Poppy Seed and Pecan Strudel
A delicate phyllo pastry filled with a rich mixture of toasted pecans, poppy seeds, and brown sugar. This elegant strudel features layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a nutty, sweet filling, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- •3 cups pecans
- •1 cup whole milk
- •¾ cup poppy seeds
- •10 Tbsp unsalted butter
- •¾ cup light brown sugar
- •1½ tsp kosher salt
- •1 tsp vanilla extract
- •6 sheets phyllo pastry
- •1 large egg
- •¼ cup powdered sugar
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread out pecans on a large rimmed baking sheet and toast until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 13-15 minutes. Let cool.
15 min
- 2.
Bring milk and poppy seeds to a boil in a medium saucepan; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until milk is almost completely evaporated, 13-15 minutes. Let mixture cool.
15 min
- 3.
Scrape into a food processor. Cut 6 Tbsp. butter into pieces and add to food processor along with pecans, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla. Process until a paste forms.
5 min
- 4.
Melt remaining 4 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat (or in a microwave). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment, then brush with some of the melted butter.
5 min
- 5.
Place a stack of 6 phyllo sheets on a work surface. Cover with plastic wrap, then a damp kitchen towel.
2 min
- 6.
Arrange prepared baking sheet so a long side is facing you and stack 2 phyllo sheets on top; brush lightly with butter. Top with another sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with butter. Repeat with 2 more sheets, then top with final sheet; do not brush with butter.
10 min
- 7.
Using an offset or rubber spatula, spread poppy seed mixture over pastry in an even layer, leaving a 1" border on all sides. Starting with the long side closest to you, gently roll up pastry and turn seam side down; tuck exposed ends underneath. Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits about halfway through roll, spacing every 1" along length. Brush with egg.
10 min
- 8.
Bake strudel until golden and crisp, 40-45 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and let strudel cool.
45 min
- 9.
Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice.
2 min
- 10.
Do Ahead: Strudel can be baked 1 day ahead. Let cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
