention, you can whip these up in about an hour, especially if you prepare the filling while your pastry is baking. -
Can I freeze these turnovers?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked turnovers. Just assemble them and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
As we gather around the table to savor these Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers, I can’t help but feel a burst of warmth and gratitude. There’s something magical about sharing food that nourishes not just our bellies but our hearts too. So dear friends, let’s make memories, create traditions, and savor the sweet moments of life — one delicious bite at a time.
Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Dice strawberries into small chunks and set aside.
- Flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry into an 11-inch square. Cut into 4 equal squares.
- Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash lightly over each pastry square.
- Fold each pastry square into a triangle, brush the tops with egg wash, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool before carefully opening the pastries with a serrated knife.
- Fill each turnover with a layer of cream cheese mixture and diced strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.