Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers

These strawberry cheesecake turnovers are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and bursts of fresh strawberries. They come together quickly and look impressive without the fuss of making pie dough. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, they balance crispness and softness with a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar on top.

I first made these for Easter brunch, and my family loved them so much they keep asking me to make them every weekend. Even my neighbor, who rarely eats sweets, said she was hooked after just one bite.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: Make sure to select a high quality brand with real butter for the best flaky texture
• Cream cheese: Use block style cream cheese as it softens well and adds a rich tang
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives a delicate finish on top. Sifting powdered sugar helps it fall evenly
• Vanilla extract: Adds mellow depth and balances the tartness. Look for pure vanilla extract for best flavor
• Fresh ripe strawberries: Choose strawberries with a deep red color for sweetness and flavor. You may substitute raspberries or blueberries if preferred
• Egg: Fresh eggs create a shiny golden finish on the pastry. Organic and fresh eggs whip up better
• Water: Used to dilute the egg to create an even egg wash that helps pastry brown beautifully

Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed but still cool and the cream cheese is softened. This helps the filling mix smoothly and allows for easy shaping later without tearing the dough.

Mix the Filling:

Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer for best results, making sure there are no lumps. Chill this mixture briefly so it firms up slightly for easier piping.

Prepare Pastry Squares:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to an eleven inch square. Cut it neatly into four equal squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter to ensure even baking and uniform turnovers.

Egg Wash:

Whisk the egg with a bit of water until fully combined. Gently brush the egg wash on all surfaces of the pastry squares. This wash acts as a glue for the layers and gives a beautiful golden brown color when baked.

Bake:

Fold each pastry square carefully into a triangle but do not seal the edges tightly; this allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess. Place turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush more egg wash on top, and bake for about eighteen minutes until golden, puffed, and crisp.

Fill the Pastries:

Once cooled, gently open the turnovers along the folded edge using a serrated knife if needed. Pipe or spoon a generous amount of cream cheese filling inside.

Add Strawberries:

Top the cream cheese layer with fresh diced strawberries for a bright and juicy contrast to the rich filling.

Finish with Powdered Sugar:

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the tops using a fine mesh strainer which creates a soft, picturesque snow-like coating. Serve promptly to enjoy the crisp pastry and fresh filling texture.

Combining real strawberries with creamy cheesecake filling always reminds me of summer afternoons spent picking berries on my grandparents’ porch. Those memories come alive whenever I bake these treats.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The puff pastry will soften but can be refreshed by warming gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to restore flakiness. Avoid freezing the turnovers after baking as the filling may become watery and affect texture on thawing.

Ingredient substitutions

Mascarpone cheese can be used instead of cream cheese for a milder, silkier filling. Swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or blackberries depending on what is ripe and fresh. If you only have granulated sugar, pulse it in a blender or food processor briefly to mimic powdered sugar texture for a smoother filling and dusting.

Serving suggestions

Pair these turnovers with classic brunch items such as scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the indulgence. They are perfect alongside a strong cup of black coffee or your favorite tea to balance sweetness.

These turnovers are quick to assemble and make an impressive treat. Serve them warm for best flavor.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of pastry is best for these turnovers?

Frozen puff pastry fully thawed is ideal, providing flaky layers that contrast beautifully with the creamy filling.

→ Can the filling be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the cream cheese and sugar mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to deepen flavors and speed assembly.

→ How to prevent turnovers from leaking during baking?

Avoid sealing the turnovers completely to allow steam to escape, maintaining a crisp pastry and avoiding sogginess.

→ What is the best way to dice strawberries for filling?

Remove stems and cut strawberries into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and pleasant bites.

→ Is there an alternative to egg wash for brushing pastry?

Egg wash gives the best shine and color, but melted butter can be used to add richness and a golden hue.