Peach Strudel Recipe

If you’re a fan of fruity, creamy desserts wrapped in a crispy, golden pastry, then peach strudel is the perfect treat for you. This classic dessert combines the sweetness of peaches with the richness of cream cheese, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. The combination of textures – the crunchy pastry, the smooth cream cheese filling, and the juicy peaches – makes for a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make a mouthwatering peach strudel. We’ll explore the ingredients, the preparation method, and how to bake the strudel perfectly, whether you use an oven or an air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this peach strudel will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Peach Strudel

The ingredients for this peach strudel are simple and easy to find, yet they come together to create a truly exceptional dessert.

For the Puff Pastry:

• Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 egg

• A small amount of water (for the egg wash)

The puff pastry serves as the crispy shell for the strudel. It’s essential to have a high-quality puff pastry to achieve that perfect crunch. If you decide to use store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s fresh or properly defrosted.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 250g of Anchor Cream Cheese

• 3 tablespoons of caster sugar

• 1/2 cup of Anchor Dairy Whipping Cream

The cream cheese filling is the heart of the strudel. It adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the peaches. The sugar sweetens the filling, while the whipping cream helps create a smooth consistency.

For the Topping:

• 1 tin of peaches (preferably in syrup or juice)

• Dusting sugar for decoration

The peaches add natural sweetness and juiciness to the strudel, providing a contrast to the rich cream cheese filling. You can use canned peaches for convenience, or you could use fresh peaches when they’re in season.

Instructions for Preparing the Peach Strudel

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps of making this delicious peach strudel.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven or Air Fryer

Before you start assembling the strudel, preheat your oven or air fryer. The temperature should be set to 170°C. It’s important to preheat the appliance so that the pastry cooks evenly and becomes golden and crispy. Baking time can vary depending on the type of appliance you are using, so keep an eye on the strudel as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

The cream cheese filling is what makes the strudel so indulgent. In a mixing bowl, combine the 250g of Anchor Cream Cheese and 3 tablespoons of caster sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Next, add 1/2 cup of Anchor Dairy Whipping Cream to the mixture. Continue to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. The cream cheese should be smooth, and the whipped cream will add airiness to the filling. Set the filling aside for the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. You can dust the surface with a small amount of flour to prevent sticking. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed before using it.

Cut the pastry into rectangular strips. The size of the strips will depend on how large you want each individual serving to be. Typically, a standard strip of puff pastry should be about 10 cm wide and 20 cm long, but you can adjust the size based on your preferences.

Once the pastry is cut into strips, brush the edges lightly with an egg wash. To make the egg wash, simply beat one egg with a small amount of water. This wash will help the pastry turn a beautiful golden brown as it bakes. Set the egg-washed strips aside for the next step.

Step 4: Bake the Peach Strudel

Place the assembled peach strudels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you’re using an oven, bake the strudels at 170°C for about 10 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for baking pastry, adjusting the time as necessary.

Keep a close eye on the strudels as they bake. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on your appliance. The goal is to have the puff pastry cooked through and crispy on the outside while the filling inside stays creamy and rich.

Step 5: Assemble the Peach Strudel

It’s time to assemble the strudel. Start by placing a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry strip. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling might leak out while baking.

Next, take the tin of peaches and drain the syrup or juice. Cut the peaches into smaller pieces if needed, and place a few pieces of peach on top of the cream cheese filling. The peaches will add a burst of flavor and moisture, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.

Once the filling and peaches are placed, carefully fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. Seal the edges by pinching them together, and make sure the ends are closed to prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.

Step 6: Finish with a Dusting of Sugar

Once the strudels are done baking, remove them from the oven or air fryer and let them cool slightly. The puff pastry will be hot, so allow the strudels to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Before serving, dust the top of each strudel with a light coating of icing sugar. This will give the strudel a beautiful finish and add a touch of sweetness to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Peach strudel is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a delightful dessert after a meal, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgence, consider serving the strudel with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, flaky pastry and the fresh peaches.

This dessert also makes for an excellent party treat. Its individual servings make it easy to share with guests, and the combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, peach strudel is a delicious choice that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tips and Variations

1. Fresh Peaches: If you have fresh peaches available, you can use them instead of canned peaches. Simply peel and slice the peaches, and be sure to remove the pit before adding them to the strudel.

2. Add Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the cream cheese.

3. Alternative Pastries: While puff pastry is traditional for strudels, you can experiment with other types of pastry, such as phyllo dough or even a shortcrust pastry, for different textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Peach strudel is an elegant dessert that combines the best of fruity sweetness and creamy richness. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you choose to bake it in an oven or air fryer, this dessert will always come out deliciously crispy on the outside, with a luscious cream cheese filling and juicy peaches on the inside. Enjoy it on special occasions, as a comforting treat, or whenever you crave something sweet.

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