Craving a delightful treat that’s sweet, flaky, and bursting with fruity goodness? Look no further than our Cherry Strudel recipe! Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful dessert, this Cherry Strudel is sure to impress your family and guests alike. With a golden, crispy crust enveloping a luscious cherry filling, this classic pastry is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a storm with this scrumptious Cherry Strudel recipe.
**Cherry Strudel**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups of pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– Zest of half a lemon
– 1 egg, beaten
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out each sheet slightly to smooth out the creases and create a rectangle shape.
4. Spoon half of the cherry filling down the center of each pastry sheet lengthwise, leaving about an inch of space on either side.
5. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about an inch apart on each side of the pastry, making sure not to cut into the filling. This will create strips that you can fold over the filling.
6. Starting at one end, fold the strips of pastry over the cherry filling in a crisscross pattern, alternating sides to create a braided look.
7. Brush the beaten egg over the top of the strudels to give them a golden finish.
8. Carefully transfer the filled and braided pastries onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the Cherry Strudel from the oven and let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
11. Slice the Cherry Strudel into individual portions and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious blend of flaky pastry and sweet cherry filling!
Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings such as apples, peaches, or berries for a variety of tasty options. This Cherry Strudel is a versatile and delectable pastry that is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Share this delightful treat with loved ones and bask in the warm compliments that are sure to follow. Have fun baking and enjoy every flavorful bite of this Cherry Strudel!
