Puff Pastry Cherry Strudel

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / 395F. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2

Place the cherries, white sugar, lemon zest and juice in a heavy based saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let it bubble (not too furiously) for about 7-10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the liquid has increased to the top of the cherries and the cherries are soft.

Step 3

Add the combined cornflour and water, while stirring, then let it bubble for another 30 seconds or so until quite thick. Let it cool to room temperature before using - you can speed it up in the fridge.

Step 4

Lay out your pastry on a long sheet of baking paper, with the long side toward you. If you need to join two sheets, use a fork to press the seam together, then roll over it gently with a rolling pin.

Step 5

Imagine the pastry in 4 long quarters and place the cherry sauce in the middle two quarters spreading it only to 1 inch from either end at the sides (see my video or photos in post if you're unsure).

Step 6

Mix together the breadcrumbs and cinnamon then sprinkle it over the top (this will stop the sauce from making the pastry soggy).

Step 7

Mix together the egg yolk and cream and brush a little on both of the short ends. Fold the short ends up and over the ends of the cherry filling.

Step 8

Now fold the long side closest to you, over the top of the cherry filling. Brush the edge of the far side with a little egg wash, then pull that over the top, pressing the seam together at the ends a little.

Step 9

Fold the far side of the baking paper under the strudel. With two hands, carefully lift the strudel and sit it on one side of your baking tray, then use the side of the baking paper closest to you to roll it off and onto the tray, seam side down.

Step 10

Brush the top and sides all over with egg wash, then sprinkle over the demerara sugar.

Step 11

Use a sharp knife to cut slits in just the top (don't go down the sides) just over an inch apart.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until it's golden brown and flaky.

Step 13

Let it cool for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to cut and so the filling isn't like molten lava. Serve with ice cream, runny custard or cream.