Cherry strudel

Cherry Strudel: A Quick and Delicious Treat

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Cherry strudel is a dessert that brings joy to every corner of the home. With a crispy crust and flavorful filling, this recipe is perfect for any time of the day. Whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends, the strudel will surely be the star of the evening. This simple yet refined sweet combines culinary tradition with fresh ingredients, providing everyone with an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients needed for Cherry Strudel:

- 1 package of pastry sheets (about 400 g)
- 200 g butter
- 500 g cherries (pitted, fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 100 g vanilla powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 50 g almond flakes
- 50 g brown sugar

Useful tips about the ingredients:

- Cherries: Use fresh cherries for an intense flavor or frozen cherries to save time. If you choose canned cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy strudel.
- Pastry sheets: Ensure that the pastry sheets are at room temperature before use to prevent them from tearing during handling.
- Vanilla powdered sugar: You can make this sugar at home by grinding granulated sugar with a few vanilla beans.

Step by step: Making Cherry Strudel

1. Melting the butter: Start by melting the butter in a double boiler or Bain-Marie. Make sure not to let it boil, just melt it completely to achieve a smooth texture.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, add the drained cherries. Add the vanilla powdered sugar, ground walnuts, and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Assembling the strudel: Take 4 sheets of pastry and brush each sheet with melted butter, overlapping them. This generous layer of butter will give the strudel a crispy and golden texture.

4. Adding the filling: On the buttered layer of sheets, add the cherry mixture and spread it evenly. Then, gently roll the sheets to form a cylinder. Place the formed strudel in a buttered baking dish.

5. Finishing: Repeat the process with the remaining pastry sheets and cherry mixture. Once all the strudels are in the dish, pour the remaining melted butter on top. Sprinkle almond flakes and brown sugar for a crunchy and sweet appearance.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the strudel for about 30 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy.

7. Serving: After the strudel has been removed from the oven, let it cool slightly. Generously dust it with vanilla powdered sugar and serve it either plain or with a vanilla sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Serving suggestion: This strudel pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweet cream. Add a personal touch with a chocolate or caramel sauce to impress your guests.

Recipe variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as apples, pears, or blueberries, to diversify the flavors. Additionally, by replacing walnuts with ground almonds or adding some raisins, you can create a unique filling.

Nutritional benefits: Cherry strudel is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the cherries. These fruits are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support heart health. When consumed in moderation, this dessert can be a healthier option compared to other sweets that contain additives and preservatives.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! The strudel can be customized with any kind of fruit you prefer, choosing them based on the season.
2. How can I store the strudel? The strudel keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating it slightly before serving to restore its crispy texture.
3. Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan pastry sheets and plant-based butter.

In conclusion, cherry strudel is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for sweet lovers. With every bite, you'll feel how tradition meets innovation, and the flavor of cherries will sweeten your day. So get ready to impress and enjoy this wonderful dessert! Enjoy your meal!