Pear and Chocolate Strudel Recipe
If you’re looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert, this pear and chocolate strudel is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering the richness of dark chocolate and the natural sweetness of juicy pears. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging yourself. This recipe yields a deliciously crispy and golden pastry with a rich and aromatic filling, all tied together with the warmth of cinnamon and ginger.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry | 230g |
| Williams pears | 350g |
| Dark chocolate | 75g |
| Brown sugar | 30g |
| Breadcrumbs | 50g |
| Butter | 40g |
| Blanched almonds | 25g |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Ground ginger | ¼ tsp |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | To taste |
| Brown sugar (for brushing) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the filling: Start by placing the butter in a small pan and allowing it to melt over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the breadcrumbs and stir, allowing them to toast lightly in the butter. This will create a crunchy texture that complements the soft pears and rich chocolate.
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Prepare the pears and chocolate: While the breadcrumbs are toasting, slice the pears into thin wedges, removing the core and any seeds. Place the pear slices in a large bowl. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces or chunks, depending on your texture preference, and add them to the bowl with the pears.
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Add the spices and almonds: Finely chop the blanched almonds and add them to the pear-chocolate mixture. Then, sprinkle in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Mix everything gently to ensure the pears, chocolate, and spices are evenly combined. The warm spices and chocolate will create a heavenly aroma.
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Prepare the puff pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a clean surface, imagining it divided into three equal sections along its length. Place the pear and chocolate filling down the center section of the pastry. Be sure not to overfill, as the pastry needs room to fold over the filling.
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Create the lattice effect: On the two outer sections of the puff pastry, make diagonal cuts about 1 cm apart. These will form the lattice strips. Carefully fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, alternating the strips over the top to create a beautiful crisscross pattern. If any excess dough remains, trim it off.
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Brush with cream: To give the strudel a golden, shiny finish, lightly brush the top of the pastry lattice with a little heavy cream. This will enhance the color and texture as it bakes.
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Bake the strudel: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) in static mode. Place the prepared strudel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake it for around 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it as is or dust it with additional brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. This strudel is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy your homemade pear and chocolate strudel, a perfect blend of comforting flavors with a touch of elegance. It’s a delightful way to end any meal or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
This recipe is designed to be simple yet impressively delicious, offering the best of both worlds – the flakiness of puff pastry paired with the indulgent sweetness of dark chocolate and pears. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this strudel is sure to win over everyone’s hearts.
