This week Quick and Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Strudel is perfect if you are looking to impress someone special or a guest.
When I originally started blogging I hadn’t posted many desserts, and this recipe resonates with me now as a quick and simple dessert to make with pre-made ingredients. that are in your pantry. If you are looking to impress someone special or a guest, look no further.
P.S. If you don’t like cherry – use something else!
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.
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This easy cherry cream cheese strudel is a spinoff of a recipe for Pizza Bread 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.
Ingredients
For this cherry cream cheese strudel you'll need cream cheese, vanilla extract, icing sugar, 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 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.
How to Make 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 for this strudel. The puff pastry needs to be divided into three sections. You need to cut slits on the outer panels diagonally all the way to the outer edges.
Once puff pastry has thawed, carefully unroll it. Sprinkle a little bit of flour on the counter and 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 14" x 12". Once rolled out, divide it into three sections. The filling will go on the middle part, Where the sides would be, cut lines diagonally, using a knife, going up and towards the outer edge of the pastry. Do this all the way down the sides (see photo). Do this to both sides, but leave the middle intact.
While you are waiting for the oven to heat up mix cream cheese and icing sugar. 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.
Spoon cherry filling on top of cream cheese.
Fold the sides over covering the bottom you just rolled over. Then fold under the short sides. Cut 3 or 4 slits across the top with a knife to let the steam escape.) Brush a little bit of melted butter on top of pastry and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for about 50 minutes or until golden brown.
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.
You can make the puff pastry folds as loose or as tight as you want to achieve your preferred look.
Move quickly while preparing your cream cheese strudel.
Using a chilled baking tray may 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
- 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
- 2 cups cherry pie filling or filling of your choice, 1 can
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp icing 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.8 oz puff pastry
- While you are waiting for the oven to heat up mix cream cheese and icing sugar. You can use a spoon or fork to mix the two together. Add vanilla extract. Prepare a large baking tray by covering it with parchment paper.2 tbsp icing sugar, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Once puff pastry has thawed, carefully unroll it. Sprinkle a little bit of flour on the counter and 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 14" x 12". Once rolled out, divide it into three sections. The filling will go on the middle part¼ cups all purpose flour
- The filling will go on the middle part, so don't cut in the middle section. From the side edges, cut lines diagonally, using a knife or a pizza cutter. Remember not to cut in the middle. Do this all the way down the both sides (see photo).
- Now, start to spread the cream cheese down the middle, then layer with the cherry filling. At the top of the pastry, roll it over 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 bottom.2 cups cherry pie filling
- As you approach the bottom, fold over the bottom piece, Cut 3 or 4 slits across the top with a knife to let the steam escape. Brush a little bit of melted butter on top of pastry.2 tbsp butter
- Bake for about 50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Then sprinkle with icing sugar, cut and serve.2 tbsp icing sugar
Notes
Top Tips
Using a piping bag helps to spread the cream cheese down the middle of the puff pastry dough. You can make the puff pastry folds as loose or as tight as you want to achieve your preferred look. Move quickly while preparing your cream cheese strudel. Using a chilled baking tray may help to prevent the puff pastry from softening too much.Nutrition
PIN it for later.
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!