Austrian poppy seed strudel recipe

A Traditional Treat: Austrian Poppy Seed Strudel Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that reflects Austria’s rich baking tradition, this Austrian poppy seed strudel recipe is a perfect choice. With its flaky dough and sweet, nutty filling, this classic pastry has been loved for generations across Austria and Central Europe. It’s especially popular during holidays, Sunday lunches, or any time you want to bring a taste of tradition to your table.

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What Is Poppy Seed Strudel?

Poppy seed strudel (Mohnstrudel in German) is a rolled pastry filled with sweetened ground poppy seeds. The filling is rich and aromatic, offering a deep nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the light, buttery dough. When baked, the strudel develops a golden crust and a stunning spiral pattern inside.

Unlike the heavier poppy seed rolls found in some neighboring countries, Austrian strudels are typically lighter, flakier, and less sweet. That makes them ideal for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Austrian poppy seed strudel recipe uses simple, traditional ingredients:

For the dough:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp oil
• A pinch of salt
• 100ml lukewarm water
• A bit of melted butter for brushing

For the filling:

• 200g ground poppy seeds
• 100ml milk
• 80g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: a handful of raisins or a splash of rum

You can make the dough from scratch, or if you’re short on time, use pre-made strudel dough or filo pastry.

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How to Make It

1. Prepare the dough: Mix flour, egg, oil, salt, and water. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let it rest, covered, for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: Heat the milk and stir in the poppy seeds, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Cook gently for a few minutes until thick. Let it cool.
3. Roll out the dough: On a floured cloth or surface, roll the dough very thin—almost see-through. Brush lightly with melted butter.
4. Spread the filling: Spoon the cooled filling evenly across the dough, leaving a border.
5. Roll it up: Use the cloth to help roll the dough into a tight log. Tuck in the ends.
6. Bake: Place the strudel on a baking tray, brush with more butter, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes until golden.
7. Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and slice.

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Serving and Storing Tips

Serve your poppy seed strudel slightly warm or at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla sauce. Leftovers keep well for a couple of days in an airtight container. You can also freeze slices for later.

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A Taste of Austria at Home

This Austrian poppy seed strudel recipe offers more than just a delicious dessert—it brings a piece of Austrian culture into your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you can create a pastry that’s rich in flavor, history, and heart. Try it once, and it might become a tradition in your own home too.