Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers

Buttery puff pastry filled with creamy cheese and fresh strawberries makes these turnovers a perfect treat for brunch or dessert. The combination of flaky crisp crust and smooth, sweetened cream cheese with juicy strawberries brings a light yet indulgent feel that I find irresistible.

I first made these on a lazy weekend morning and now they are requested whenever friends come over for coffee.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: Half a pound thawed for easy rolling and flaking
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces softened to blend smoothly and create that signature creamy filling
• Powdered sugar: One third cup plus extra for dusting to keep the filling sweet without any graininess
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon for aromatic depth and warmth in the cheese mixture
• Strawberries: Eight fresh diced small with stems removed to add juicy bursts and natural sweetness
• Egg wash: One egg whisked with one tablespoon water to brush the pastry for a glossy golden finish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the puff pastry sheets are fully thawed and the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

Using a hand mixer, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and spreadable. Cover this mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to fill the pastries.

Dice the Strawberries:

Remove stems from the strawberries and cut them into small pieces for even distribution inside the turnovers.

Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry:

On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed puff pastry into an eleven inch square. Cut it into four equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, then carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Apply Egg Wash:

Whisk the egg and water together until fully combined. Lightly brush this egg wash over each pastry square to help them turn golden during baking.

Shape the Turnovers:

Carefully fold each square into a triangle shape but do not seal the edges just yet. Brush the tops with another layer of egg wash to enhance browning.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately eighteen minutes or until the pastries have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before filling.

Fill and Assemble:

Gently open each pastry triangle where it was folded using a serrated knife if necessary to avoid tearing. Use a piping bag or butter knife to spread a thick layer of cream cheese filling inside. Top with a few tablespoons of diced strawberries, dust with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer, and serve immediately.

The cream cheese filling is my favorite part. Its smooth texture and mild flavor contrast wonderfully with the slightly tart strawberries. I have fond memories of making these with my sister as a treat for weekend mornings when we were kids, sneaking a bit of filling before the turnovers were even baked.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, the turnovers freeze best without the filling and strawberries. Once baked, let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in a low oven until warmed through, then add cream cheese and strawberries before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer filling or opt for vegan cream cheese if you want a dairy free version. Fresh raspberries or blueberries also work well in place of strawberries for a different berry twist. Gluten free puff pastry is available but may require adjustments in baking time.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for brunch. Serve alongside a cup of coffee or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing contrast. They also make an elegant dessert when plated with a drizzle of berry coulis.

Serve the turnovers warm for the best contrast between flaky crust and creamy filling. Enjoy with coffee or a glass of sparkling lemonade.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of pastry is best for these turnovers?

Frozen puff pastry works best due to its flaky, buttery layers that rise beautifully when baked.

→ How should the cream cheese be prepared?

Softened cream cheese blended with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth creates a creamy, sweet filling.

→ Can fresh strawberries be substituted?

Fresh, ripe strawberries offer the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thoroughly drained.

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash?

Brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking gives a glossy, golden finish and helps seal the edges.

→ How do you fill the turnovers after baking?

Carefully open the folded pastry and spread the cream cheese mixture inside, then add diced strawberries on top.