Cherry Strudel

This cherry strudel is a delightful and simple dessert that combines the flaky texture of puff pastry with the juicy, slightly tart flavor of cherries. The filling, made with fresh or frozen cherries sweetened to taste, is thickened with semolina to ensure it stays perfectly balanced and not too runny. Brushed with an egg wash, the pastry bakes to a beautiful golden brown, resulting in a crispy and flavorful treat. Lightly sprinkled with powdered or vanilla sugar, this strudel is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee or a sweet ending to any meal.

Recipe for Cherry Strudel

Ingredients (for 6-8 servings):

• 500 g ready-made puff pastry
• 400 g cherries (fresh or frozen, drained beforehand)
• 100 g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons semolina (to absorb excess liquid)
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Vanilla sugar or powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Preparation:

Preparing the Filling:

• If using frozen cherries, thaw them first and drain any excess juice. Drain fresh cherries as well to keep the strudel from being too moist.
• Mix the cherries with sugar and semolina. The semolina will help thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny.

Preparing the Dough:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
• Evenly spread the cherry filling over one half of the pastry, leaving a bit of space around the edges.

Rolling and Baking:

• Carefully roll the pastry into a strudel shape, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Place the strudel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Bake the strudel in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

• Let the strudel cool slightly before slicing. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar or vanilla sugar before serving.

Nutritional Value (per serving, for 8 servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 15 g

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Enjoy this delicious and juicy cherry strudel, perfect as a dessert or with your afternoon coffee!