If you’ve ever wished for a delightful breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Homemade Toaster Strudels with Berry Jam and Vanilla Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These flaky, buttery puff pastry pockets filled with luscious berry jam and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze recreate the magic of store-bought toaster strudels—but with the love and freshness of homemade. Once you try them, you’ll understand why making your own is the only way to go!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flakiness, sweetness, and that irresistible shine, making your homemade toaster strudels a standout breakfast or snack.
- Puff pastry sheets: The secret to flaky, buttery layers that bake up golden and crisp.
- Berry jam: Choose your favorite—blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry—for a sweet and tangy filling.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the jam filling so it doesn’t seep out during baking.
- Egg: Used for the egg wash that gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and helps seal the edges.
- Water: Mixed with the egg to create the perfect wash consistency.
- Salted butter (for icing): Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the sweet, creamy vanilla icing.
- Half and half: Thins the icing to a drizzle-able consistency while adding creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the icing a classic vanilla aroma and flavor.
- Almond extract: A subtle hint that elevates the icing’s flavor complexity.
How to Make Homemade Toaster Strudels with Berry Jam and Vanilla Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liners to ensure the strudels won’t stick and bake evenly. This simple setup makes cleanup a breeze and helps your strudels develop that perfect crust.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and lay out one sheet of puff pastry. Cut it into six equal rectangles. In a small bowl, whisk together your berry jam with cornstarch to thicken it up, preventing any unwanted sogginess. Then, spoon approximately one and a half tablespoons of jam onto half of the rectangles, leaving a neat half-inch border all around. This careful spacing ensures a tidy seal and no messy leaks.
Step 3: Seal the Strudels with Egg Wash
In another small bowl, whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Using just your fingertip, lightly brush the bare edges of the puff pastry around the jam—this is key to sealing your strudel so the jam stays snuggly inside. Place the remaining pastry rectangles over the jam-filled ones, pressing gently but firmly to seal edges well. Pop them into the fridge while you prepare the second batch to keep the pastry chilled and flaky.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Before sliding your strudels into the oven, give each one a light brush with the egg wash on top for a beautiful glossy finish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until each strudel turns an irresistible golden brown. Once out of the oven, cool them slightly on a wire rack—a warm strudel with icing feels like pure magic.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Vanilla Icing
Whisk together melted salted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more half and half if needed, aiming for a consistency that’s easy to drizzle but thick enough to hold its shape. Transfer the icing to a small resealable baggie, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle artfully over your warm strudels.
How to Serve Homemade Toaster Strudels with Berry Jam and Vanilla Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top of your strudels for an extra pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor. A light dusting of crushed nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, can add delightful texture and a nutty twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your strudels with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte to round out your breakfast experience. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness while keeping things light and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your strudels on a rustic wooden board or a bright, colorful platter for a breakfast spread that wows. For a brunch party, serve alongside mini jars of assorted jams and icings so guests can customize their own treats. It’s a fun way to engage everyone, making the experience just as memorable as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover strudels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them flaky and fresh, but be sure to enjoy them soon so they don’t lose their lovely texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash-freeze the baked strudels on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their quality intact for up to a month.
Reheating
To bring your strudels back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This method revives their crispiness much better than a microwave, which can leave them soggy. Adding a fresh drizzle of icing after reheating is the perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use jam other than berry flavors?
Absolutely! While berry jams complement this recipe beautifully, feel free to experiment with apricot, apple, or even cherry jam for different but equally delicious results.
Is puff pastry the only type of dough I can use?
Puff pastry is preferred here because of its buttery layers and crispness, but you can try using crescent roll dough for a softer texture, though the result will be slightly different.
How do I keep the jam from leaking during baking?
Whisking the jam with cornstarch thickens it, reducing leakage. Also, sealing the edges carefully with egg wash is crucial to keep that filling snugly enclosed.
Can I prepare these strudels the night before?
You can assemble the strudels, keep them refrigerated overnight, and bake the next morning. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the pastry from drying out.
Is there a dairy-free option for the icing?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free glaze that still tastes fantastic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about enjoying Homemade Toaster Strudels with Berry Jam and Vanilla Icing Recipe fresh from your own oven. This recipe is a wonderful way to delight your family or treat yourself to a comforting homemade pastry that beats store-bought options any day. Once you master this, breakfast will never be the same again—so grab that puff pastry and start baking something unforgettable!
PrintHomemade Toaster Strudels with Berry Jam and Vanilla Icing Recipe
Homemade Toaster Strudels made with flaky puff pastry, filled with sweet berry jam, and topped with a smooth vanilla almond icing. These delicious pastries are easy to bake and perfect for a special breakfast or snack, offering a fresh alternative to store-bought versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 strudels
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pastry Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2/3 cup berry jam (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, or any preferred)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp water
Icing
- 1 1/2 Tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp half and half, plus more if needed
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry and Filling: On a lightly floured surface, lay out one sheet of thawed puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. In a small bowl, whisk together the berry jam and cornstarch until smooth. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of this jam mixture onto 3 of the rectangles, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch rim around the edges untouched.
- Seal the Strudels: In another small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the edges around the jam on the rectangles with the egg wash to help seal. Carefully layer the remaining 3 puff pastry rectangles over the jam-topped ones and press the edges firmly to seal. Transfer these assembled strudels to the refrigerator while preparing the second sheet using the same process.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Once all strudels are assembled, brush the tops lightly with the egg wash. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Prepare Icing: Remove the strudels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack until just warm. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more half and half if necessary.
- Drizzle Icing: Transfer the icing into a small resealable bag, cut a corner tip, and drizzle the icing over the warm strudels. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose your favorite berry jam or mix different kinds for varied flavors.
- Ensure puff pastry is well thawed but still cold to make it easier to handle.
- Press edges firmly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- The almond extract in the icing adds a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Store leftover strudels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
