Embark on a culinary journey with Watruschki, a delightful Russian pastry that combines the richness of cream cheese filling and the sweet tang of strawberry sauce. This dessert is a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and fruity goodness, making it an irresistible treat.
Why You'll Love This:
- Creamy Indulgence: The luxurious cream cheese filling melts in your mouth.
- Fruity Flair: Strawberry sauce adds a vibrant, sweet twist.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, fluffy dough complements the creamy and fruity layers.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for high tea, dessert at a gathering, or as a weekend baking project.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups Flour (400g)
- 1 cup Warm Milk (200 ml)
- 1 Egg
- 65g Butter (room temperature)
- 10g Instant Yeast
- 3 tbsp Sugar (60g)
- 1 packet Vanilla Sugar
- A pinch of Salt
- For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 200g Strawberries (frozen)
- 3 tbsp Sugar
- Juice of Half a Lemon
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- ½ cup Water
- For the Filling:
- 200g Labneh Cheese (or Cream Cheese)
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 packet Vanilla Sugar
- Topping:
- Egg Yolk
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix all dough ingredients to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Make Strawberry Sauce:
- In a small pot, combine strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Cook until soft.
- Blend the mixture, then add cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 5 minutes until thick. Let it cool.
- Prepare Filling:
- Mix labneh cheese, vanilla sugar, and sugar.
- Shape and Fill:
- Divide dough into 8 balls. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Press the center of each ball with a cup dipped in flour, keeping the edges intact.
- Brush edges with egg yolk, fill the center with cheese mixture, and top with a spoonful of strawberry sauce.
- Baking:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Note: You can substitute strawberry sauce with strawberry jam for convenience. This recipe promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that's sure to please any dessert enthusiast.