Poppy Seed Filling

Poppy seed filling is a traditional sweet paste made from ground poppy seeds, sugar, milk and flavoured with lemon zest, vanilla or rum. It is a staple of Central European and Balkan pastry traditions. It is used to fill cakes, strudels, rolls and sweet buns. Ready-made filling is available in cans or as a chilled product, but it can also be prepared at home. Its dark colour, fine grainy texture and characteristic poppy seed flavour are instantly recognisable and have been loved by generations of bakers.