Easy Berry Strudel with Puff Pastry

This Easy Berry Strudel is the perfect balance of flaky, fruity, and sweet. Made with store-bought puff pastry, juicy raspberries and blueberries, golden raisins, and toasted pine nuts, it's a show-stopping dessert that comes together effortlessly. Whether you're hosting brunch, serving dessert at a dinner party, or looking for a weekend treat, this fruit-filled strudel delivers elegance and flavor—without the fuss.

What Is Berry Strudel?

Berry strudel is a fruit-filled pastry dessert inspired by classic Austrian strudel. Traditionally made with stretched dough, this simplified version uses store-bought puff pastry to wrap a filling of mixed berries, raisins, pine nuts, and brown sugar. Braided and baked until golden, it’s a rustic yet elegant dessert that’s both easy and delicious.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Flaky puff pastry and juicy berries in every bite.
• A quick and easy dessert with zero fuss pastry prep.
• Naturally sweet from fruit, with added crunch from pine nuts.
• Perfect for spring and summer—or anytime you crave a fruity dessert.
• Great warm or room temp, served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Tips

1. Soak the raisins in water (or rum!) to plump them up and enhance sweetness.
2. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on the pastry if desired—they help absorb extra berry juice.
3. Use chilled puff pastry to keep it easy to handle and shape.
4. Don't overfill—too much fruit can make the pastry soggy or cause tearing.
5. Cool slightly before slicing to keep the filling intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Berries?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

What Other Nuts Can I Use?

You can substitute pine nuts with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different crunch.

Can I Add a Cream Cheese Layer?

Absolutely. Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese before adding the fruit for a creamy twist.

Do I Have to Braid the Pastry?

Not at all! You can simply fold the sides over the filling and seal for a classic strudel shape.

Is This Best Served Warm or Cold?

Both work! Warm with ice cream is indulgent, while room temperature is great for serving at parties or brunch.

How to Freeze

Freeze baked and cooled strudel wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.

How to Store

Let the strudel cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for 5–8 minutes for best texture.

How To Make Berry Strudel

Step 1

Step 1

Prep the Raisins:
Soak raisins in a small bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

Step 2

Step 2

Prep the Raisins:
Soak raisins in a small bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

Assemble the Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the center with light brown sugar (and breadcrumbs, if using).

Step 3

Step 3

Assemble the Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the center with light brown sugar (and breadcrumbs, if using).

Add the Filling:
Layer blueberries, raspberries, raisins, and pine nuts down the center of the pastry.

Step 4

Step 4

Add the Filling:
Layer blueberries, raspberries, raisins, and pine nuts down the center of the pastry.

Shape the Strudel:
Cut strips about ½ inch (1.5 cm) wide on both sides of the filling. Fold in the ends, then cross the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid.

Step 5

Step 5

Shape the Strudel:
Cut strips about ½ inch (1.5 cm) wide on both sides of the filling. Fold in the ends, then cross the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid.

Brush and Bake:
Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle with extra light brown sugar. Bake at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6

Step 6

Brush and Bake:
Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle with extra light brown sugar. Bake at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve:
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.