Cherry or sour cherry strudel

Cherry or Sour Cherry Strudel – an explosion of flavors and a sweet reminder of summer

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of a freshly baked strudel, filled with cherries or sour cherries? This cherry strudel recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, giving you the chance to impress anyone at the holiday table or simply indulge in personal moments of pampering. Each bite is a perfect combination of the fruit's tartness and the crispy dough that melts in your mouth.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Yeast the size of a walnut (about 25 g)
- Vanilla essence
- 250-300 g flour

For the filling:
- 1 kg of cherries or sour cherries (preferably frozen if not fresh)
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water

Brief history

Strudel has a rich history, being a delicacy appreciated in many cultures. It is said that its origin lies in the cooking traditions of Central Europe, where it was adopted and adapted in countless variations. Fillings vary from apples, cheese, or pumpkin, but cherry or sour cherry strudel remains a favorite due to the contrast between the tartness of the fruit and the sweetness of the dough.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the dough:
The first step is to activate the yeast. In a bowl, mix the yeast with 4 tablespoons of sugar. Add the warm milk and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble, indicating that it is active. This is an essential trick: make sure the yeast is active; otherwise, the dough will not rise properly.

Add the egg, vanilla essence, salt, and 50 g of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Start incorporating the flour gradually until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Then, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a pot, combine one cup of water with one cup of sugar and bring to a boil. When the syrup starts to boil, add the cherries or sour cherries. Let them boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let them cool in the syrup. This step is important to concentrate the fruit's flavor.

After they have cooled, drain the fruits and mix them with 3 tablespoons of semolina. The semolina will absorb the excess moisture from the fruits and prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

3. Forming the strudel:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Roll out a large sheet or, if you prefer, two smaller sheets. Brush the sheet with the remaining melted butter, then evenly distribute the cherry filling. Roll the sheet tightly, forming a log that you can cut into smaller pieces if desired.

4. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the rolls in a greased and floured baking tray. If you wish, you can brush them with a beaten egg and sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for a more appetizing appearance. Bake the strudel for about 35 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions

The cherry strudel is delicious both warm and cold. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a sweet cream sauce for a perfect contrast. A cup of tea or coffee will harmonize wonderfully with this dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamins A and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Semolina adds a source of complex carbohydrates, and homemade dough, although it may contain more calories, is much healthier than commercial varieties. A cherry strudel can contain about 250-300 calories per serving, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Sure! The strudel can also be made with apples, pears, or berries. Each variation will provide a unique and delicious flavor.

2. How can I make the dough healthier?
You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and extra nutrients.

3. What is the secret to perfect dough?
Thorough kneading and rising time are essential. Make sure the dough is left enough time to rise to achieve a fluffy texture.

4. Can I freeze the strudel?
Yes! If you want to stock up on strudels, you can freeze them before baking. Make sure to place them on a tray and freeze them separately, then you can put them in freezer bags to save space.

Possible variations

For a more sophisticated touch, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or some chopped nuts to the cherry filling for texture. Also, experiment with different types of sugar (for example, brown sugar) to achieve a richer flavor.

Indulge yourself and your loved ones with this cherry or sour cherry strudel, and each bite will evoke pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. Cooking is an art, and this recipe is an excellent way to bring joy every day!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 100g melted butter, one egg, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 100ml milk, salt, yeast the size of a walnut, vanilla essence, 250-300g flour; for the filling: 1 kg of sour cherries or cherries (I used frozen sour cherries), 3 tablespoons of semolina, one cup of sugar, one cup of water.