Name: Poppy Seed and Pecan Strudel
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Yield: 8–10 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups pecans (about 10 oz.); 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup poppy seeds; 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 6 (17x12") sheets fresh phyllo pastry or frozen, thawed; 1 large egg, beaten to blend; Powdered sugar (for serving)

Poppy seed and pecan strudel on a blue patterned plate.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson

Every Easter when I was growing up, I would wake up to the smell of makoviy rulet, a poppy seed and nut roll that's a traditional baked delicacy popular all over Ukraine. Making the dough can be quite time-consuming, but here I’ve made the process quicker and easier by using store-bought phyllo pastry instead of the usual yeast dough. A slice of this strudel with some black tea with lemon (how we drink it in Ukraine) or coffee is heavenly.

Recipe information

Total Time
2 hours
Yield
8–10 servings

Ingredients

3 cups pecans (about 10 oz.)

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup poppy seeds

10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

6 (17x12") sheets fresh phyllo pastry or frozen, thawed

1 large egg, beaten to blend

Powdered sugar (for serving)

Preparation

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 5
Place a stack of 6 phyllo sheets on a work surface. Cover with plastic wrap, then a damp kitchen towel.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 8
Bake strudel until golden and crisp, 40–45 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and let strudel cool.
Step 9
Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice.
Step 10
Do Ahead: Strudel can be baked 1 day ahead. Let cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.