Ricotta and Cherry Strudel

Ricotta and Cherry Strudel Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

A quick and delicious dessert, this ricotta and cherry strudel is the perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon or to impress guests on a special occasion. With a creamy filling and an intense cherry flavor, this dish is not only easy to make but also very satisfying. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 500 g ricotta
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 60 g sugar
- 1 large slice of bread (only the crumb)
- 2 tablespoons ground almonds
- 2 eggs
- 425 g canned cherries (drained)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 8 thin store-bought pastry sheets (similar to phyllo)
- Melted margarine for brushing the sheets
- Breadcrumbs (for sprinkling)
- Half of the cherry syrup (from the can)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, sugar, the crumb of the bread cut into small pieces, and ground almonds. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous. Add the two eggs and continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This filling will give the strudel a rich and flavorful texture.

2. Preparing the cherry sauce: In a small saucepan, add the cherry syrup and cornstarch. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil and thickens. This sauce will enhance the cherry flavors and add an extra touch of moisture to the strudel.

3. Preparing the strudel sheets: Take each pastry sheet and brush it with melted margarine. Sprinkle a little breadcrumbs on each sheet to absorb moisture. Layer the sheets on top of each other to form a consistent layer.

4. Assembling the strudel: In the middle of the strudel, add a generous layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by the drained cherries and the cherry sauce. This step is crucial as each bite will bring a perfect blend of creamy filling and juicy cherries.

5. Rolling the strudel: Folding the edges of the sheets is essential to keep the filling inside. After adding the filling, fold the edges of the sheets and carefully roll the strudel, making sure the filling does not leak out.

6. Baking: Place the strudel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush it with a little margarine on top to achieve a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, or until it is beautifully browned.

7. Serving: Once the strudel has cooled slightly, slice it and serve it with a spoonful of cherry sauce on top or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A delicious variation is to add some chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.

Practical tips:
- You can use fresh cherries instead of canned ones, but make sure to sweeten them a bit if they are not sweet enough.
- If you want a healthier option, replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- The strudel can be served warm or cold, and the flavor will intensify over time.

This ricotta and cherry strudel is a simple yet impressive recipe that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Enjoy!