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Poppy Seed Strudel

Poppy Seed Strudel

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Poppy Seed Strudel: A Deliciously Flaky Treat for Any Occasion

Poppy seed strudel is a classic dessert that combines the irresistible flakiness of strudel dough with the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of poppy seeds. This traditional pastry, often associated with Central and Eastern European baking, is perfect for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The sweet, crunchy poppy seed filling wrapped in delicate layers of dough creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

In this article, we’ll dive into how to make Poppy Seed Strudel at home, with easy-to-follow steps and tips to help you create this delicious pastry from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love Poppy Seed Strudel

Poppy seed strudel offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The dough is flaky and golden, with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, while the poppy seed filling adds a delightful nutty crunch. Here are a few reasons why this dessert is so loved:

  1. Rich, Nutty Flavor: The poppy seeds bring a unique earthy, slightly sweet flavor to the strudel that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
  2. Flaky, Buttery Dough: The strudel dough is made from scratch, giving it that signature crispness and lightness that’s hard to beat.
  3. Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its elegant appearance, this pastry is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
  4. Versatile: Serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even as part of a brunch spread. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day.

Ingredients for Poppy Seed Strudel:

To make this delicious poppy seed strudel, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Poppy Seed Filling:

  • 1 cup of poppy seeds
  • 1 cup of milk
  • ½ cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh touch)
  • A pinch of salt

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • Flour (for rolling out the dough)

For Assembly:

  • 2 tablespoons of butter (melted, for brushing the dough)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  • Chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for added crunch)

How to Make Poppy Seed Strudel:

Step 1: Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the poppy seeds and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer.
  2. Add sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Continue cooking, stirring until the mixture thickens and the poppy seeds have absorbed the milk. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. If you like a sweeter filling, add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Stir in the lemon zest for an extra touch of brightness (optional).
  4. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, it will firm up and be ready to roll into the dough.

Step 2: Make the Strudel Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center and add the egg and vegetable oil.