Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll Recipe

Name: Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 250 min
Yield: 14
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet instant yeast; 1/2 cup white sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 lemon, zested; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 3/4 cup plus 1.5 tablespoons milk, warm but not hot; 1 2/3 cups finely ground walnuts; 1 cup sugar; 2/3 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons rum; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch cinnamon; 3/8 cup plus 2 teaspoons milk, boiling; 1 cup poppy seeds, finely ground; 3/8 cup plus 2 teaspoons milk; 1/3 cup white sugar; 1/3 cup raisins; 1/2 lemon, zested; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of cinnamon; 7 tablespoons butter, melted, for brushing the dough

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 14 servings.

Dough:

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup white sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lemon, zested
6 tablespoons butter, melted
6 3/4 ounces milk

Walnut Filling:

1 2/3 cups finely ground walnuts
1/2 cup white sugar
2/3 cup raisins
2 tablespoons rum
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch ground cinnamon
3 1/2 fluid ounces boiling milk

Poppy Seed Filling:

2/3 cup poppy seeds, finely ground
3 1/2 fluid ounces milk
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 lemon, zested
7 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing the dough

Directions

Step 1: Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High for 30 seconds. Stir in the dry yeast, followed by the sugar, egg yolks, salt, lemon zest, melted butter, and warm milk. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until the surface is smooth and shiny, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, use an electric mixer to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Form the dough into a ball, cover it, and place it in a warm area to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the walnut filling. In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts, sugar, raisins, rum, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour in the boiling milk and stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 5: For the poppy seed filling, combine the poppy seeds and milk in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the milk is steaming, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, raisins, lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir to combine and set aside to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll the dough into a 3/8-inch thick rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter.

Step 8: Spread the walnut filling over half of the dough and the poppy seed filling over the other half.

Step 9: Carefully roll each half of the dough towards the center, pressing the two rolls together at the seam. Transfer the roll to the prepared baking sheet. Let it rest for 10 minutes before baking.

Step 10: Bake the roll in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bottom and the fillings are heated through.

Step 11: Let the roll cool completely before slicing, which should take about 1 hour.

Metric Measurements

If you have a scale, the metric equivalents are as follows:

400 g flour
50 g sugar
80 g melted butter for the dough
200 ml warm milk for the dough
100 g melted butter to brush the dough
200 g ground walnuts
100 g sugar
100 g raisins
100 ml boiling milk for the walnut filling
150 g finely ground poppy seeds
100 ml milk for the poppy seed filling
80 g sugar for the poppy seed filling
50 g raisins for the poppy seed filling

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 443
Fat: 23g (30% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 9g (43% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 70mg (23% Daily Value)
Sodium: 148mg (6% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 52g (19% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 9g (17% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 153mg (12% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
Potassium: 269mg (6% Daily Value)

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

This poppy seed and walnut roll is a version of a popular and delicious Croatian sweet yeast bread with two fillings: poppy seed-raisin and walnut-raisin.

Origin of the Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll

The Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll, or "Poppy Seed Strudel," is a traditional Eastern European pastry that has deep roots in countries like Croatia, Hungary, and Austria. Its history dates back to the times when poppy seeds were prized not only for their culinary uses but also for their supposed health benefits. The roll became a staple in festive meals, especially during the Christmas season, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Over time, it spread through the region, with slight variations depending on local preferences.

Regional Features of the Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll

In Croatia, this dessert is often associated with festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. It's made with a soft, sweet yeast dough that's filled with a mixture of ground walnuts and poppy seeds, along with raisins, cinnamon, and sometimes a splash of rum for extra flavor. In Hungary, the strudel is also quite common but is typically rolled in a way that creates many layers, adding a crunchy texture to the filling. Each region in Eastern Europe has its twist, with ingredients like honey or fruit jams sometimes making an appearance in the filling.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Although similar to other Eastern European rolls, such as the famous "Babka" or "Kolacz," the Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll stands out because of its dual filling of both poppy seeds and walnuts. This combination gives it a distinct flavor profilerich, nutty, and slightly earthy from the walnuts, contrasted with the floral and slightly tangy taste of the poppy seeds. Unlike the sweet, often frosted, babka or the more fruit-forward kolacz, this roll focuses on a more textured, hearty filling that is deeply satisfying.

Where is the Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll Typically Served?

This roll is a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at gatherings. It's often served alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea. In Croatia, it is a favored dessert during holiday meals and celebrations, especially for Christmas. In Hungary, it's also served at Easter, where the ritual of breaking bread together carries a strong cultural significance. While it's a beloved treat for special occasions, it can also be enjoyed as a comforting snack throughout the year.

Interesting Facts about the Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll

The poppy seed has been a symbol of wealth and good luck in many cultures for centuries, which is why its often included in festive dishes like this roll.
In some regions, the walnuts in the filling are toasted before being ground, which enhances their flavor and adds a smoky richness to the roll.
Theres a variation of this roll called "Makowiec" in Poland, which is made with a similar dough and poppy seed filling but typically doesnt include walnuts.
The dough for this roll is a traditional yeast dough, which gives it a light, fluffy texture once baked. Its a labor-intensive recipe, but the results are well worth the effort.

FAQ about Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll Recipe

The poppy seed and walnut roll should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 2 months. If frozen, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before proceeding with the recipe.

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly depending on the nut you use.

If the dough is too sticky while you're kneading it, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough too dry and affect the texture of the roll.

Yes, if you prefer not to use rum or if you don’t have it, you can substitute with fruit juice (such as apple juice) or simply omit the rum entirely. The raisins will still add sweetness and texture to the filling.

Letting the dough rise allows the yeast to ferment and create air bubbles, which makes the dough light and fluffy. Skipping this step can result in a dense and heavy roll.

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and shiny. A stand mixer is just a faster alternative.

The roll is done when it turns golden brown on top and bottom. You can also tap the bottom of the roll with your finger—if it sounds hollow, it’s baked through.

Yes, you can freeze the roll after baking. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature or heat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with non-dairy options like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor slightly.

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Lemon Cranberry Bread Recipe

View Recipe

Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll Recipe