Cacao Strudel with Pears and Cinnamon
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 20g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 125g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Water | 30g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Abate pears | 600g |
| Granulated sugar | 60g |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Butter | 50g |
| Breadcrumbs | 50g |
| Butter (for brushing) | 20g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cacao Strudel Dough
To begin, prepare the dough for the cacao strudel with pears and cinnamon. Take a large mixing bowl and sift the all-purpose flour (00) into it. Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder into the same bowl and combine with the flour. Once sifted, add the egg, followed by the olive oil and water. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt.
Knead the ingredients energetically to form a consistent dough. Once all ingredients are well incorporated, transfer the dough to a flat surface and continue kneading until smooth and elastic. Flatten the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Toast the Breadcrumbs
While the dough rests, prepare the toasted breadcrumbs. Place the breadcrumbs in a non-stick frying pan over low heat and toast them in the melted butter. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Once toasted, set them aside and let them cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Pear Filling
Now, it’s time to prepare the pear filling. Begin by removing the stems from the pears, then peel them. Cut each pear in half, and then slice each half into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter. Slice the pears into thin, even slices, about 4mm thick.
Place the sliced pears in a mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and the freshly grated zest of one lemon. Toss all the ingredients together to combine. Let the mixture rest, covered with plastic wrap, for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. Be careful not to let the pears macerate for too long.
Step 4: Roll Out the Strudel Dough
Now, it’s time to assemble the strudel. Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it lightly with flour. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin until you achieve a rectangular shape approximately 30×40 cm in size.
Next, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the rolled-out dough, leaving a border around the edges. The breadcrumbs will help absorb the juices released by the pears during baking.
Step 5: Add the Pears and Roll the Strudel
Place the pear slices evenly over the breadcrumbs on the dough. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer edge. Use the kitchen towel to help you roll it tightly, taking care not to tear the dough.
Once rolled, brush the edges of the strudel with some of the melted butter to seal it. Tuck the ends of the strudel underneath to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Strudel
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) in static mode. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the prepared strudel on it. Brush the top of the strudel with the remaining melted butter.
Bake the strudel in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, remove the strudel from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Before serving, dust it generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious cacao strudel with pears and cinnamon!
Tips for Success
- Use ripe pears for the best flavor and texture. Abate pears work wonderfully in this recipe due to their sweetness and tender texture.
- Let the dough rest: This step is crucial for a smooth and pliable dough.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs: They help to absorb the pear juices, ensuring the strudel stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
- Serve warm: Strudel is best enjoyed when slightly warm, as the flavors are most pronounced.
This cacao strudel with pears and cinnamon is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cocoa with the natural sweetness of pears, creating a treat that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, it will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
