Easy Homemade Toaster Strudel

Growing up, toaster strudels (ahem- hi Gretchen Wieners!) were my absolute favorite. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. Back in the '90s, we didn’t really think much about what went into our food—it was all about convenience and that sweet, flaky goodness.

Now, as an adult with a little more knowledge about ingredients, I love being able to recreate that nostalgic treat at home, but with far fewer additives. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a childhood favorite while knowing exactly what’s in it—and trust me, it tastes even better when you make it yourself!

There’s something magical about a warm, flaky strudel straight out of the oven. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade toaster strudels offer endless opportunities for customization. From fruity jams to decadent fillings like Nutella or cream cheese, you can tailor each batch to suit your tastes or the occasion.

Beyond their versatility, these toaster strudels are:

• Quick to prepare: Thanks to premade puff pastry, there’s no need to fuss with making dough from scratch.

• Crowd-pleasers: Perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert.

• Budget-friendly: With just a few ingredients, you can make a dozen strudels for a fraction of the cost of store-bought treats.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own toaster strudels:

• 1 package of puff pastry (thawed): Puff pastry is the secret to that perfectly flaky texture.

• 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves: Choose your favorite flavor, like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.

• 1 egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to seal the edges and give the strudels a golden finish.

• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the glaze.

• 2–3 tablespoons milk: To achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness to the glaze.

• Optional sprinkles: For a festive touch, especially during the holidays.

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

• Roll each sheet slightly to create an even thickness.

• Cut the sheets into rectangles about 3x5 inches. Each sheet should yield 8–10 rectangles.

3. Fill the Strudels

• Place about 1 tablespoon of jam in the center of half the rectangles. Spread it slightly, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

• Brush the edges of the jam-filled rectangles with the beaten egg. This will act as glue to seal the strudels.

4. Assemble

• Top each jam-filled rectangle with a plain rectangle.

• Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, ensuring the filling won’t spill out during baking.

5. Bake

• Transfer the strudels to your prepared baking sheet.

• Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the strudels are puffed and golden brown.

6. Make the Glaze

• While the strudels cool slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

7. Glaze and Decorate

• Drizzle or spread the glaze over the slightly cooled strudels.

• For a festive touch, add sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to revive their flakiness.

  

Tips for Customization

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are some ideas to make your homemade toaster strudels even more exciting:

Sweet Fillings

• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread

• Cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract

• Lemon curd for a tangy twist

• Apple pie filling or diced cooked apples with cinnamon and sugar

Savory Options

• Ham and cheese

• Spinach and feta

• Scrambled eggs and bacon

Glaze Variations

• Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor.

• Mix in a few drops of food coloring to match a holiday theme.

• Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the glaze for a peppermint touch.

  

Perfect for Any Occasion

These toaster strudels are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit any event.

Holiday Breakfasts

Serve them as a festive breakfast treat on Christmas morning. Decorate with red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for extra holiday magic.

Brunch Parties

Create a DIY strudel bar where guests can choose their fillings and toppings. It’s interactive, fun, and delicious!

Gifting

Package these strudels in a decorative box or tin and pair them with a handwritten recipe card. They make a thoughtful and personal holiday gift.

Making homemade toaster strudels is a fun and rewarding way to bring joy to your breakfast table or holiday gatherings. With their flaky pastry, sweet fillings, and festive decorations, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

So why not give this recipe a try? Share your creations on social media, tag your loved ones, and spread the word about this delicious, easy-to-make treat.

Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄✨