If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine tender pastry with luscious, flavorful filling, you are going to absolutely adore this Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe. It’s a delightful treat where flaky puff pastry envelopes a dreamy mix of fresh cherries and velvety cream cheese filling, striking the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a special weekend dessert or want to impress friends with something decadent yet straightforward, this Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe is a must-try that brings warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, blending simplicity and quality to create a spectacular final dessert. From the buttery puff pastry that provides crisp layers to the juicy cherries bursting with freshness, each component adds texture, color, or depth to this dish.
- Puff pastry sheets: The flaky foundation that cradles the filling and crisps beautifully when baked.
- Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted): Deliver natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color, essential for that classic cherry strudel flare.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a creamy, tangy richness that perfectly complements the juicy cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently and is perfect for that delicate dusting on top after baking.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of the creamy filling.
- Heavy cream: Ensures the filling is smooth and luxuriously rich.
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the cherry filling slightly, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the cherry mixture with a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness.
- Butter (melted, for brushing): Creates a golden, glossy crust that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help your strudels bake evenly. Having everything prepped ahead makes the rest of the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Cherry Filling
Place the cherries, lemon juice, and optional cornstarch into a saucepan over medium heat. Let them simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the cherries to release their natural juices and thicken into a luscious filling. Once ready, take it off the heat and let it cool — this step is key to avoid soggy pastry later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
While your cherries cool, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This filling is dreamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and softness to complement the tart cherries perfectly.
Step 4: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unroll your puff pastry sheets gently and cut them into rectangles or squares based on how large you want each strudel. This flexibility lets you customize servings or make smaller, bite-sized treats if you prefer.
Step 5: Assemble Your Strudel
Spread a thin layer of the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over each pastry piece. Then spoon on a generous amount of the cooled cherry filling. Fold the edges over carefully to create a sealed parcel or roll it up like a classic strudel. This keeps all the creamy goodness and fruit tucked inside where it belongs.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Generously brush your assembled strudels with melted butter to encourage a golden, crispy crust. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma at this point is going to be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once baked, let the strudels cool just enough to handle, then dust with powdered sugar for that elegant final touch. Slice, serve warm, and get ready to savor every scrumptious bite.
How to Serve Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe with a simple garnish of fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. A light sprinkle of toasted almonds on top adds delightful crunch and an inviting aroma that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your strudel with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These classic accompaniments perfectly enhance the creamy cherry filling and flaky pastry without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the strudel slices alongside a warm berry compote or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You might also place individual portions in elegant dessert bowls with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh cherries for an eye-catching presentation at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or enjoying as a quick dessert later on.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked strudel parcels for up to 2 months. Simply assemble them as instructed, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy your strudel warm again, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that wonderful flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully and are convenient year-round. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid soggy pastry.
Is cornstarch necessary in the cherry filling?
Cornstarch is optional but helpful if your cherries are particularly juicy. It thickens the filling slightly, preventing it from leaking during baking, but you can skip it if you prefer a looser filling.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap cream cheese and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Puff pastry is often already dairy-free, but check the packaging to be sure.
How long does it take to prepare this strudel?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with 25 minutes baking time. It’s a quick dessert to whip up when you want something spectacular without spending all day in the kitchen.
What’s the best way to serve the strudel?
Serving it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar is classic and perfect. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you want to make it extra special.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe has become a personal favorite and for good reason – it combines the best textures and flavors in an easy-to-make dessert that pleases everyone at the table. From the flaky puff pastry to the rich, creamy filling and the vibrant cherry burst, it’s pure joy in every bite. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try and experience just how magical simple ingredients can be when lovingly prepared.
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Creamy Cherry Strudel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Creamy Cherry Strudel is a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cherry and cream cheese mixture. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert offers a balance of tart fruitiness and smooth creaminess, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package Puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets)
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Other
- 1 tbsp Butter (melted, for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cook Cherries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices, and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy for an even spread.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheets and cut them into rectangles or squares depending on the desired size of your strudels.
- Assemble Strudel: Spread a thin layer of the creamy filling evenly over each puff pastry piece. Spoon the cooled cherry mixture evenly on top of the cream layer. Then fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a parcel or roll the pastry into a traditional strudel shape.
- Brush with Butter and Bake: Brush each assembled strudel with melted butter to ensure a golden, crisp crust. Bake on the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the cooked strudel to cool slightly for easier slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into slices and serving warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the cherry filling to prevent sogginess in the pastry.
- Brush the strudel generously with melted butter before baking for a beautiful golden finish.
- This dessert tastes best served warm, but can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute puff pastry and cream cheese with vegan options and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
