Toaster Strudel

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Toaster Strudel-inspired pastries are brimming with homemade jam and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. Making these at home is both quick and effortless!

For a unique breakfast or brunch with your Toaster Strudel, consider pairing it with savory choices like quiche lorraine, sausage veggie hash, or a ham and cheese quiche.

Stacked Toaster Strudels with a side of fresh strawberries.

Homemade Toaster Strudel

Gretchen Weiner’s father, who invented Toaster Strudels®, would be pleased to learn that his invention was one of my favorite childhood treats. My mom didn’t purchase them frequently, but whenever she did, my siblings and I were ecstatic.

This semi-homemade version is top-notch! Firstly, the homemade ones are much larger, but more significantly, you can apply as much glaze as you desire. This is especially relevant if, like me, you spent more time as a child trying to extract every bit of icing from the packet than actually enjoying the Toaster Strudel itself.

Was I the only one?

Puff pastry sheet being divided into six slices.

Ingredients In A Toaster Strudel

  • Puff Pastry Sheets: The foundation for the strudel, offering a flaky, puff-up texture. Tip: Thaw according to package instructions. If you’re super ambitious, you can make puff pastry from scratch.
  • Seedless Strawberry & Raspberry Jams: They infuse sweetness and fruity flavors into the filling. If you don’t have raspberry, just use more strawberry.
  • Cornstarch: A thickening agent, ensuring a gooey filling that isn’t overly runny.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder and, when brushed on top, gives a golden finish to the strudel.
  • Whole Milk: Paired with the egg for a glossy finish when baked. Use whole milk for richness.

Strawberry jam filling for Toaster Strudel.

What Is Toaster Strudel Icing Made Of?

Our delicious icing is made of 

  • Powdered Sugar: The base for the icing, delivering sweetness and consistency.
  • Whole Milk: Helps in achieving a smooth icing consistency. Half and half can make it creamier, but avoid low-fat versions.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste & Almond Extract: Flavor enhancers for the icing. If you don’t have paste, vanilla extract works too.
  • Salt: Balances the icing’s sweetness, giving a stronger taste.

Puff pastry pieces with strawberry jam dolloped in the center.

VARIATIONS

Best Toaster Strudel Fillings

Once you have the dough, it’s as simple as adding filling and icing! For the filling, I like combining two different jams for a berry-flavored Toaster Strudel. 

Some other fun filling ideas are: 

  1. Apple Cinnamon: Cooked down apples with cinnamon and sugar, similar to an apple pie filling.
  2. Chocolate & Hazelnut: A mix of melted chocolate and hazelnut spread.
  3. Blueberry Lemon: Blueberry Sauce with a hint of lemon zest.
  4. Peach & Brown Sugar: Cooked down peaches with a touch of brown sugar and a pinch of nutmeg.
  5. Banana & Nutella: Sliced bananas paired with Nutella spread.
  6. Cheese & Berry: Cream cheese sweetened lightly, paired with any berry jam of your choice.
  7. Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin puree mixed with typical pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  8. Peanut Butter & Jelly: A classic combination with your favorite jelly or jam and creamy peanut butter.
  9. Lemon Curd & Raspberry: Tangy lemon curd paired with sweet raspberry jam.
  10. Chocolate & Marshmallow: Melted chocolate with mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff.
  11. Top with frosting: This cream cheese frosting works fine, or use a chocolate buttercream if adding Nutella or chocolate spread inside!

Egg wash being brushed onto the edges of puff pastry to seal the layers.

Tips For Success

  • Wait to drizzle the icing until the pastries have cooled slightly. If you add it immediately after removing them from the oven, the icing will melt and become messy.
  • Regarding the size of the pastries, don’t be surprised; they expand significantly during baking and immediately after being taken out of the oven. After about a minute, you can gently press them down. They’ll deflate further as they continue to cool.
  • When assembling, it’s crucial to crimp the edges firmly, ensuring the jam stays away from the borders. This will prevent the jam from leaking out of the dough.
  • Always bake the toaster strudels on parchment paper or a Silpat liner. This not only aids in baking but also prevents a mess in case any filling escapes.

QUICK TIP

These Toaster Strudels are best served warm, straight from the oven. They aren’t designed to be stored in the freezer and then reheated in a toaster, as that could cause a sticky mess inside your appliance.

Puff pastry layers being sealed by pressing down the edges with a fork.

Toaster Strudel tips

  • Wait to add icing to the pastries until they’ve cooled down a bit. Right out of the oven, the icing will melt and turn into a mess!
  • Press down the pastries: Don’t be alarmed, but while these pastries bake, and right out of the oven they are huge. Let them slightly cool for about a minute before gently pressing them down. They deflate even more as they cool.
  • Crimp well: Make sure to crimp tightly and keep the jam well away from the edges — this ensures you won’t have jam seeping out of the dough.
  • Bake on parchment paper or a Silpat liner: Not only does this help the toaster strudels bake better, but it also ensures you won’t have a mess if the filling does happen to seep out.

