Crimson Winter Chocolate-Strawberry Scandinavian Strudels

What Makes This Special

These festive strudels blend classic Scandinavian flavors—such as cardamom and berries—with a luscious chocolate center. Using puff pastry makes them quick and simple, while a touch of crimson from berries and dazzling holiday decoration ensures they’re the eye-catching centerpiece at any winter celebration. They’re hearty, portable, and just as delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

You’ll need only a handful of key ingredients for these strudels, yet each plays an important role. Puff pastry gives flaky layers; chocolate adds richness; strawberries bring tartness and vivid color; and spices infuse that unmistakable Scandinavian warmth. An easy egg wash creates shine, while a festive drizzle and sprinkle of crimson make them celebration-worthy!

For the Strudel

• Puff pastry: The shortcut to delicate, flaky layers without fuss.
• Dark chocolate: Deep flavor that balances the sweetness of berries.
• Strawberries: Natural crimson color and a tart note; frozen work well for winter.
• Sugar & cornstarch: Sweeten and thicken the filling so it’s not runny.
• Cardamom & cinnamon: Classic Scandinavian warmth.
• Egg wash: For golden color and sealing edges.
• Coarse sugar: Adds sparkle and crunch.
• White chocolate & freeze-dried berries: For festive decorating.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Berry-Chocolate Filling

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Stir and cook gently until berries soften and mixture thickens (about 4–6 minutes). Remove from heat and fold in chopped chocolate until just melted. Let cool for 5 minutes—this prevents soggy pastry.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Unroll the chilled puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and keep it covered with a tea towel if your kitchen is warm.

Step 3: Assemble the Strudels

Cut the puff pastry into 8 equal rectangles (about 10 x 12 cm each). Place a heaping tablespoon of filling along one short edge of each rectangle, leaving a 1 cm border. Brush edges lightly with beaten egg. Fold over to enclose filling, pressing edges firmly with a fork to seal. Place, seam-side down, on the prepared tray.

Step 4: Decorate and Bake

Brush tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with coarse or pearl sugar. (Optional: use a sharp knife to make 2–3 small slits on top for steam.) Bake in the center of the oven for 20–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Festive Finish

Drizzle with melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Immediately sprinkle over freeze-dried raspberry/cranberry pieces for a crimson effect. For extra celebration sparkle, dot with edible gold leaf or holiday-themed sprinkles. Allow drizzle to set before serving or packing.

Pro Tips

• Keep pastry cold: If it gets too warm, chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before filling for best flakiness.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks. Use about 1 tbsp per strudel.
• Seal well: Press with a fork and use egg wash on edges to prevent filling from escaping.

Troubleshooting

Leaking filling? Make sure the filling is cooled and thickened before using, and seal edges carefully with egg wash.

Not browning? Brush generously with egg wash, and make sure your oven is fully preheated.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add 20 g chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture.
• Choco-Cherry: Swap strawberries for frozen cherries and add a splash of almond extract.
• Spiced Apple: Replace berries with diced apple and a dash more cinnamon for a cozy twist.

Storage

Store cooled strudels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat in a 180°C oven for 5–7 minutes before serving. Frozen (unbaked) strudels can be stored for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Embrace the spirit of Scandinavian winter with these hearty, crimson-kissed strudels—quick to make and sure to make your celebration sparkle!