Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel
The aroma of warm pastries wafts through the kitchen, enticing anyone nearby to come take a look at the tempting creation in the oven. Picture the golden-brown layers of our Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel, nestled together and beckoning for a bite. This delightful strudel is adorned with luscious swirls of creamy, sweetened cream cheese and vibrant strawberry filling, promising a taste experience that echoes the comforting essence of a fresh cheesecake. As the flaky crust crumbles under your fingers, every bite will melt in your mouth, releasing a medley of flavors that perfectly blend sweetness with a hint of tartness.
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I still remember the first time I made this strudel on Valentine’s Day, all those years ago. My partner and I had just started dating, and I wanted to impress with a Valentine’s breakfast that was easy yet delicious. As we sat together, enjoying the warm strudel over coffee, laughter filled the air and created sweet memories with every flaky slice. It’s simple yet special moments like these that make sharing food so meaningful.
So why not whip up this love-filled treat in your kitchen? With just a few ingredients and a little love, our Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel can become a highlight of your breakfast or dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, this strudel is perfect for a last-minute treat.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy richness of cream cheese combines brilliantly with sweet strawberries.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This strudel is not only a delight to eat but also a stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, you can make gluten-free or even dairy-free versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (8 oz) tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The flaky, buttery texture of crescent rolls provides the perfect base. If you want to switch it up, you could also use puff pastry, but the cooking time may vary.
- 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, essential for that cheesecake-like filling. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient balances the tanginess of cream cheese. You can substitute it with coconut sugar for a less sweet flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Pie Filling: This luscious filling amplifies the strudel’s sweetness and provides a vibrant color. Feel free to use homemade strawberry compote for a fresh flavor.
- 1 Egg, Beaten: An egg wash is brushed on for a golden finish and adds an inviting gloss.
- Sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking, it enhances sweetness and provides a delightful crunch.
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar: Used for a quick icing that adds a sweet finishing touch. You can mix it with alternative milks if desired.
- 1 tbsp Milk: To achieve the ideal consistency in your icing; almond milk can be a great substitute here.
How to Make Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your strudel won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also promotes even cooking on the bottom, helping your strudel achieve that perfect golden color.
Unroll & Shape: Open the tube of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to press the seams together, smoothing the edges to create a solid base for your filling. A pizza cutter can help you create even strips along the sides—just slice about 1 inch apart, keeping the center section intact for all your delicious filling.
Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until perfectly smooth. The sweetened cream cheese is the heart of this strudel, providing a rich, creamy base that perfectly contrasts with the juicy strawberries. The mixture should have no lumps and be spreadable.
Spread & Layer: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of your dough, making sure to cover every inch. Next, layer the strawberry pie filling on top of the cream cheese, ensuring it’s evenly spread to create that delightful sweetness throughout the strudel.
Wrap It Up: Now it’s time to get crafty! Begin folding the sliced dough strips over the filling, alternating sides as if you’re braiding. This will create a beautiful, braided appearance that not only looks impressive but also allows the strudel to cook evenly.
Brush & Sprinkle: Before putting your strudel in the oven, brush the outside of the dough with the beaten egg. You won’t need a ton, just enough to create a lovely sheen. Then, sprinkle some sugar generously over the top—it will form a wonderful crust as it bakes!
Bake to Perfection: Place your strudel in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the dough is fragrant. While it’s baking, the tantalizing aroma will make it hard to wait!
Prepare Icing: While your strudel cools slightly, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing. The consistency should be thick yet pourable. Adjust the milk as necessary to get your desired texture.
Drizzle & Serve: Once cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the strudel, letting it cascade down the sides. Cut into slices and serve immediately, watching as your loved ones are delighted at the enchanting reveal of creamy strawberry goodness!
Storing & Reheating
To store your strudel, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like a longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week. For freezing, securely wrap the strudel and place it in a freezer-safe container—this way, it can last for up to three months! When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, but a sprinkle of sugar can help refresh its sweetness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the cream cheese and powdered sugar, as it can become too loose and runny.
- For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Timing is key! Don’t skip the baking time. You want that perfect golden crust that adds crunch to every buttery bite.
- If you want to make them ahead, feel free to prepare the filling a day in advance and wrap it in the dough just before baking.
- If you prefer a healthier twist, consider adding some blueberries or chopped nuts to the strawberry filling for added flavor and texture.
The joyful experience of making and sharing a dish like this is one of life’s little pleasures. With the delightful balance of sweet cream cheese and strawberries nestled in a flaky strudel, every bite can bring you a moment of bliss. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this charming culinary adventure! You’ll find it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a beautiful way to celebrate love within your home.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can create a lighter, fresher taste in your strudel. Just chop them and toss them with a little sugar to help draw out their juices before spreading them over the cream cheese. This makes it a bit healthier and gives you that homemade flavor.
Can I make this strudel in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the strudel and follow the baking instructions as normal. This is a great time-saver, especially for special occasions!
What can I serve with the strudel?
Pair the strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. A cup of coffee or tea will complement it perfectly too!
How do I know when the strudel is done baking?
You’ll know your strudel is ready when it has a golden-brown crust and the edges are beautifully crisp. The filling will also start bubbling slightly around the edges, indicating that everything inside is warm and perfectly baked.
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
- Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies | Valentine Stuffed and Bakery
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes
- Valentine Strawberry Cake Truffles
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Valentine Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Strudel combines rich cream cheese with sweet strawberry filling, all wrapped in flaky dough for a deliciously simple treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Pie Filling
- 1 Egg, Beaten
- Sugar
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and press seams together to form a solid base.
- Beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough and layer with strawberry pie filling.
- Fold the dough strips over the filling to create a braided effect.
- Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Whisk remaining powdered sugar and milk to create icing, then drizzle over the cooled strudel.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Fresh strawberries can be used instead of pie filling for a lighter taste.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
