In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Strawberry Strudels: A Delightful Homemade Pastry Treat
If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant pastry to impress your friends and family, strawberry strudels are the answer. These delightful treats are surprisingly easy to make and offer a perfect balance of flaky pastry, sweet strawberry filling, and a delicate vanilla glaze. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a weekend baking project, these strawberry strudels are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Deliciousness
To create the perfect strawberry strudels, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed: The foundation of our strudels, puff pastry provides a light, flaky texture that’s essential for this recipe.
- ½ cup strawberry jam/preserves: Choose a high-quality jam or preserve for the best flavor. You can even use homemade if you have some on hand.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling, ensuring it stays in place during baking.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 egg: Used to create an egg wash for sealing the pastry and achieving a golden finish.
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream (divided): Used in both the egg wash and glaze, it adds richness to the strudels.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar: For a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch on top.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): The base for our luscious glaze.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Pinch kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the glaze.
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your strudels bake evenly and achieve that desirable golden-brown color.
Assemble the Pastries
Unfold and Cut: Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto a clean work surface. Cut it into six equal rectangles. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry and set them aside.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice until well combined. This mixture will create a perfectly gooey and flavorful filling.
Fill the Pastries: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry mixture onto the center of each rectangle, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
Seal the Edges: In another bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of cream to create an egg wash. Brush the border of each filled rectangle with the egg wash to act as a sealant.
Top and Bake
Top with Pastry: Take the reserved pastry rectangles and prick them all over with a fork. This step allows steam to escape, ensuring a flaky texture. Place them on top of the filled rectangles, pressing gently around the edges to seal.
Crimp and Brush: Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they stay sealed during baking. Lightly brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle evenly with coarse sugar.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. The pastries should be puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Glaze
Cool: Once baked, allow the strudels to cool on the pan for about 30 minutes. This helps set the filling and makes glazing easier.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and the remaining ¼ cup of cream until smooth.
Drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled strudels, allowing it to set slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Enjoy your strawberry strudels immediately for the crispiest texture, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. These pastries are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of strawberry strudel contains approximately:
- Calories: 654 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 79 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.003 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
- Sodium: 223 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 36 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
Time Commitment
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
With this recipe, you can enjoy the delightful taste of homemade strawberry strudels in just under an hour. The combination of flaky pastry, sweet filling, and creamy glaze will have you reaching for seconds in no time. Happy baking!
Strawberry Strudels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut into six rectangles. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second sheet.
- In a bowl, mix strawberry jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spoon onto each rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon cream. Brush borders of rectangles with egg wash.
- Prick reserved pastry rectangles with a fork, place on filled rectangles, press edges to seal, and crimp with a fork. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 30 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and remaining cream to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled strudels.
