Black Cherry Cheesecake Toaster Strudels
These Black Cherry Cheesecake Toaster Strudels are a decadent treat made with flaky puff pastry, filled with a luscious combination of sweet and tart black cherry jam and tangy cream cheese filling. Finished with a drizzle of simple vanilla bean glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Puff pastry
Black cherry jam (or jam of choice)
Cornstarch
Egg
Water
Turbinado sugar (or coarse sugar of choice)
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk of choice
Why You’ll Love Black Cherry Cheesecake Toaster Strudels:
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet and tart black cherry jam pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious burst of flavor in every bite.
Flaky Puff Pastry: The golden, buttery puff pastry provides a crisp, flaky texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft and creamy filling.
Elegant Vanilla Bean Glaze: The simple vanilla bean glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a sophisticated finish, making these strudels extra special.
Homemade Delight: These toaster strudels are made from scratch, offering a bakery-quality treat right from your kitchen.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or dessert—they’re perfect for any time of the day.
Easy Yet Impressive: Using store-bought puff pastry makes these strudels approachable, while the homemade fillings and glaze make them taste gourmet.
Customizable Fillings: While the black cherry cheesecake combination is divine, you can easily swap in your favorite jam flavors or add fresh fruit for a personal twist.
Ideal for Entertaining: These toaster strudels are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for brunch parties, tea times, or family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling and assemble the strudels ahead of time, then bake fresh when needed for an effortless treat.
Irresistible Presentation: With their golden layers of puff pastry and glossy glaze drizzle, these strudels look as good as they taste.
Tips for Making Black Cherry Cheesecake Toaster Strudels:
Use High-Quality Puff Pastry: For the flakiest, most buttery layers, choose a high-quality puff pastry or make your own if time permits.
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: If using store-bought puff pastry, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This prevents it from becoming too sticky or difficult to handle.
Keep Ingredients Cold: Work quickly to keep the puff pastry cold. Warm pastry can become soft and lose its structure during baking.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling Smooth: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a creamy, lump-free filling.
Balance the Jam and Cream Cheese Fillings: Use equal amounts of black cherry jam and cream cheese filling for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Seal the Edges Securely: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. A light brush of water along the edges can help them stick better.
Chill Assembled Strudels Before Baking: Refrigerate the assembled strudels for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape and achieve a flakier crust.
Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F/205°C) to ensure the puff pastry puffs up and turns golden brown.
Let Strudels Cool Before Glazing: Allow the toaster strudels to cool slightly before drizzling the vanilla bean glaze to prevent it from melting and losing its texture.
Customize the Jam: If black cherry isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with another tart jam like raspberry or mixed berry for a similar flavor profile.
Make the Glaze in Advance: Prepare the vanilla bean glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and stir before using.
Serve Fresh for Best Texture: These toaster strudels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the pastry is still crisp and flaky.
Reheat Leftovers Properly: Reheat leftovers in the oven at a low temperature to restore the pastry’s crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
Experiment with Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh black cherries on top for an elegant presentation.
Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier if any filling leaks out during baking.
How to Store Black Cherry Cheesecake Toaster Strudels:
Room Temperature (Up to 1 Day): If you plan to serve the strudels the same day, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid glazing until just before serving.
Refrigeration (Up to 3 Days): Place leftover toaster strudels in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling and black cherry jam will stay fresh.
Freezing Before Baking (Up to 2 Months): Assemble the strudels but do not bake or glaze them. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing After Baking (Up to 2 Months): If the strudels are already baked, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm and crispy.
Store Glaze Separately: For the best texture, store the vanilla bean glaze in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. Drizzle over the strudels just before serving.
Reheating Tips: To reheat refrigerated strudels, use a toaster oven or conventional oven set to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
Refresh with Additional Glaze: If the glaze loses its shine during storage, whisk it again or add a touch of milk to bring it back to its original consistency before drizzling.
Avoid Assembling Too Far in Advance: For the freshest results, assemble and bake the strudels close to when you plan to serve them. This keeps the puff pastry flaky and prevents the filling from making the pastry soggy.
Individually Wrap for Quick Snacks: Wrap each strudel individually in plastic wrap before freezing or refrigerating for easy, grab-and-go snacks or desserts.
Best Served Fresh: While these strudels store well, they are at their absolute best when freshly baked, with flaky puff pastry and warm filling.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought puff pastry for these toaster strudels?
A: Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and is a convenient option. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before use.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Both the black cherry jam and cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the strudels.
Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Yes, you can substitute black cherry jam with your favorite jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, for a unique flavor twist.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A: Be sure to seal the edges of the puff pastry tightly by pressing them with a fork. Brushing the edges with a little water or egg wash before sealing can help create a stronger bond.
Q: Can I freeze the strudels before baking?
A: Yes, you can assemble the strudels and freeze them unbaked. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftover toaster strudels?
A: Store baked strudels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm and crispy before serving.
Q: How do I make the vanilla bean glaze?
A: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, vanilla bean seeds, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or liquid as needed.
Q: Can I use pre-made cream cheese filling?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese filling as a shortcut, but homemade filling will provide a fresher, creamier texture.
Q: Can I bake the strudels in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can bake them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes or until golden and flaky. Be sure to check on them periodically to avoid over-baking.
Q: How do I keep the puff pastry flaky after baking?
A: To maintain the flakiness, store the baked strudels at room temperature for up to 1 day or reheat them in the oven before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Check out my other puff pastry recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these black cherry cheesecake toaster strudels. Happy baking!
