There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the kitchen, and these homemade Strawberry Turnovers are no exception. I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe one sunny afternoon while experimenting with puff pastry in my pantry. The moment I bit into the flaky, golden crust filled with sweet strawberries and creamy cheese, I was transported to a charming bakery, complete with warm smiles and the sound of laughter.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat that feels like a little luxury or a sweet surprise for dessert, these strawberry turnovers are versatile and incredibly easy to prepare. Just a handful of fresh ingredients transforms into a delightful dish that rivals anything you’d find at the store. Plus, who could resist the allure of a warm, gooey filling peeking through that perfectly crisp exterior? It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—the kind that makes everything a little sweeter. Let’s dive into bringing this irresistible delight to your table!
Why are Strawberry Turnovers a Must-Try?
Rich, Flaky Texture: These turnovers blend crispy puff pastry with a luscious filling, creating a delightful bite every time.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert plans, they come together in under an hour!
Endless Versatility: Feel free to explore different fruits or fillings, tailoring it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Suitable for breakfast or dessert, they’ll leave friends and family raving.
Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a bakery-style treat right from your kitchen!
Strawberry Turnover Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create delicious strawberry turnovers that everyone will love!
For the Filling
- Fresh Strawberries – The primary flavor and filling source; fresh yields better taste than frozen.
- Sugar – Balances the sweetness in the strawberry filling; adjust based on the tartness of the berries.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy richness to the filling; can substitute with reduced-fat for a lighter option.
- Butter – Enriches the filling; opt for unsalted to have better control over the flavor.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry mixture so your filling doesn’t run; essential for the right texture.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the sweetness of the strawberries; always use fresh for the best flavor.
For the Pastry
- Puff Pastry – Provides that flaky exterior; ensure it’s properly thawed before handling.
- Egg – Used to create a beautiful golden wash on top; it’s also important for sealing the turnovers.
For the Glaze
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of your cream cheese filling; optional, but highly recommended.
- Milk – Whisked with powdered sugar for a lovely glaze; adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating those irresistible strawberry turnovers!
How to Make Strawberry Turnovers
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Prepare Strawberry Filling: Slice fresh strawberries and combine them with butter, salt, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan. Cook over medium heat until thickened—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes. You can use a food masher if you desire a chunkier texture.
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Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This step will take around 3-5 minutes and ensures your filling is creamy and delicious. Set aside when ready.
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Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Make sure the consistency is pourable, adjusting with extra milk as needed for a perfect glaze.
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Assemble Turnovers: Thaw and cut puff pastry into squares. Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling and a dollop of cream cheese mix in one corner of each square. Fold the pastry over, sealing the edges with a fork. Make a small slit on the top and brush with whisked egg for a golden finish.
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Bake: Arrange the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze on top.
Optional: Serve warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Turnovers
Room Temperature: Keep strawberry turnovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the turnovers before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through and flaky. Enjoy these delicious strawberry turnovers as a warm treat!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Turnovers
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Thawing Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed prior to use; this is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture.
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Sugar Adjustment: Taste the strawberry filling as you prepare it; adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries to enhance the flavor of your strawberry turnovers.
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Filling Control: Avoid overfilling the pastry squares. Too much filling can lead to spills during baking—less is more for a neat finish!
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Cinnamon Touch: For a cozy twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar mixture; it complements the strawberries beautifully.
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Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in the glaze for your desired thickness; a thicker glaze stays on top better, while a thinner one drizzles nicely.
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Serving Warm: Enjoy your strawberry turnovers warm for the best experience—this enhances the delightful combination of flaky pastry and gooey filling!
Strawberry Turnover Variations
Customize these delightful strawberry turnovers to suit your taste and dietary needs with these tempting ideas!
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Berry Medley: Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to create a colorful and tangy filling. Mix all three for a vibrant berry medley that bursts with flavor.
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Greek Yogurt Filling: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed twist. It adds a wonderful tanginess that complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully.
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Chocolate Delight: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or chunks to your strawberry filling for a deliciously decadent version. Chocolate and strawberries? It’s a match made in heaven!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture and warmth. The crunch adds a delightful contrast to the soft, flaky pastry.
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Coconut Cream: For a tropical flair, mix in some shredded coconut with the cream cheese filling. This sweet addition will transport your taste buds to an island paradise.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar when preparing your filling. It gives the turnovers an aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate some fresh mint or basil into the strawberry filling for a refreshing herbaceous note. The bright flavors elevate the dish into something truly special.
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Savory Option: Try stuffing the turnovers with a savory mixture of goat cheese and caramelized onions for a delightful brunch treat. It’s an unexpected yet tasty transformation!
What to Serve with Strawberry Turnovers?
Elevate your mealtime experience with delightful pairings that will complement these sweet, flaky pastries perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm fruit and cream cheese filling.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream enhances the flavors while offering a touch of elegance to dessert presentations.
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Coffee: A bold cup of coffee acts as a perfect companion, balancing the sweetness with its rich, robust flavor.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of mixed berries introduces a vibrant burst of flavor and healthful freshness that enhances every bite.
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Citrus Salad: Bright and zesty, a citrus salad of oranges and grapefruit adds a fruity, refreshing contrast to the turnovers.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of sparkling wine makes for a bubbly celebration that pairs wonderfully with the turnovers’ sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of dark chocolate over the turnovers adds an indulgent touch to each bite.
These pairings not only shine alongside Strawberry Turnovers but also create a memorable dining experience that will have your guests smiling and reaching for seconds!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious homemade strawberry turnovers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, then let the mixture cool completely before refrigerating. The cream cheese filling can also be made and stored in the fridge. For assembly, thaw the puff pastry just before you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, fill the pastry with the chilled fillings, seal, and bake them directly from the fridge for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, flaky strawberry turnovers with minimal effort, making busy mornings a breeze!
Strawberry Turnovers Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm, and free of dark spots or blemishes. If you can, gently smell them; a sweet aroma typically indicates ripeness. Avoid any that are mushy or have dark spots all over, as these can affect the overall flavor of your strawberry turnovers.
How should I store leftover strawberry turnovers?
Very! For best freshness, keep leftover strawberry turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, they can be placed in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be aware that the pastry might lose some of its crispiness.
Can I freeze strawberry turnovers before baking?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each assembled turnover tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re warm and golden brown.
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
If you find your filling is runny, no worries! You can easily remedy this by cooking it a bit longer on the stovetop, letting it thicken up. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent sticking. If you typically struggle with this, adding an extra sprinkle of cornstarch can help thicken it even further; mix it with a little sugar before incorporating it into the mix to avoid clumps.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, it’s essential to inform them that this recipe contains dairy (from the cream cheese and butter) and gluten (from the puff pastry). For alternatives, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
How can I ensure my puff pastry turns out flaky?
Absolutely! To achieve that desired flakiness, ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before you begin working with it. Keeping the dough cool is essential; if it becomes warm while you work, it won’t puff up as beautifully. Work quickly when assembling and only take out what you need at a time—this way, you’ll have perfect, flaky strawberry turnovers!
Savory Strawberry Turnovers with Creamy Cheese Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice fresh strawberries and combine them with butter, salt, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, around 5-10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, around 3-5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Thaw and cut puff pastry into squares. Place a spoonful of strawberry filling and a dollop of cream cheese in one corner of each square. Fold and seal edges.
- Arrange assembled turnovers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.