QUICK TIP

These Toaster Strudels are meant to be served warm from the oven. These aren’t the type that you keep in the freezer and reheat in a toaster. Doing so will result in a sticky mess in your toaster!

Two stacked Toaster Strudels with dripping icing, accompanied by fresh strawberries on the side.

Brunch Spread

I’ve suggested some savory options to accompany these Toaster Strudels. If you’re organizing a brunch spread for an event like a baby or bridal shower, here are a few more ideas:

Freshly baked Toaster Strudels stacked, with a bite taken out of the top pastry.

More Ways To Use Puff Pastry

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Toaster Strudels

5 from 2 votes
Toaster Strudel-inspired pastries are brimming with homemade jam and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. Making these at home is both quick and effortless!
Stacked Toaster Strudels with a side of fresh strawberries.
Print Recipe

Toaster Strudels

Stacked Toaster Strudels with a side of fresh strawberries.
5 from 2 votes
Toaster Strudel-inspired pastries are brimming with homemade jam and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. Making these at home is both quick and effortless!
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Toaster Strudels
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 toaster strudels
Chelsea Lords
Calories 206kcal

Ingredients

Toaster Strudels

  • 1 package (17.3 ounces) puff pastry sheets (I get Pepperidge Farm, found in the freezer section of a grocery store)
  • 1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam
  • 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam (or just use another 1/3 cup strawberry)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or half and half; do not use low-fat milk)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste (or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1-2 drops almond extract, optional
  • Tiny pinch fine sea salt optional (to balance)

Instructions

  • PREP: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner and set aside. Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions. In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry jam, raspberry jam and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. In another bowl whisk together the egg and milk with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
  • ASSEMBLE: Place 1 sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 equal rectangles. Spoon 1 and 1/2 tablespoon of the jam mixture over 3 of the rectangles, leaving about a half an inch rim all along the edges (see photos). With your fingertip, lightly brush the uncovered edges with the egg mixture. Place remaining puff pastry rectangles over jam coated puff pastry and using the tines of a fork, press the edges to seal. Transfer those 3 pastries to the prepared pan and in the fridge while preparing the rest. Repeat the process with the other sheet of puff pastry. Add the last 3 assembled pastries to the tray in the fridge and chill for 10 minutes.
  • BAKE: Brush tops of each strudel lightly with egg and milk mixture. Bake about 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. (Don't be alarmed-- they puff up very high!) Remove and, using a metal spatula, transfer to a cooling rack. Wait 2-3 minutes and then gently press down the pastries (holding all four corners) to deflate a bit. Let cool until warm and then drizzle icing on top (see next step).
  • ICING: For the icing, whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk to thin the icing if needed (be patient stirring though; it takes a minute to come together). Transfer to a small plastic bag and cut off the tip. Drizzle over warm pastries. Enjoy while warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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38 Comments

  1. Toaster strudels were definitely a treat when I was younger too. We actually never had them at my house, but when I would sleepover at some of my friends’ houses, it was always exciting when they had them. Haha. 🙂 I think I would always have to make them heart-shaped because they’re just too cute! These would be such a treat on Valentine’s Day!

    1. Haha, that’s too funny! I was so obsessed with them when I was little, and obviously still am ha! Thanks so much Beth!

  2. Toaster strudels were a treat at our house too growing up! These are making me all nostalgic : ) I love that you did a homemade version – and I mean you certainly can’t go wrong with puff pasty! These look perfect Chelsea!

    1. You are so awesome Jessica, thanks! I love your blog as well 🙂 And totally agree – homemade strawberry jam is the best!

  3. Saw you over at Buns in my Oven today. I am pinning and will definitely try these. My children will flip for them! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. These are awesome looking! We never really had any variety of toaster strudel type product when I was a kid. I think the first time I even had one I was in 2nd grade at a friend’s house! I love that these use puff pastry – I live in Hawaii and there’s no AC, so sometimes making my own pastry gets tricky.

    1. Oh yeah, that would be super tricky without AC! I have to say, I am pretty jealous that you are in Hawaii. I’m dying for some warm weather! haha

  5. 5 stars
    in all my 76 years of recipe collecting I have never seen a strudel recipe like this, I intend making them this week end for my grandchildren and myself of course. love your recipes. nana

    1. Oh you are so sweet, thank you so much! I hope you and your grandchildren love them 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend with them!

  6. Just made them with the homemade puff pastry dough, absolutely superb. Used Organic Maine blueberry jam instead turned out awesome. Thank you!

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