Toaster Strudel
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about Toaster Strudel. The flaky pastry, the gooey fruit filling, and the sweet drizzle of icing come together to create a warm, comforting treat that evokes memories of lazy mornings and sweet indulgences. Today, we’re diving into a homemade version of this beloved breakfast pastry that is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that rivals the store-bought version, and you can customize it to your liking!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Toaster Strudel recipe is special because it uses puff pastry, which provides that signature flakiness that’s hard to resist. By making it from scratch, you have complete control over the fillings and toppings, allowing you to experiment with flavors. Whether you prefer classic strawberry, a mix of berries, or even a savory option, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the homemade icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delightful experience.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 (17.3-ounce) package puff pastry sheets – This is the base of your Toaster Strudel, providing that flaky texture.
- 1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam – Sweet and fruity, this jam is perfect for filling.
- 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam – Adds a tart contrast, but you can use another 1/3 cup of strawberry jam if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the jam filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- 1 large egg – This will be used to brush on the pastry for a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon whole milk – Mixed with the egg for the egg wash.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the sweet icing that drizzles over your strudels.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or half and half – To thin out the icing; avoid low-fat milk for the best texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavoring the icing.
- 1 to 2 drops almond extract (optional) – Adds a lovely nutty flavor if you desire.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional) – Balances the sweetness of the icing.
Recommended Tools
- Baking sheet – A sturdy surface for baking your strudels.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the puff pastry sheets if needed.
- Pastry brush – For applying the egg wash.
- Mixing bowls – For combining your filling and icing ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the icing to achieve the right consistency.
Toaster Strudel Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Toaster Strudels bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. Once thawed, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pastry sheets to about 1/8-inch thickness if they aren’t already. Cut the sheets into rectangles, approximately 3 inches by 4 inches.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry jam, raspberry jam (or more strawberry jam), and cornstarch. This mixture will be your delicious filling that adds sweetness and flavor to your Toaster Strudel.
Step 4: Assemble the Strudels
Place about 1 tablespoon of the jam mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle. Be careful not to overfill! Fold the pastry over to create a pocket. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them securely.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this egg wash over the top of each strudel to promote browning and give them a beautiful sheen.
Step 6: Bake in the Oven
Arrange the filled and sealed strudels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Make the Icing
While the strudels are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk (or half and half), vanilla bean paste (or extract), and optional almond extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed; it should be pourable but thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 8: Drizzle the Icing
Once the Toaster Strudels are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the icing over the warm strudels using a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled application.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
These homemade Toaster Strudels are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Serve them as a delightful breakfast or a sweet snack throughout the day!
Ingredient Flex Options
- Fruit Fillings: Feel free to use different flavors of jam such as blueberry, peach, or apricot.
- Nut Butters: Swap out the jam for almond or peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or a layer of Nutella for a decadent dessert version.
- Dairy-Free Icing: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk for the icing.
Things That Go Wrong
- Puff Pastry Doesn’t Puff: Make sure the pastry is cold before baking and doesn’t get overworked; this helps achieve that flaky texture.
- Filling Leaks Out: Ensure the edges are sealed well with the fork. You can also brush a bit of egg wash along the edges before sealing.
- Too Much Icing: If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Burnt Bottoms: If your strudels are browning too quickly, consider placing the baking sheet on a lower rack or using a light-colored sheet to prevent burning.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Toaster Strudels fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked strudels. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make Toaster Strudel ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strudels, assemble them, and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer.
What other fillings can I use?
The possibilities are endless! You can use any type of fruit jam, chocolate, nut butter, or even cream cheese mixed with sugar for a sweet filling.
How do I know when the strudels are done baking?
Your Toaster Strudels are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the pastry should feel light and airy.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the icing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the strudels.
Hungry for More?
If you’re loving this Toaster Strudel recipe, you won’t want to miss out on more delightful breakfast ideas! Check out our recipes for homemade pop tarts, fruit-filled pastries, and other sweet treats that will make your mornings a little brighter.
There’s something so satisfying about creating a homemade version of a beloved treat. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up a batch of Toaster Strudel that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weekday morning or serving them at a weekend brunch, these pastries are sure to delight. So grab your puff pastry and get ready to indulge in the flaky, fruity goodness of homemade Toaster Strudel!
Toaster Strudel
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Toaster Strudels bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry. Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. Once thawed, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pastry sheets to about 1/8-inch thickness if they aren’t already. Cut the sheets into rectangles, approximately 3 inches by 4 inches.
- Step 3: Mix the Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry jam, raspberry jam (or more strawberry jam), and cornstarch. This mixture will be your delicious filling that adds sweetness and flavor to your Toaster Strudel.
- Step 4: Assemble the Strudels. Place about 1 tablespoon of the jam mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle. Be careful not to overfill! Fold the pastry over to create a pocket. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them securely.
- Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this egg wash over the top of each strudel to promote browning and give them a beautiful sheen.
- Step 6: Bake in the Oven. Arrange the filled and sealed strudels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Step 7: Make the Icing. While the strudels are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk (or half and half), vanilla bean paste (or extract), and optional almond extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed; it should be pourable but thick enough to hold its shape.
- Step 8: Drizzle the Icing. Once the Toaster Strudels are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the icing over the warm strudels using a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled application.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy. These homemade Toaster Strudels are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Serve them as a delightful breakfast or a sweet snack throughout the day!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze unbaked strudels for longer storage; bake directly from the freezer.
- Experiment with different jam flavors for unique variations.
