Relish in the flavors of summer with this flaky, sweet peach strudel. Have it for breakfast or serve it for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. It's all good!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
On a wooden cutting board, roll the pastry out so it is flat with no creases to a size about 12x14-inches.
Cut strips about 1" apart and 2" long on both long sides of the puff pastry.
Mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
Toss peaches with vanilla extract and pecans, if using. Add sugar mixture and mix well.
Place the fruit in the center of the puff pastry, leaving about ½ inch clear at both ends.
Fold over the ends then bring up each of the strips of pastry and cross over on top.
Using a large spatula, move the strudel to the prepared baking sheet.
Whisk an egg with a little water and brush across the top of the strudel. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
Bake for 25 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Serve for breakfast as is or warm with a topping of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Notes
Storing: Place the baked strudel in an airtight container or cover it completely with plastic wrap. Store it on the counter. It does not need to be refrigerated. It will keep about 3 days.Freezing Strudel: Make sure the strudel is cooled completely before freezing it. Wrap it with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil or put it in a freezer-safe airtight container.When ready to eat: Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Note it may not have the same texture and become soggy. It's best to freeze homemade strudel before baking.