Indulge in the delightful blend of fresh strawberries and creamy quark encased in a flaky puff pastry with this Strawberry Quark Strudel recipe. This dessert epitomizes the perfect marriage of tangy and sweet, with a rich filling of strawberries and quark enhanced by a hint of lemon, all wrapped in a buttery, golden pastry. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the natural flavors, making this strudel a refreshing choice for any dessert table.
Why You'll Love This:
The Strawberry Quark Strudel is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a profoundly satisfying dessert. The juicy, fresh strawberries provide a lovely contrast to the smooth, mild quark or cream cheese, while the lemon juice adds just the right amount of zing. The pastry, golden and crisp, gives a delightful crunch that complements the soft filling. This strudel is not overly sweet, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate desserts that are rich in flavor but balanced in sweetness.
Perfect Occasion:
This strudel is ideal for spring and summer gatherings where a light, fruity dessert is desired. It's perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties. The elegant presentation of the strudel makes it suitable for special occasions like Mother's Day, Easter, or a summer garden party. It also makes a lovely treat for a casual family weekend, where its comforting flavors can be enjoyed by all ages.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, dust the strudel with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves to enhance its visual appeal and to echo the flavors inside. Serving the strudel on a vintage platter or lace-lined dish can also amplify its charm, making it not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (around 300 grams), thawed
- 250 grams of strawberries, cleaned and hulled
- 250 grams of quark or unsalted cream cheese
- 50 grams of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk, for brushing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 Fahrenheit). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Dice the strawberries and combine them in a bowl with sugar, cornstarch, quark (or cream cheese), and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle shape.
- Evenly spread the strawberry and quark mixture over half of the pastry, leaving a margin at the edges for sealing.
- Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal them securely.
- Brush the top of the strudel with the egg yolk and milk mixture to achieve a golden finish upon baking.
- Transfer the strudel to your prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving.
Enjoy!