Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe

Nothing beats the heavenly combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapped around sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe brings together the perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence in every single bite. As someone who's been perfecting pastry recipes for over a decade, I can tell you that this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe never fails to impress guests and family alike.

Whether you're planning a special brunch, need a quick dessert for unexpected company, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your home kitchen. The best part? You'll have these golden, flaky treasures ready in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why This Strawberry Dessert Recipe Stands Out

What makes this particular Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The combination of fresh strawberries with their natural sweetness and tang pairs beautifully with the rich, smooth cream cheese filling. Unlike many complicated pastry recipes, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

I've tested countless variations of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe over the years, and this version consistently produces the most impressive results. The secret lies in the proper preparation of the strawberry filling and the technique for sealing the pastry edges. Each turnover emerges from the oven with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that gives way to a luscious, creamy center bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings and More Delicious Treats
• Related
• Pairing
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe

Ingredients

Fresh Fruit Components:

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• Granulated sugar (for strawberry filling)
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice

Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• Powdered sugar
• Large egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Pastry & Finishing:

• Butter, melted
• Frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Combine diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries release their juices and become slightly softened.
3. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry, then stir into strawberry mixture.
4. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice, then set aside to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese.
3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Set aside until ready to assemble the turnovers.

Assemble the Turnovers

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (you'll have 12 squares total).
4. Place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of cooled strawberry filling on top of the cream cheese.
6. Fold each square diagonally to form triangles, then press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Arrange sealed turnovers on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
3. Brush tops with beaten egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
4. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sweetness and texture.
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes until turnovers are puffed and golden brown.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Control Matters Keep your puff pastry cold while working with it. If the pastry becomes too warm, it won't puff properly during baking. Work with one sheet at a time, keeping the other refrigerated until needed.
• Sealing Technique Press the edges of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe firmly with a fork dipped in flour to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. This creates both a functional seal and an attractive decorative edge.
• Filling Distribution Don't overfill your turnovers; less is more when it comes to the filling. Too much filling will cause the pastry to burst open during baking and create a messy result.
• Cooling Process Allow the strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling. Hot filling will melt the puff pastry and make it difficult to work with.
• Egg Wash Application Use a pastry brush to apply egg wash evenly across the surface. This creates that bakery-style golden-brown finish that makes these turnovers look professionally made.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free Version Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets available at most grocery stores. The rest of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe remains unchanged.
• Reduced Sugar Option Use sugar-free powdered sweetener in place of regular powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling. You can also reduce the sugar in the strawberry filling by half for a less sweet version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Make sure to choose a brand that has similar consistency and flavor for best results.

Flavor Variations

• Mixed Berry Turnovers Replace strawberries with a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a more complex berry flavor profile.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Style Add ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs to the cream cheese mixture for that classic cheesecake taste and texture.
• Chocolate Strawberry Fold 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips into the strawberry filling for an extra indulgent treat.

Equipment Recommendations

• Essential Tools A good quality rolling pin is crucial for working with puff pastry. Look for one that's heavy enough to roll the dough evenly without sticking. A silicone pastry brush works better than natural bristles for applying egg wash to your Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe.
• Baking Essentials Heavy-duty baking sheets with parchment paper ensure even browning and easy removal. A wire cooling rack prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air circulation around the finished turnovers.
• Mixing Equipment An electric hand mixer makes quick work of beating the cream cheese to the perfect smooth consistency needed for this recipe.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

• Store completed Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

• These turnovers freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods

• Warm refrigerated turnovers in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this will make the pastry soggy.

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

FAQ

Sweet Endings and More Delicious Treats

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe proves that impressive desserts don't require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit creates a dessert that's both elegant and comforting. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

If you enjoyed making this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe, you'll love trying our Mixed Berry Pavlova Recipe for another stunning fruit dessert, or indulge in our rich Nutella Mousse Recipe for chocolate lovers. Both recipes share the same commitment to simple techniques and spectacular results that make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe such a winner.

With love-By Lisa Johnson ✨

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Pairing

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