Creamy Cherry Strudel

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Cherry Strudel—it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a dessert! Imagine the crisp, golden layers of flaky pastry, enveloping a rich, creamy filling with sweet, tangy cherries. Every bite offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor, from the buttery crunch of the crust to the velvety smooth filling and the pop of juicy cherries. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special yet easy to make, perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to cozy nights at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cherry Strudel

Here’s why this creamy cherry goodness is a must-try:

Flaky Pastry Magic: There’s nothing quite like the delicate, buttery crunch of fresh strudel dough. When it’s baked to golden perfection, it adds a mouthwatering contrast to the creamy filling.

Tart and Sweet: The cherries bring a lovely tartness that’s perfectly balanced by the rich, creamy filling. It’s a harmonious flavor combo that never gets old.

Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by strudel! This recipe is straightforward, and with just a few steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

Versatile: While cherries are the star here, you can easily swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches depending on what you have on hand or your cravings.

Impressive: Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on your own, this strudel always looks impressive. Its golden, flaky layers will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Strudel:

• Strudel Dough: The classic pastry dough that gives strudel its signature flakiness. It’s delicate yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling.
• Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work great! They’re tart and juicy, and add that beautiful burst of color and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This creamy filling ingredient adds richness and smoothness, complementing the fruit perfectly.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and makes the filling extra creamy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, balancing the tartness of the cherries.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon elevates the flavor of the cherries, adding a cozy touch.
• Egg Wash: For brushing on the dough to give it that golden, crispy finish.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cinnamon for a warm touch.
3. Prepare the Cherries
   If you’re using fresh cherries, pit and slice them in half. If you’re using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy filling.
4. Assemble the Strudel
   Roll out the strudel dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spread the creamy filling evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch border all around. Place the cherries on top of the filling, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Roll It Up
   Carefully fold in the sides of the dough and roll it up from one edge to the other, like a jelly roll, to create a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal the strudel.
6. Brush with Egg Wash
   Whisk an egg and brush it over the surface of the strudel to give it that golden, glossy finish as it bakes.
7. Bake to Perfection
   Place the strudel on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool and Serve
   Allow the strudel to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Cherry Strudel

• With Whipped Cream: Serve a warm slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a dreamy combination of flavors.
• A la Mode: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert, pair it with a nice cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• For Special Occasions: This strudel is ideal for holidays, birthdays, or just when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Additional Tips

• Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries, apples, or peaches. You can even try adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to change up the flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strudel in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This way, it’s easy to bake fresh when you need it.
• Store Leftovers: Store leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent the strudel from becoming soggy.

Q2: How do I prevent the strudel from getting soggy?
A2: Make sure to drain the cherries well if using frozen ones, and don’t overfill the strudel. Also, an egg wash will help the dough crisp up.

Q3: Can I make the dough from scratch?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can use a basic strudel dough recipe or puff pastry as an alternative.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover strudel in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also refrigerate it, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q5: Can I freeze this strudel?
A5: Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream for the dairy ingredients to make this strudel dairy-free.

Q7: Can I make this without cherries?
A7: Of course! Feel free to swap the cherries for other fruits, like blueberries, strawberries, or even apples for a different flavor.

Q8: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A8: Yes! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would add a nice crunch to the filling if you’d like.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: You can try using gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free strudel dough. Just make sure all your filling ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q10: How can I make the strudel extra crispy?
A10: For an extra crisp texture, try brushing the dough with butter before rolling it up, in addition to the egg wash before baking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cherry Strudel is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering the right amount of sweet, creamy, and flaky goodness. It’s simple to make but looks and tastes absolutely amazing—your friends and family will be so impressed! Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or on its own, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!

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