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Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers: The Ultimate Hand-Held Pastry with Cream-Cheese Excellence

Flaky puff pastry pockets filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry filling, creating the perfect balance of crisp, tangy, and sweet in every bite.  
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 turnovers
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • Cheesecake Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • Strawberry Filling
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Assembly
  • 2 sheets puff pastry thawed but cold
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water egg wash
  • Coarse sugar optional
  • Vanilla Glaze optional
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Cook Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy, about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch will activate as the mixture heats, creating a thick, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until fully incorporated with no lumps. The flour helps stabilize the filling during baking. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
  3. Prep Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut each into 6 equal rectangles, making 12 rectangles total. Keep the dough cold to ensure maximum puffiness when baking.
  4. Fill & Fold: Place about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges. Top with a tablespoon of the cooled strawberry filling. Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling to create triangular turnovers. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring no filling can escape during baking.
  5. Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush each turnover with the egg wash, which will create a shiny, golden exterior. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkle. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
  6. Glaze: While the turnovers are cooling slightly, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk or sugar as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the warm turnovers and allow to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure both fillings are completely cool before assembling the turnovers.
  • If strawberries aren't in season, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) work well too.
  • Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to recrisp the pastry.
  • These turnovers freeze beautifully before baking. Freeze assembled turnovers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.