If there was ever a pastry that felt like a warm hug straight from the oven, it would be these Homemade Cherry Strudels. Encased in buttery, golden puff pastry, the tart pop of cherry preserves and the glossy vanilla glaze on top make each bite a celebration. Whether you love them for breakfast with coffee, crave them as an afternoon pick-me-up, or want to bring a little nostalgia to dessert, Homemade Cherry Strudels are delightfully simple but never fail to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Homemade Cherry Strudels is how a few pantry staples transform into something so special. Each ingredient has a role—flavor, structure, or that irresistible finish—so don’t be tempted to skip a single one!

Puff Pastry Sheet: Store-bought puff pastry creates those classic flaky, buttery layers without any hassle—just thaw and you’re ready to go.
Cherry Preserves or Pie Filling: The star of the show! Use a high-quality cherry preserve or homemade filling for the best sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color.
Egg: An egg wash gives the strudels their signature golden sheen and helps seal the edges tight.
Water: Just a splash mixed with the egg makes your wash easy to brush on, plus helps bind the pastry together.
Powdered Sugar: The base for a luscious, sweet glaze that settles into all the crinkles and folds of your pastry.
Milk: A little milk brings your glaze together and adds a hint of richness.
Vanilla Extract: Just half a teaspoon gives your glaze that nostalgic, comforting aroma.

How to Make Homemade Cherry Strudels

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step isn’t just about preventing sticking—it helps with even baking and makes clean-up a breeze, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Shape the Pastry

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Slice it into four equal rectangles—no need to stress about perfect edges, rustic looks are very much in! These rectangles will become the crisp, golden packages that hold that luscious cherry filling.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling

Spoon about two tablespoons of cherry preserves onto the center of two of the rectangles, taking care to leave a generous half-inch border all around. This margin is vital—it keeps your dreamy filling from bubbling out as the strudels bake.

Step 4: Seal and Top

Brush the edges of the cherry-topped rectangles with water, then cover each one with a plain rectangle of pastry. Gently press the edges to seal, then reinforce with the tines of a fork for that classic strudel crimp (and a delightful textural touch).

Step 5: Egg Wash Time

Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to make a glossy wash. Brush this generously over the top of each strudel—the secret to those beautifully golden, bakery-style tops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for strudels that are puffed, deeply golden, and irresistible. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—the pastry will crisp, and the filling will set for that perfect bite.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

While your strudels are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. When you have a smooth, pourable glaze, drizzle it generously over the cooled pastries. Let the glaze set (if you can wait!) for that glossy bakery finish.

How to Serve Homemade Cherry Strudels

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar always looks stunning on Homemade Cherry Strudels, or try a few additional fresh cherries for a splash of color. You can also sprinkle a touch of finely grated lemon zest to brighten up the fruit flavor—just before serving for maximum zing.

Side Dishes

Pair these flaky strudels with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. For a lighter touch, serve with a bowl of seasonal berries or a simple fruit salad—the tartness is a lovely contrast to the sweet, jammy filling.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving to guests, slice each strudel on the diagonal for a chic, bakery-style look. Stack them on a cake stand and drizzle extra glaze right before serving. For brunch, add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a ribbon of dark chocolate over the glaze for a twist everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Cherry Strudels are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid the fridge, as it can make the pastry lose its crispness.

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead for later snacking? Cool the strudels completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For the ultimate second-day strudel, reheat briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This revives the golden puff and keeps the glaze glossy, making your Homemade Cherry Strudels taste oven-fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of store-bought preserves?

Absolutely! Whether you use a homemade cherry pie filling or your favorite store-bought preserves, both will yield delicious results. Just aim for a relatively thick consistency to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.

What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?

The easiest way is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, leave it on the counter for 30 to 40 minutes, but be sure it stays cold to get those signature flaky layers.

Can I substitute another fruit filling?

Of course! Peach, apricot, raspberry, or even apple preserves work beautifully. It’s easy to customize Homemade Cherry Strudels by swapping in your favorite seasonal jam or fruit compote.

Is it possible to make these dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free puff pastry and swap the milk in the glaze with an unsweetened plant-based milk. The result is just as tasty and inclusive for all your guests.

Do I have to let the strudels cool before glazing?

Yes, cooling is key! If you add the glaze while the strudels are still warm, it will run off the pastry. Waiting ensures a thick, picture-perfect layer that stays on the strudel—and your fingers cleaner.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Homemade Cherry Strudels from the oven—the aroma, the golden puff, that first sweet-tart bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, this is the kind of simple, joyful baking that never goes out of style. I hope you give these strudels a try and fall in love with them, just like I did!

Lemon Meringue Trifle Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

These Homemade Cherry Strudels feature golden, flaky puff pastry enveloping a tart cherry preserve filling, finished with a silky vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat, they’re easy to make, irresistibly crisp at the edges, and deliciously sweet at the center.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 strudels 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Puff Pastry & Filling

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling

Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tbsp water

Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut the pastry into 4 equal rectangles.
Fill the Strudels: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cherry preserves or pie filling onto the center of two pastry rectangles, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges so the filling won’t spill out while baking.
Seal the Strudels: Lightly brush the edges of the rectangles containing filling with water. Place the remaining two rectangles over the filled ones to create two strudels, and seal the edges gently with a fork to crimp them together.
Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the tops of the sealed strudels for a beautifully golden, glossy finish.
Bake: Place the strudels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Glaze: While the strudels cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more for desired consistency), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Once the strudels are completely cool, drizzle or spread the vanilla glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving for the perfect finish.

Notes

Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for the best flakiness.
Swap cherry preserves for other fruit fillings like apricot or raspberry if desired.
Let the strudels cool before glazing to keep the glaze from melting.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 strudel
Calories: 290
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg