This Chocolate Pudding and Banana Puff Pastry Strudel combines the creamy richness of chocolate pudding with the sweet, natural flavors of ripe bananas, all wrapped in a flaky, golden puff pastry. The strudel is a wonderful blend of textures, from the crisp pastry outside to the soft, indulgent filling inside. Topped with chopped nuts for an added crunch and dusted with powdered sugar, this dessert is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Why You'll Love This: Chocolate and banana is a classic combination that never disappoints, and when encased in puff pastry, it becomes even more irresistible. The chocolate pudding provides a smooth and velvety texture that complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly. This strudel is not overly complicated to make but delivers a complex array of flavors and textures that are sure to impress any dessert lover.
Perfect Occasion: This strudel is perfect for a cozy family dessert, a special treat at a brunch, or as a sweet ending to a dinner party. It's also great for holiday celebrations or any occasion where you want to serve something a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. Its elegant presentation makes it suitable for formal events, yet it's simple enough for casual gatherings.
Decoration Tips: Before serving, a generous dusting of powdered sugar not only adds an extra touch of sweetness but also enhances the strudel's visual appeal. For a more festive look, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Garnishing with a few fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can also elevate the presentation.
Ingredients:
- For the Pudding:
- 200 ml milk
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 35 g sugar
- 1 packet of chocolate pudding powder
- For the Strudel:
- 1 roll of fresh puff pastry
- 2 very ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 egg yolk, mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk (for brushing)
- Chopped nuts, for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Prepare the Pudding:
- Combine milk, cream, sugar, and chocolate pudding powder in a cooking device. Cook to a thick consistency, then pour into a bowl, cover with cling film, and allow to cool.
- Assemble the Strudel:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared tray. Spread the cooled pudding over the top third of the pastry, leaving a 3-4 cm border.
- Place the sliced bananas on the pudding. Fold the edges of the pastry slightly over the filling, then roll up to two-thirds of the way.
- Cut the remaining one-third of the pastry with a sharp knife into strips and lightly press them onto the rolled pastry.
- Bake the Strudel:
- Brush the puff pastry with the egg yolk and milk mixture. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Bake on the second rack from the bottom of the oven for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the strudel cool completely on a rack. Cut into pieces and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy this luxurious Chocolate Pudding and Banana Puff Pastry Strudel, a perfect treat that combines simplicity with elegance, sure to delight your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!