Flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a luscious cherry and cream cheese filling, that's what this Cherry Cream Cheese Strudel is all about.
This dessert combines the bright, juicy sweetness of cherries with rich, velvety cream cheese, all tucked inside layers of buttery pastry for a treat that feels both elegant and comforting. A simple dessert you can make that will be impressive whether you are making it for a stay at home dessert or to take with you as a dinner party dessert.
Like quick desserts? Try my recipe for an Easy Apple Strudel, Peach Cobbler recipe, or my Italian Zabaione Recipe that comes together in 20 minutes.
Visit my recipe box for some more great recipe ideas inspired by Italian tradition!
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This easy cherry cream cheese strudel is a spinoff of a recipe for Puff Pastry Pizza I posted earlier. I couldn't decide whether to call this a cherry or cheese strudel. Nevertheless, it is tasty! And best of all it isn't too complicated to make.
Here's Why You'll Love this Dessert
- delicious combination of tart cherry with a mild cheese sandwiched between buttery puff pastry dough
- texture of flaky puff pastry is satisfying to chew on
- easy to share dessert because you can cut it in to as many slices as you want
- leftovers store perfectly
- perfect with a cup of coffee, tea or glass of milk
- kid friendly
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Should you Make Puff Pastry for Desserts?
Keeping with the tradition of cutting corners, know that I did not make my own puff pastry. Yes, you heard me right. And you shouldn't either. Especially, if you want to make this Quick Cherry Cream Cheese Strudel. You'll find puff pastry in your grocer's freezer section in the pastry area. I used frozen puff pastry for this recipe which cut down the prep time tremendously.
Fun Fact about Strudel
Did you know? Traditional strudel originated in Austria but has become a beloved dessert in many European cuisines.
The word strudel means 'whirl" in German, reflecting its beautiful swirled layers.
Ingredients
For this cherry cream cheese strudel you'll need cream cheese, vanilla extract, butter, store bought puff pastry sheets and cherry pie filling.
For exact measurement details see recipe card...
Filling
For this strudel, I used canned cherry filling. But, you can use virtually any flavor of filling, e.g. lemon, blueberry, strawberry, etc.
I haven't tried to use frozen fruit or fresh fruit to make this strudel, so I can't really give you any insight on how it might turn out. If you do go this route, please leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out.
Cream Cheese vs. Ricotta
In addition to using cherry filling, I also added cream cheese to my strudel. I haven't tried it yet, but you could replace the cream cheese with ricotta.
So what's the difference between Ricotta and Cream Cheese? When cheese is made and separated, the curds are used to make cottage cheese, while the whey is used to make ricotta. Both are considered fresh or unripened cheeses and are mild in flavor.
Ricotta is smoother in texture, while cottage cheese is lumpier. In dessert making, you will want to use Ricotta Cheese as the texture is richer, smoother and more appealing.
Cream cheese is creamier and smoother than Ricotta and they can be used interchangeably in dessert recipes. Cream cheese is also used often as a spread on bagels.
I'd love to hear from you if you decide to swap out the cream cheese with ricotta.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Strudel
Have everything ready before you start working with the puff pastry. If the puff pastry is sitting out to long, pop it back in the fridge, until the oven is ready or you are ready.
Preheat oven to 400°F You will need to thaw out the puff pastry. Follow the package instructions. You will only need one sheet of butter puff pastry for this strudel.
While you are waiting for the oven to heat up mix cream cheese, vanilla and sugar with a hand mixer until creamy.
You can use a spoon or fork to mix the two together. Add vanilla. Prepare a large baking tray by covering it with a sheet of aluminum slide paper or you can use parchment paper.
Spread the cream cheese down the middle. Using a piping bag helps.
From the side edges, cut lines diagonally, using a knife or a pizza cutter being careful to leave the middle section uncut.
Spread the cream cheese down the middle, then layer with the cherry filling. At the top of the pastry, roll it over on top about an inch to cover the filling, then start to fold the sides in so that they cross over one another, until you reach the end of the pastry.
At the start of the pastry, roll it over on top about an inch to cover the filling, then start to fold the sides in so that they cross over one another, until you reach the end of the pastry.
Brush a little bit of melted butter on top of pastry.
Bake on the middle rack for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Then sprinkle with icing sugar, cut and serve.
When you fold over the puff pastry sections, you can fold them over loosely to achieve a wider strudel. Or, you can fold them over more tightly for a traditional strudel.
Use your imagination to come up with unique strudel combinations. The great part of using puff pastry is that you don't have to wait for it to rise. You can thaw it out and use it right away.
Storage:
If you have leftovers of this Cherry Strudel recipe, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it (slice into serving sizes first before you freeze). When you are ready to have a slice or serve the whole strudel, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw out in the fridge over night.
Top Tips
Using a piping bag helps to spread the cream cheese down the middle of the puff pastry dough.
Don't overfill because too much filling can make the strudel soggy and overflow while baking.
Move quickly while preparing your cream cheese strudel.
Brush with egg wash for an extra glossy, golden crust.
Use a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up and even browning.
Keep the pastry cold until you are ready to use it.
Using a chilled baking tray will help to prevent the puff pastry from softening too much.
Substitutions and Variations
Of course this cherry cream cheese strudel is perfect as is, but here are some ideas to make it different:
- Filling - use blueberry, apple or strawberry filling for a twist
- Cream Cheese - eliminate the cream cheese or substitute ricotta for a different texture, you can even use mascarpone
- Nutella - fill with hazelnut spread for a sweet delight
The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!
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Recipe Details
Quick Cherry Cream Cheese Strudel
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caIngredients
- 8 oz puff pastry store bought, thawed
- ¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cups cherry pie filling or filling of your choice, ½ a 540ml can
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Defrost Puff Pastry as per package directions. Keep pastry in refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Preheat oven to 400°F degrees and prepare a large baking tray by covering it with parchment paper.8 oz puff pastry
- While you are waiting for the oven to heat up mix cream cheese, vanilla and sugar with a hand mixer until creamy.6 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Carefully unroll it thawed butter puff pastry and lay on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little bit of flour on the pastry surface and using a rolling pin roll out the pastry about an extra 2 inches on each side. You want the pastry sheet to be about 14" x 12". Once rolled out, divide it into three sections. The filling will go on the middle section.¼ cups all purpose flour
- From the side edges, cut lines diagonally, using a knife or a pizza cutter being careful to leave the middle section uncut.
- Spread the cream cheese down the middle, then layer with the cherry filling. At the top of the pastry, roll it over on top about an inch to cover the filling, then start to fold the sides in so that they cross over one another, until you reach the end of the pastry.1 cups cherry pie filling, 6 oz cream cheese
- Brush a little bit of melted butter on top of pastry.1 tbsp butter
- Place on a rack in the middle of your oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Then sprinkle with icing sugar, cut and serve.
Notes
Top Tips
Using a piping bag helps to spread the cream cheese down the middle of the puff pastry dough. Don't overfill because too much filling can make the strudel soggy and overflow while baking. Move quickly while preparing your cream cheese strudel. Brush with egg wash for an extra glossy, golden crust. Use a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up and even browning. Keep the pastry cold until you are ready to use it. Using a chilled baking tray will help to prevent the puff pastry from softening too much.Nutrition
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Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Tom says
I used frozen dark sweet cherries, with all the liquid drained off. One bag was enough for one strudel. Delicious!
AmyG says
Hi Tom,
That's a great idea and it was smart of you to drain the liquid!
NANCY says
This looks perfect. love the tart cherry with cream cheese pairing! Thanks for this easy step by step recipe!
Colleen says
I love having puff pastry on hand in the freezer, and now I know what to make next with it. Love the cherry and cream cheese combo!
Sadia Malik says
Awesome and delicious
Sadia Malik says
I love the cherry and cream cheese combination delicious.
Wanda says
My mom always made apple strudel but never with cream cheese. I love cherries and this strudel looks so delicious, I can't wait to make it!
Vanessa says
I love strudel and love how easy you have made this with premade puff pastry! Perfect with an afternoon tea:)
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
Love how easy and quick this recipe is! Making puff pastry from scratch is not the easiest and fastest, so this is perfect. Cherry and cream cheese sounds like an awesome combination. Those slices look mouthwateringly delicious!
AmyG says
Loreto and Nicoletta, thank you for your kind words!