How to make phyllo dough strudel with pumpkin – a flavor loaded seasonal twist on ordinary strudel, based on Bulgarian tikvenik. Plus – an optional pumpkin ale simple syrup adds fragrant sweetness to the dessert.
- Go straight to the Recipe Card or
- Read on for relevant tips and step-by-step pictures (1 min)
About Pumpkin Strudel
My recipe for pumpkin strudel is a very serious rival to regular apple strudel. It is based on tikvenik – a pumpkin dessert with phyllo dough very popular in Bulgaria where I grew up. Traditionally the filling is comprised of grated fresh pumpkin and walnuts – here I replace the walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds. Instead of confectioners sugar dusted on top, I add a generous pour of sweet and fragrant pumpkin ale simple syrup which the strudel eagerly absorbs and becomes a simultaneously moist and crunchy treat, reminiscent of baklava.
TIP: While you do not need to make the simple syrup with pumpkin ale I recommend that you do – it is what takes this rustic treat over the top. One of my favorite ways to incorporate beer into desserts is to make a simple syrup with it. Whether making beercicles, sorbet or another recipe, reducing a sweeter craft beer to release most of the alcohol, concentrate the flavors and boost the sweetness level with brown sugar or honey is an easy and effective way to cook with beer. In the case of this pumpkin strudel the strategy is more than befitting.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Phyllo dough. Typically a box contains two packages with about 20 to 24 sheets of phyllo in each. You need only one of these packages to make enough pumpkin strudel for eight servings.
- Butter. To melt it and brush it between layers of phyllo.
- Pumpkin seeds. Shelled of course. If you find already toasted ones use them, otherwise you can do that yourself before you make the strudel filling.
- Fresh pumpkin. Your best bet is pie pumpkin, even though you can substitute with butternut squash.
- Brown sugar & cinnamon. To add sweetness and spice to the filling, also some extra sugar to make the simple syrup.
- Pumpkin Ale. The fragrant key to the tasty syrup for the strudel.
TIP: Choose the Right Pumpkin Ale
Stay away from pumpkin IPAs or pale ales with high IBUs (unless you are intentionally looking for bitterness). Typically pumpkin ales (and the occasional lager) are on the sweet side (overly so in fact) and you will not need to worry about bitterness but I am issuing the warning just in case.
I used a pumpkin ale with cranberries added which contributed a bit of welcome tartness, or rather brightness to an otherwise spice heavy brew.
How to Make Pumpkin Strudel
- Thaw. Before you begin follow the instructions on the phyllo dough package and thaw it accordingly. Do not open package before you have already made the filling – phyllo sheets dry really fast and can become incredibly brittle before you know it.
- Make the syrup. If you will be using syrup make it in advance so that it can cool down properly. Pour the pumpkin ale into a cold, wide sauce pan, bring to simmer, add brown sugar, stir and let simmer until reduced by a third to a half of the original volume. Let cool down.
- Make the filling. Carve two or three slices of pie pumpkin, remove the seeds and skin and grate using a box grater. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry non-stick pan, add the grated pumpkin, brown sugar and cinnamon, stir well and cook until the sugar just begins to melt. Melt the butter in a bowl in the microwave.
- Assemble. Lay out a quarter of the phyllo sheets, brush generously all over with melted butter, then scatter a quarter of the pumpkin filling. Place more phyllo sheets on top, brush, scatter more filling. Tuck the short sides in and roll, place on lined baking sheet with the edge facing down. Repeat for a second strudel roll. Brush both with butter once more.
- Bake. Bake the strudel until it begins to turn a deep golden color.
How to Serve Pumpkin Strudel
- If you are not planning on making simple syrup to drizzle over the strudel, serve it warm. Do not try to slice it thinly, the phylo will crumble too much. Instead, cut a chunkier piece as shown above. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is very complimentary to a warm piece of this treat.
- If you do want to serve it with pumpkin ale simple syrup, then it is better to let the strudel cool down. Drizzle the simple syrup over each plated serving and let it pool around it.
You will love the unpretentious overall texture of pumpkin strudel. You have the crunch of the pumpkin seeds amidst the softness of the pumpkin flesh (not entirely mushy, still a touch of firmness to it), wrapped in the buttery crispness of the phyllo sheets and drenched in the delicious pumpkin ale syrup.
