Toaster strudels are a delightfully sweet breakfast pastry loved by all. This homemade version is made with puff pastry, filled with your favorite jam, and topped off with a sweet icing that will have you reaching for seconds.
While most of the ingredients are standard kitchen staples, puff pastry might not be readily available in all home kitchens. This light, flaky, buttery dough can be found in the freezer section of most supermarkets. Look for it near other frozen doughs and pie crusts. You can also consider making it from scratch if you're feeling adventurous!
Key Ingredients for Homemade Toaster Strudels
Puff pastry: This is the main body of your strudel. It's light, flaky and has a deliciously buttery taste.
Berry jam: This will serve as your filling. You can use any flavor you prefer.
Cornstarch: It helps to thicken the jam to prevent it from seeping out of the strudel.
Egg: This is used for the egg wash which gives the strudel a shiny, golden finish.
Salted butter: A crucial ingredient for the icing. It adds richness and depth.
Sugar: This sweetens the icing.
Half and half: This gives the icing a smooth, pourable texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the icing.
Almond extract: It provides the icing with a nice, nutty flavor.
One reader, Elliot Larue says:
This homemade toaster strudels recipe is a game-changer! The flaky puff pastry and sweet berry filling are a match made in heaven. The icing is the perfect finishing touch. It's so easy to make and tastes even better than store-bought. I'm hooked!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Toaster Strudels
How to prepare the puff pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.
How to seal the strudels: Press the edges of the puff pastry rectangles firmly to seal the strudels before baking.
How to make the icing: Whisk together the butter, sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended. Adjust the consistency by adding more half and half if needed. Transfer the icing to a small resealable bag and cut a small tip from one corner to drizzle over the warm strudels.
How To Make Homemade Toaster Strudels
These toaster strudels are guaranteed to be leagues ahead of their store-bought counterparts. Buttery puff pastry is filled with jam and glazed with icing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2sheetspuff pastry,thawed
- ⅔cupberry jam,(blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, etc)
- 2tspcornstarch
- 1largeegg
- 1tbspwater
For Icing:
- 1½tbspsalted butter,melted
- 1cupsugar,powdered
- 1½tbsphalf and half,then more if needed
- ¼tspvanilla extract
- ⅛tspalmond extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liners.
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Place 1 sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 equal rectangles. In a small bowl whisk together jam with cornstarch then spoon 1½ tablespoon jam over the top of 3 of the rectangles, leaving about ½-inch rim around all edges uncoated.
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In a small bowl whisk together egg with 1 tablespoon water. Lightly brush rim (section around edges not covered with jam) with egg mixture.
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Layer remaining puff pastry rectangles over jam coated puff pastry and press edges to seal, transfer to refrigerator while preparing second batch and repeat process with remaining sheet of puff pastry.
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Brush tops of each strudel lightly with egg wash. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack until warm then drizzle icing over top.
Icing:
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Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Add more half and half to thin as needed.
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Transfer to a small resealable bag and cut tip from one corner to drizzle.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320.15kcal
- Fat: 7.30g
- Saturated Fat: 3.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.69g
- Carbohydrates: 62.64g
- Fiber: 0.52g
- Sugar: 50.80g
- Protein: 1.93g
- Cholesterol: 40.02mg
- Sodium: 68.86mg
- Calcium: 17.85mg
- Potassium: 50.77mg
- Iron: 0.56mg
- Vitamin A: 41.25µg
- Vitamin C: 3.16mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Homemade Toaster Strudels
When sealing the puff pastry rectangles together, use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only ensures a tight seal, but also gives the strudels a decorative edge. Additionally, when applying the egg wash, be sure to cover the entire surface of the pastry. This will give your strudels a beautiful, golden-brown finish when baked.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Toaster Strudels
Prep ahead: Prepare the puff pastry and jam filling the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Batch baking: Make a double batch of toaster strudels and freeze the extras. You can then pop them in the toaster for a quick and convenient breakfast.
Organized workspace: Set up all your ingredients and tools before you start. This will help you work more efficiently and save time during the cooking process.
Time-saving tools: Use a pizza cutter to quickly and evenly cut the puff pastry into rectangles, saving time and effort compared to using a knife.
Efficient assembly: Assemble multiple strudels at once by laying out all the puff pastry rectangles and adding the filling in a streamlined process.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Toaster Strudels Recipe
puff pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry in this recipe. It will provide a flaky and crispy texture, similar to puff pastry.
berry jam - Substitute with apple butter: Apple butter can be used as a substitute for berry jam, providing a sweet and fruity filling for the toaster strudels.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch to help bind the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs, adding moisture and helping to hold the pastry together.
salted butter - Substitute with unsalted butter: If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the icing mixture to achieve the same flavor balance.
half and half - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for half and half in the icing, providing a creamy texture and richness.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a nutty and aromatic flavor to the icing.
