Name: Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold); ½ cup blueberry or blackberry preserves; 16 ounces fresh blackberries; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 52 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a dessert that perfectly balances fruity freshness and flaky, buttery layers, this Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with juicy blackberries and enveloped in golden puff pastry, it’s a delightful treat that feels special yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you want a stunning dessert for a brunch, tea time, or an easy, crowd-pleasing bake, this recipe brings the kind of joy that comes from homemade sweets made with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver bowl holds a single layer of deep black blackberries, scattered unevenly across the bottom. Over the top of these dark purple-black fruits, white granulated sugar is sprinkled generously, creating a contrast of bright white specks against the berries. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft light reflecting gently off the metal's smooth interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe plays a key role — from the buttery puff pastry that delivers that perfect crisp, to the fresh blackberries that give the filling its vibrant burst, every component contributes to making this dessert truly stand out. Simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create magic in your kitchen.

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold): The flaky base that turns golden and crispy when baked.
½ cup blueberry or blackberry preserves: Adds a sweet, smooth layer of fruit flavor right under the fresh berries.
16 ounces fresh blackberries: The star ingredient that makes this strudel burst with natural sweetness and juiciness.
⅓ cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons (divided): Balances the tartness of the berries and adds a caramelized crust when sprinkled on top.
1 tablespoon flour: Helps to thicken the blackberry filling so it’s not runny.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, rich aroma that complements the berries beautifully.
1 egg: Mixed for an egg wash that gives the pastry its irresistible golden sheen.
1 tablespoon water: Combined with the egg to make the perfect brushing wash.

How to Make Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to ensure it’s ready when your strudel is assembled, allowing the puff pastry to bake up perfectly crisp and golden.

Step 2: Mix the Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. This simple egg wash will give your strudel a stunning golden color and glossy finish once it’s baked, adding a professional touch to your homemade dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, gently combine fresh blackberries with sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Mixing lightly ensures the berries stay mostly whole, providing wonderful texture while the flour thickens the juices during baking, preventing a soggy strudel.

Step 4: Roll Out Puff Pastry

On a floured work surface, unfold your puff pastry. Using a floured rolling pin, carefully roll it out into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle. This size gives you ample space for folding and stuffing, setting the foundation for a beautiful strudel.

Step 5: Assemble the Strudel Base

Transfer the rolled pastry onto your prepared baking sheet. Warm up the blackberry or blueberry preserves briefly in the microwave—about 10 seconds—to make it easy to spread smoothly down the center lengthwise, creating a luscious fruit layer.

Step 6: Add the Fresh Blackberry Filling

Layer the blackberry mixture right on top of the preserves, keeping it centered lengthwise so there’s space on the edges of the pastry to fold over. This keeps your filling perfectly enclosed, promising a neat bake without leaks.

Step 7: Create the Strudel Shape

Cut 3-inch long slits along the long edges of the pastry at one-inch intervals. Starting from the top, carefully fold each slit over the berry filling, alternating sides and slightly overlapping the strips to create that signature braided strudel look that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Step 8: Add the Final Touches Before Baking

Brush the entire top of the strudel gently with the egg wash you prepared earlier. This step is crucial because it gives the strudel its beautiful golden crust. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar on top, adding a little sparkle and satisfying crunch once baked.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop your strudel in the oven and bake for about 21 to 23 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pastry is puffed, golden, and irresistibly crisp. Keep an eye on it—every oven is different, and you want that perfect balance of flakiness without overbaking.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the strudel to cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling to set slightly, making each serving clean and tidy while still warm and inviting.

How to Serve Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe

The image shows a single square pastry piece on a white square plate with gently folded, golden brown crust layers on top, slightly cracked to reveal a dark purple, glossy berry filling inside. The bottom crust is a light golden color, supporting the juicy filling that slightly oozes out, giving a textured look. In the blurred background, there is a glass jar with more dark berries and a white cloth with blue dots, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint can elevate the presentation beautifully while adding a touch of color contrast. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, fruity filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh salad to balance its richness during brunch or afternoon tea. A cup of brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea also makes for the ideal beverage companion, enhancing every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning centerpiece, serve the strudel whole on a wooden board with fresh blackberries scattered around it. Alternatively, slice it into individual pieces and arrange on pretty plates with drizzles of honey or a berry coulis for that extra wow factor that will have your guests coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to one day to keep the pastry crisp. For longer storage, refrigeration is better but expect the crust to soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked assembled strudel by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.

Reheating

To bring your leftover strudel back to life, warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This reheating method crisps up the puff pastry again without drying out the filling, allowing you to enjoy your Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe just as much the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

While fresh blackberries work best for the texture and juiciness of this strudel, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the pastry soggy.

What can I substitute for puff pastry?

If puff pastry is hard to find, phyllo dough can be a lighter alternative, but be prepared for a different texture and a bit more delicate handling during assembly.

How do I prevent the strudel from getting soggy?

Using a combination of preserves and a thickening agent like flour helps keep the filling from releasing too much juice. Also, the folding technique ensures the filling is securely enclosed, reducing leaks and sogginess.

Can I make this strudel gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free puff pastry available in many stores, but be sure to check that all other ingredients like flour are substituted for gluten-free versions as well.

What is the best way to slice the strudel?

Use a sharp serrated knife to slice gently after the strudel has cooled. This helps maintain the strudel’s shape and keeps the filling from spilling out.

Final Thoughts

When you try this Fresh Blackberry Strudel Recipe, you’re not just making a dessert—you’re crafting a moment to savor. It’s a beautiful combination of fresh fruit, flaky pastry, and sweet, cozy flavors that almost everyone will love. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, this strudel has a way of making baking feel like a warm hug from the inside out. So get your puff pastry ready, gather those fresh blackberries, and treat yourself to a slice of happiness.