It makes for a great partner to a cup of strong coffee – whether in the morning or as a dessert. If need be it can outright replace dinner – tried and true! Simply indulge in a double serving.
Pumpkin strudel (aka Bulgarian Tikvenik) with a twist – walnuts are replaced with pumpkin seeds and the traditional powdered sugar dusting with sweet and fragrant pumpkin ale syrup.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Roasted Pumpkin Dip (Savory with a Touch of Heat)
Quick Pumpkin Loaf
Champ Potatoes (a Traditional Irish Halloween Side)
Pumpkin Strudel (with Pumpkin Seeds & Pumpkin Ale Syrup)
This pumpkin strudel is based on Bulgarian tikvenik with phyllo dough, fresh grated pumpkin and toasted pumpkin seeds. The strudel receives a generous allowance of fragrant pumpkin ale simple syrup which automatically takes it to a higher level.
Ingredients
PUMPKIN STRUDEL
- 1 packet phyllo dough, about 24 sheets
- 2 1/2 cups of grated fresh pumpkin
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted preferred
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter (may not use it all)
PUMPKIN ALE SIMPLE SYRUP
- 12 oz pumpkin ale
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Follow the instructions of your phyllo dough packaging and thaw one of the packets from the box (about 20-24 sheets).
- Carve out a few slices from a pie pumpkin, clean the seeds and remove the skin, then grate using a box grater until you have enough to fill 2 1/2 cups.
- If your pumpkin seeds are not toasted, toast them in a dry pan over medium high heat.
- To the same pan add the grated pumpkin, brown sugar and cinnamon and stir a few times until you see the sugar beginning to melt. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, set near your working surface area.
- Roll out 5-6 sheets of phyllo dough. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 1/4 of the pumpkin/sugar/seeds mixture leaving the edges free of mixture.
- Place 5-6 more sheets of phyllo on top, brush with butter and sprinkle another 1/4 of the mixture.
- Fold the short sides of the phyllo dough inwards and then roll the layers (like a burrito).
- Repeat the above steps with the remaining 10-12 sheets of phyllo and remaining mixture.
- On a parchment paper lined baking sheet place the two strudel rolls and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the phyllo dough turns golden.
- While the strudel is baking, prepare the simple syrup. Bring the pumpkin ale to simmer in a sauce pan and add the brown sugar. Mix and let reduce for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let cool down.
- Once the strudel is finished baking you have two options to serve it. (1) Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or (2) cooled down, drizzled with a generous amount of the pumpkin ale simple syrup (as shown above).
Notes
The only difference between this pumpkin strudel and a traditional Bulgarian tikvenik (tikva=pumpkin, tikven=made with pumpkin, -ik ending forms a noun) is the substitution of walnuts with pumpkin seeds. Typically tikvenik is served dusted with powdered sugar - do try the pumpkin ale syrup instead!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 214Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 2g
Giftbasketworldwide says
Looks great. Thanks for sharing.
CraftBeering says
Thank you so much Kerryanne! The look book is gorgeous, so happy you included one of our pictures.
Katie says
Yay I LOVE this recipe it looks amazing!
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
This looks gorgeous!
CraftBeering says
Thank you:)
Leanna says
This looks like the perfect brunch recipe. I love pumpkin especially when its fresh in recipes. Pinning.
CraftBeering says
Thank you Leanna!
Amber Harrop says
I have never tried pumpkin strudel but I would be tempted after seeing this
CraftBeering says
It is good, I promise:)
Miz Helen says
Your Pumpkin Strudel looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday! Have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
CraftBeering says
Thank you Miz Helen!
Lianne says
My list of pumpkin recipes to try just keeps getting longer and longer! This looks delicious!
Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor
Calypso in the Country says
Looks delish! I am the only pumpkin fan in our house so I can get creative with the recipes – since I am the only one who eats them! Thanks for sharing! VIsiting from That DIY Party.
Shelley
CraftBeering says
You are in a pretty cool situation pumpkin wise Shelley:) Thank you so much for stopping by!
Meg | Meg is Well says
I wish I would have thought about using beer to make simple syrup sooner! I can see myself doing this so much now. I definitely want one of these with my coffee and wouldn’t mind having it throughout the day at all.
CraftBeering says
Thank you Meg. Never too late to start making beer simple syrup, so many flavor options:) Cheers and have a great week, thank you for stopping by!
