Poppy Seed Strudel (Makovnjača)

Makovnjača is a traditional Central and Eastern European poppy seed strudel, loved for its soft dough and rich, sweet poppy seed filling. It’s a classic homemade pastry often served during holidays, family gatherings, or as a comforting dessert with coffee or tea.

What makes it special is the contrast between the fluffy yeast dough and the dense, aromatic poppy seed filling, rolled together into a beautiful spiral. It’s simple ingredients, but the flavor is deeply nostalgic and comforting.

This is one of those recipes that takes a little time, but the result is a warm, homemade pastry that feels truly special.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sašica (@tatjana_sasica)

Cuisine: Balkan Kitchen

Courses: Dessert

Servings: 16

Description

Ingredients

Dough

500 g flour
25 g fresh yeast
250 ml lukewarm milk
1 egg
12 tbsp oil
1 tbsp flour (for yeast activation)
1 tbsp sugar (for yeast activation)
1 packet vanilla sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
5 g salt

Filling

500 g poppy seeds
10 tbsp sugar
3 packets vanilla sugars
250 ml boiling milk

For brushing

1 egg yolk

Instructions

1
Activate yeast by mixing fresh yeast, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp sugar, and lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2
In a large bowl, combine flour, activated yeast, egg, oil, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
3
Knead into a smooth dough.
4
Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
5
Prepare filling by mixing poppy seeds, sugar, vanilla sugar, and boiling milk. Stir well and let cool slightly.
6
Divide dough into 2 equal parts and roll each into a rectangle.
7
Spread half of the filling on each dough piece and roll into a log.
8
Place on a baking tray and brush with egg yolk.
9
Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 16

Amount Per Serving
Calories 290kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 18g
Protein 7g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can add raisins to the filling for extra sweetness.

Let the filling cool slightly before spreading to avoid tearing the dough.

Brush with melted butter after baking for extra softness.

Makovnjača tastes even better the next day.