Presentation Ideas for Your Homemade Toaster Strudels
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade toaster strudels, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the beauty of the strudels.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a crunchy element to the plate, such as a delicate sprinkle of toasted almond slivers, to contrast the soft, flaky texture of the strudels.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to draw attention to the vibrant colors of the berry jam and the golden-brown pastry.
Highlight the glaze: Drizzle the icing over the strudels with precision, ensuring that it enhances the overall presentation without overwhelming the dish.
Garnish with fresh berries: Introduce a pop of color and freshness by artfully placing a few fresh berries alongside the strudels, adding a touch of natural sweetness to the plate.
Consider plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the size and shape of the strudels, allowing them to be the focal point while maintaining a sense of balance and proportion.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to create an elegant and inviting presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the strudels in a symmetrical manner, creating a sense of harmony and sophistication on the plate.
Use edible flowers as a delicate garnish: Introduce a touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers around the strudels, adding a subtle floral aroma and visual appeal.
Consider the plate color: Select a plate color that complements the vibrant hues of the berry jam, creating a visually striking presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Toaster Strudels at Home
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making pastry dough, blending fillings, or creating a smooth icing.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential tool for combining ingredients, whisking eggs, or preparing fillings. It comes in various sizes and materials, and it's perfect for mixing the jam with cornstarch or whisking the egg wash.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Toaster Strudels
Allow the toaster strudels to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crispy texture.
To store the toaster strudels in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the toaster strudels for later enjoyment, follow these steps:
- Wrap each cooled strudel individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped strudels in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, labeling it with the date of preparation.
- Freeze the toaster strudels for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen toaster strudels:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the desired number of strudels from the freezer and unwrap them from the plastic wrap.
- Place the frozen strudels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- If desired, you can prepare a fresh batch of icing to drizzle over the reheated strudels for an extra touch of sweetness.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen toaster strudels in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quicker option. Adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly to ensure they are heated through and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftover Homemade Toaster Strudels
To reheat leftover homemade toaster strudels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the strudels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crispy again. This method will help restore the flakiness of the puff pastry while ensuring the filling is warm and gooey.
Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven to reheat your strudels. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the strudels directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as toaster ovens can vary in temperature and intensity.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave to reheat your toaster strudels. Place the strudel on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 15-20 seconds. Check the strudel and continue heating in 10-second intervals until warmed to your liking. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer, less crispy pastry compared to oven or toaster oven methods.
If you want to refresh the icing on your reheated strudels, simply whisk together the original icing ingredients (salted butter, sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and almond extract) and drizzle over the warm pastries. This will give your leftover strudels a freshly-baked appearance and taste.
Interesting Trivia About Toaster Strudels
Toaster strudels are a popular breakfast pastry that originated in Austria. They are typically made with a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet fruit filling and topped with a delicious icing.
Is Making Toaster Strudels at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this homemade toaster strudels recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. The use of basic pantry staples like puff pastry, jam, and common baking ingredients makes it relatively affordable. However, the cost may vary based on the quality and brand of the ingredients. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe is a delightful addition to any household menu. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for its simplicity and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat.
Are Homemade Toaster Strudels Healthy or Unhealthy?
While the homemade toaster strudels recipe may be a tasty treat, it is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as puff pastry, jam, and icing, are high in sugar and fat. Puff pastry is made with layers of butter and flour, which can contribute to high calorie and fat content. The berry jam, although containing some fruit, is still high in sugar. The icing, made with butter, sugar, and cream, further adds to the calorie and sugar content of the recipe. Consuming these ingredients in excess can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of regular flour to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the jam and icing, or use a sugar substitute
- Replace the butter in the icing with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or coconut oil
- Add fresh berries to the filling to increase the nutritional value
- Serve smaller portions to control calorie intake
By incorporating these changes, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade toaster strudels while making them a bit more nutritious. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in sweet treats like these.
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Toaster Strudels Recipe
This homemade toaster strudel recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the sweetness of berry jam. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. The addition of the icing adds a decadent touch, elevating the strudels to a gourmet level. The use of simple, high-quality ingredients ensures a delicious outcome. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Homemade Toaster Strudels Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its flaky puff pastry and luscious berry jam. The precise combination of cornstarch and jam ensures a perfect filling consistency. The homemade icing adds a personal touch, while the vanilla extract and almond extract infuse a rich aroma. The meticulous instructions and use of high-quality ingredients, such as salted butter and half and half, reflect our commitment to excellence. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your toaster strudel game.
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