This traditional cherry strudel combines flaky, buttery pastry with juicy cherries and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for showcasing fresh summer cherries or using frozen ones year-round, this elegant dessert brings authentic Austrian bakery flavors to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 250g all-purpose flour (2 cups/8.8 oz) – farina tipo 0
- 60g butter (1/4 cup/2.1 oz), plus 20g for brushing – burro
- 1 large egg – uovo
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g) – cucchiaino di sale
- 1 teaspoon sugar (4g) – cucchiaino di zucchero
- 7 tablespoons lukewarm water (105ml) or as needed – cucchiai di acqua tiepida
For the Filling:
- 500g fresh cherries (4 cups/1.1 lbs), pitted – ciliegie denocciolate
- 30g dry cookies (1/4 cup/1 oz), crumbled – biscotti secchi
- 150g brown sugar (3/4 cup/5.3 oz) – zucchero di canna
- 1 egg for brushing – uovo per spennellare
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar for garnish (36g) – cucchiai di zucchero di canna per guarnire
Instructions
- Make the dough by mixing flour with diced butter, salt, sugar, egg, and lukewarm water in a bowl. Mix vigorously until you obtain a consistent dough.
- Knead the dough by transferring to a floured surface and kneading for several minutes until smooth.
- Rest the dough at room temperature under an inverted bowl or wrapped in plastic film for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the cherries by removing pits and setting aside.
- Roll out the dough on a pastry board lined with floured parchment paper, forming a large rectangle just a few millimeters thick.
- Brush with butter by spreading melted butter over the entire surface.
- Add cookie crumbs by distributing crumbled dry cookies, keeping the edges free.
- Add cherry filling by placing cherries over the cookie crumbs and sprinkling with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
- Roll the strudel carefully using the parchment paper to help, sealing the edges well.
- Prepare for baking by placing the strudel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and make diagonal cuts along the surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake in preheated oven at 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Time, Serving & Nutrition
Prep Time: 45 minutes (including resting time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Nutrition (per serving): Approximately 285 calories, 8g fat, 52g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 6g protein
Why This Recipe is Good for You
Cherry strudel offers more than just delicious taste – it provides valuable nutrients from fresh cherries, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Cherries contain natural melatonin that may support better sleep and recovery. The homemade pastry eliminates preservatives found in store-bought versions, and you can control the sugar content. While this is a dessert to enjoy in moderation, the fresh fruit component adds beneficial vitamins and minerals to your treat.