Cherry Toaster Strudel

This Cherry Toaster Strudel is the grown up version of a childhood classic. Thanks to puff pastry, these come out flakey, perfectly sweet, and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 12 oz cherries (pitted)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 box frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 tbsp egg, beaten
• Optional Icing: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp cherry juice from the mixture

Instructions

For the Fruit Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until everything is well-mixed and bring it to a low boil.
2. In a separate small ramekin, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Mix to form a slurry.
3. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cherries and let it simmer for 4–6 minutes, or until the cherries have released their juices and thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the mixture cool before assembling the strudels.

For the Strudel

1. Preheat your oven to 375℉.
2. Unfold both sheets of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal rectangles, giving you 12 pieces total.
3. Keep a small ramekin of water nearby. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling onto the center of 6 dough rectangles. Dip a finger in water and moisten the edges of each pastry rectangle.
4. Place a second dough rectangle on top of each cherry-filled rectangle. Gently press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp around the perimeter. It’s alright if some cherry juice leaks out. If you plan to make icing, reserve 1 tablespoon of cherry liquid.
5. Brush each strudel with beaten egg (egg wash). Use a fork to pierce the top three times so steam can escape. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until they turn golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

For the Icing (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix the reserved cherry liquid with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth.
2. If it seems too thick, add a bit more liquid. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
3. Drizzle the icing over your toaster strudels once they’ve cooled slightly.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers or want to prepare these in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days. To enjoy them later, warm them in the oven at 350℉ for about 5–7 minutes. Although you can freeze them for longer storage, the pastry may lose some of its flaky texture after thawing. If you do freeze them, allow them to fully cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and sealing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Who Actually Invented Toaster Strudel?

Toaster Strudel, in the packaged sense, was created by General Mills under their Pillsbury brand. It was introduced in the 1980s as a convenient, ready-to-toast pastry that quickly became a competitor to other breakfast pastries. While the concept of a jam- or fruit-filled pastry isn’t new, the trademarked Toaster Strudel name belongs to General Mills.

Are Toaster Strudels Healthy?

They’re generally considered an indulgence rather than a health food. Packaged options are known for containing sugar, processed ingredients, and added fats. Making your own at home allows you to be more mindful of the ingredients, but puff pastry and sweet fillings still bring a fair amount of sugar and butter. Enjoying them in moderation is key.

What Came Out First: Pop Tart or Toaster Strudel?

Pop-Tarts were first introduced by Kellogg’s in the 1960s. Toaster Strudels, as a branded product, didn’t hit supermarket shelves until the 1980s. Although both items are breakfast pastries meant to be heated, their dough, fillings, and cooking methods differ, giving each its own distinct charm.