Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers – Flaky, Fruity & Creamy Dessert

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake, and the sweet freshness of strawberries, Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers are an irresistible choice. These handheld desserts are perfect for brunches, afternoon treats, or a show-stopping addition to any dessert table. With golden, buttery pastry pockets filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and strawberries, every bite offers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

These turnovers are surprisingly easy to make, whether you use store-bought puff pastry or make your own. The combination of tangy cream cheese with sweet strawberries is classic, and the flakiness of the pastry adds a delightful crunch. They are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a bakery-quality dessert at home. This guide will walk you through every step, with tips, variations, and serving suggestions for creating the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (or ½ cup strawberry preserves/jam)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (if using fresh strawberries)

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, toss diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar if using fresh berries.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth edges. Cut the sheet into 4 equal squares (or 6 for smaller turnovers).

Step 4: Assemble the Turnovers
Place 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Add a spoonful of strawberries on top. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of each turnover with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 6: Optional Glaze
If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over the slightly cooled turnovers before serving.

Variation

• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
• Mixed Berry Turnovers: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans, on top of the filling before folding.
• Mini Turnovers: Make bite-sized turnovers for parties or brunch spreads.

Cooking Note

• Make sure puff pastry is cold before baking; this helps it puff up beautifully.
• Do not overfill the turnovers, or the filling may leak while baking.
• Egg wash ensures a golden, glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert table at parties.
• Great for packed snacks, picnics, or tea-time treats.

Tips

• Chill turnovers for 10-15 minutes before baking if the pastry becomes too soft during assembly.
• Use a fork to press and seal edges to prevent filling from leaking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a warm oven before serving.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

18-20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per turnover, serves 4)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the turnovers.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Assemble the turnovers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze the turnovers?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked turnovers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

Q: Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
A: Yes, drizzle cream cheese frosting over cooled turnovers for a richer finish.

Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: You can, but be careful as phyllo is thinner and may require multiple layers to hold the filling.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers are a perfect combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake, and fresh, sweet strawberries. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for entertaining. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bakery-quality dessert at home in under 40 minutes. The versatility in filling and toppings makes these turnovers suitable for customizing according to taste preferences, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Serve them warm, optionally glazed or with a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy a sweet, fruity, and creamy indulgence in every bite.

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