Mary says
This pumpkin strudel is perfect for my squash challenge, I guess great minds think alike. Your pictures are seriously making me drool! Wow, and now i’m dying to try this pumpkin ale.
CraftBeering says
Thank you Mary! Pumpkin dishes are fun indeed:)
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
Wow, what a recipe! Thanks so much for joining in!
CraftBeering says
Thank you for putting together the virtual feast Sara!
Georgie | The Home Cook's Kitchen says
yess another way I can use my pumpkin ale that’s still currently sitting in my fridge because I don’t like it! such a beautiful creative recipe! love it Milena!
CraftBeering says
Kindred soul:) Thank you Georgie!
Susana says
Hello, Millena and Chris.
Wow! Your pictures look so pretty. I can’t help but get hungry looking at those. Haha. I’ll definitely share this recipe with my mom. She loves anything related with pumpkins.
CraftBeering says
Thank you Susana! So sweet!
Jess says
Oh wow…this sounds amazing!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Wow! You strudel looks pumpkin goodness perfect 🙂 Would be a perfect centrepiece for a Thanksgiving dessert table.
CraftBeering says
Thank you Jennifer! It would totally work for Thanksgiving! I’ve already started giving thanks for pumpkins, lol!
Kym Grimshaw | On The Plate says
I was so intrigued to find out more on your pumpkin recipe when I noticed your blog is about Craft Beer. Sounds absolutely delicious and I love the use of simple syrup in there too.
X
CraftBeering says
Thank you Kym! Yes, we are into craft brews… a tad bit too much perhaps:) Thank you for stopping by!
Roseann Hampton says
This looks mouth watering delicious!
CraftBeering says
Thank you Roseann!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Just reading you describe this with the textures and flavours makes me want this in front of me ASAP. I would absolutely love a coffee with a big piece of this ….strong coffee and sweet dessert is the way to go. I really have to use beer in dessert – love the idea of simple syrups with them. And I would have no problem having this for dinner either 😉 Pinned! P.S. Pretentious desserts are waaaaay overrated! Cheers, my friend!
CraftBeering says
Thank you, thank you! It is a beautiful contrast you speak of (the pairing with strong coffee). I can rant about it for a long time:) You know how baklava and Turkish coffee are a delectable duo…This strudel is a serious rival:) But I will not take sides. I can eat both.
[email protected] says
What? Reaches the level of baklava? You have my attention! Well, actually, you had my attention at strudel! This is a beauty, my friends!
CraftBeering says
Thank you Annie!
Nicoletta says
What a creative, good looking, and utterly delicious strudel you made here! I love this use of the phillo pastry and the fact that it resembles a baklava…yum! But I also love the grated pumpkin, the crunch from the pumpkin seeds, and the beer simple syrup!!
CraftBeering says
We are in agreement! I love desserts with phyllo and syrup since I grew up eating tons and tons of baklava. Old habits die hard, or never do, lol. Thank you Nicoletta!
Karen, the next best thing to mummy says
This looks delicious, so I will definitely be trying it soon#[email protected]_karendennis
CraftBeering says
Thank you Karen!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
WHOA! This looks unbelievable. I’d totally eat it for dinner too 🙂 Please tell me you’ll deliver to Phoenix? I need this in my life ASAP! Have a great week, Milena!
CraftBeering says
Haha! I might eat most of it while trying to package it appropriately but will try! Better yet – you are welcome to join us here in Colorado in the coming weeks:) Cold weather too!
Sarah | Well and Full says
I’ve never heard of a beer simple syrup before, but that sounds so genius!! 🙂 Happy Virtual Pumpkin Party!!
CraftBeering says
Thank you Sarah! Sweeter ales make such delightful simple syrups and are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in cooking with craft beer. Easy too:) Thank you for stopping by.
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I can see why you would replace dinner with this strudel! This is such a creative recipe and sounds like a delicious contribution to the party! Beer simple syrup is so good and perfect for this dish.
I was just at New Belgium last weekend and indulged in a flight of sours. Amazing! I would have tried this Pumpkick had it been on tap. I’m going to look for some STAT because it has to be incredible!
CraftBeering says
Thank you Rachelle! So cool that New Belgium have the location near you now. We love their beer and are so excited about the new venture of their head brewer who pretty much introduced sours to America’s craft beer scene. Exciting times for sure!