Classic cherry strudel
Description
Frozen puff pastry is a magic wand for any home cook. If you have enough time, do not be lazy and make homemade strudel dough from scratch.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients for making strudel. You can use fresh or frozen cherries; pit them first. Frozen cherries must be thawed. Use spices as you like.
- 2
Step 2
Prepare the strudel filling in advance. A finished thick cherry filling will not run and will keep the pastry layers from going soggy. Transfer the berries to a saucepan together with the juice, add the sugar, and add the spices. You may grind the cloves in a mortar beforehand.
- 3
Step 3
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes so the spices can infuse the berries with their aroma. When cooking is finished, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise.
- 4
Step 4
Mix the cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the boiling cherry mixture.
- 5
Step 5
Cook the filling down until it thickens, then cool it completely. As it cools, it will become even thicker.
- 6
Step 6
Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator ahead of time so it can thaw. Roll the dough into a rectangular sheet about 3 mm thick. It is easier to shape the strudel directly on parchment paper. You can use it to roll up the strudel and move the pastry to the baking sheet on the same paper.
- 7
Step 7
Along the long side of the dough rectangle, spread the cherry filling, leaving a gap of (10 cm) from the opposite edge and from the sides.
- 8
Step 8
Roll the dough with the filling into a roll, trying not to break the integrity of the dough layer.
- 9
Step 9
Secure the seam and the dough along the edges of the strudel. Place the pastry seam-side down and transfer it, paper and all, onto the baking sheet. Lightly brush the parchment paper with water using a pastry brush.
- 10
Step 10
Bake in an oven preheated to 200°C for 15–20 minutes. Remove the baked pastry from the oven, let it cool slightly, and dust the strudel with a thick layer of powdered sugar.
- 11
Step 11
Before serving, cut the finished strudel into individual portions.
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Step 12
The filling turns out very juicy, moderately sweet, with a pleasant aroma of cinnamon and cloves.
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Step 13
This is insanely delicious and incredibly simple!