Toaster Strudels

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Homemade jam-filled pastries are filled with an easy vanilla glaze. These copycat Toaster Strudels are so quick and easy to make!

If serving Toaster Strudels for a fun breakfast or brunch be sure to pair them with some savory options such as this quiche lorraine, sausage veggie hash, or this ham and cheese quiche.

Image of Toaster Strudels stacked on top of each other, with fresh strawberries on the side.

Gretchen Weiner’s father, the inventor of Toaster Strudels®, would be happy to know that his invention was one of my favorite treats growing up. My mom didn’t buy them very often, but when she did, my siblings and I all went crazy over them.

Nowadays they don’t taste nearly as good as I remember, but I’ll admit I still love them. And this (semi) homemade version is the best!

Process shot-- Image of the puff pastry sheet being cut up into 6 slices for these homemade Toaster Strudels.

For one, the homemade ones are a lot bigger, but more importantly, you can add as much glaze as you want. Which is important, if, as a child, you spent more time squeezing every smidge of the icing out of the packet than actually eating the actual Toaster Strudel.

…or was that just me?

Process shot-- Image of the strawberry jam that goes in these Toaster Strudels.

Puff pastry dough

I mentioned these are semi-homemade because we do start with store-bought puff pastry dough. If you’re super ambitious, you can make puff pastry from scratch.

The puff pastry I recommend in this recipe can be found in the freezer section of your grocery store. It’s a little tricky to find sometimes, so use a store app if your grocery store has one. I like Pepperidge Farm puff pastry dough sheets (click to see a visual; not sponsored).

Process shot-- image of the puff pastry pieces with jam added to the center.

Toaster Strudel filling

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. 

I recommend seedless jam for a better eating experience. 

Other flavor options: blueberry jam, blackberry jam, orange marmalade, cherry or apple pie filling, a few tablespoons Nutella®, chocolate spread, or peanut butter, lemon curd.

Process shot-- Image of the egg wash being added to the sides of the puff pastry to seal the layers for these Toaster Strudels.

Toaster Strudel variations

  • Add cream cheese: A smear of cream cheese before adding the jam would be delicious. I recommend using spreadable cream cheese.
  • Top with frosting: This cream cheese frosting works fine, or use a chocolate buttercream if adding Nutella or chocolate spread inside!
  • Add some spices: Add some cinnamon and nutmeg for a good flavor variation.

Process shot-- image of the puff pastry layers being sealed with a fork pushing down the edges.

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!

Image of two Toaster Strudels stacked on top of each other, with icing dripping and fresh strawberries on the side.

Brunch spread

I mentioned a few savory options to pair with these Toaster Strudels. If you’re planning an entire brunch spread for a baby/bridal shower or similar event, I’ve got a few more ideas:

Image of the freshly baked Toaster Strudels stacked on top of each other with a bite out of the top one.

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Toaster Strudels

5 from 2 votes
Homemade jam-filled pastries are filled with an easy vanilla glaze. These copycat Toaster Strudels are so quick and easy to make!
Print Recipe

Toaster Strudels

5 from 2 votes
Homemade jam-filled pastries are filled with an easy vanilla glaze. These copycat Toaster Strudels are so quick and easy to make!
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
Calories 206kcal
Author Chelsea Lords

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. Last night I was seriously thinking that a homemade toaster strudel would be so good! Glad you did all the hard work for me and figured out a recipe. Especially a strawberry version – my fave!

  4. 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 🙂

  5. 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

  6. 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!

  7. 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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