Experience the delight of homemade poppy seed strudel, reminiscent of the finest bakeries. This strudel recipe, featuring a rich, moist filling and a soft, fluffy dough, stands out with its ability to remain fresh for days. Perfectly versatile, this recipe can also be adapted for fillings like walnuts, cherries, or jams, ensuring it will become a staple in your baking repertoire for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This
This poppy seed strudel recipe is a game-changer due to its incredible freshness and moisture that lasts. The filling, rich with finely ground poppy seeds and a hint of lemon zest, offers a deep, nutty flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. The dough is soft and pillowy, creating the perfect canvas for the rich filling. It’s an ideal recipe for those who cherish traditional baking and are looking for reliable results every time.
Perfect Occasion
This strudel is perfect for a variety of events, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. It’s particularly suitable for serving as a festive treat during Christmas or Easter. Additionally, it makes a fantastic weekend project that results in a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dessert, this strudel will surely impress.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the presentation of your poppy seed strudel:
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich flavors.
- Garnish the serving platter with fresh lemon zest or a few lemon slices to add a refreshing contrast to the rich poppy seeds.
- Arrange the strudel on a vintage serving tray for an elegant, rustic look that enhances its bakery-quality appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 600g ground poppy seeds
- 600ml milk
- 15 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- For the Dough:
- 600g sifted flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 200ml lukewarm milk
- 100ml lukewarm water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- For Glazing and Topping:
- 50g milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 50g butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook milk with sugar, then reduce heat and stir in the ground poppy seeds. Cook on low until thick like jam, ensuring you can see the bottom of the pot when stirring. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl with sifted flour, make a well and add sugar and yeast, then pour in lukewarm milk. Let the yeast activate.
- Add water, oil, egg, salt, and lemon zest. Knead well (at least 5 minutes), cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Divide the risen dough into two parts, roll each out to about 0.5 cm thick, brush with oil, and spread half the poppy seed filling on each. Roll up and place in a large baking tray.
- Brush with a mixture of milk and sugar, cover with a clean cloth, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place butter slices on the rolls and bake for 10 minutes, then reduce to 200°C and bake for another 15 minutes. Brush with sugared milk, reduce to 180°C, and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Once baked, brush with the remaining sweet milk and cover with a cloth to cool.
Enjoy this luxurious poppy seed strudel, and I look forward to hearing your impressions!
