Indulge in the rich flavors and delicate texture of this classic Pear and Apple Strudel. This traditional dessert features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet and spiced mixture of finely sliced pears and apples. Perfect for serving with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this strudel is a showstopper that’s sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This: This strudel combines the sweet and tart flavors of pears and apples with the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a harmonious and comforting dessert. The homemade dough is tender and flaky, encasing the fruit filling beautifully. The addition of raisins and walnuts adds texture and richness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for special occasions like holidays, family gatherings, or dinner parties, this strudel is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s also perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a treat to enjoy with friends and family. The elegant presentation and delicious flavor make it a memorable addition to any dessert table.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, dust the strudel with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice. Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 80ml water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Pinch of salt
- For the Filling:
- 8 pears or 6 apples, finely sliced (use a vegetable peeler for thin slices)
- Raisins and walnuts to taste
- Cinnamon to taste
- 50g melted butter
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- For Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, egg, water, oil, and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the finely sliced pears or apples with raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Assemble the Strudel:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the dough.
- Spread the fruit mixture over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit mixture.
- Carefully roll up the dough from one long side, tucking in the edges as you go, to form a log.
- Place the strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down.
- Brush the top with melted butter.
- Bake the Strudel:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the strudel cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve:
- Serve warm slices of strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy this Classic Pear and Apple Strudel, a deliciously comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion!