Are you craving a delicious dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Cream Cheese Strudel recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and creamy, flaky and satisfying. It's an easy recipe, perfect for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade masterpiece! This quick dinner alternative (well, dessert alternative!) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget those store-bought pastries; let's dive into creating something truly special.
Ingredients:
- For the Strudel Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Preparing the Filling:
- Cream together: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract, egg, raisins (if using), and lemon zest (if using).
Assembling and Baking the Strudel:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 12x15 inches.
- Spread the filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll up the strudel: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Seal and bake: Place the strudel seam-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with a little melted butter.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Strudel:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky dough.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Let the dough rest: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, leading to a more tender and flaky strudel.
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can make the strudel difficult to roll and may cause it to leak during baking.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Use different nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
- Add fruit: Try incorporating other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 6-8g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for cream cheese strudel is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy meals can be made quickly at home. Enjoy this delightful treat, and happy baking!