Croatian recipes: How to make musical strudel

by croatiaweek
September 2, 2025
in Food & Wine

Glazbena Štrudla

Croatia’s strudel traditions are loved far and wide, but sometimes they come with a unique twist.

One such example is the Glazbena Štrudla – or “Musical Strudel” – inspired by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Coffee Cantata.

The recipe was created in collaboration with Karlovac Music School as part of the “Music Food” project, celebrating the harmony of taste and sound.

With Strudlafest just around the corner – taking place this Saturday, 6 September, in the nearby village of Jaškovo – what better time to share this special recipe?

Glazbena Štrudla – Bach’s Coffee Cantata Strudel (serves approx. 12)

Dough

• 850 g flour
• 50 ml oil
• 20 g salt
• 300 ml water

Filling

• 6 egg yolks
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 150 g walnuts or hazelnuts
• 1 cup strong Turkish coffee (to taste)
• 5 egg whites
• Grated orange zest
• White and dark chocolate
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Petit biscuits
• Dried figs, chopped

Preparation

1. Knead the flour, oil, salt and water into a dough. Let it rest for around 30 minutes.

2. For the filling, whisk together 6 egg yolks with sugar and ground walnuts. Add a few spoonfuls of freshly brewed Turkish coffee. Beat the 5 egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the mixture. Add grated orange zest for freshness.

3. Once the dough has rested, roll it out thinly, brush with oil, and leave it for 2–3 minutes to absorb. Then carefully stretch the dough as thin as possible by hand.

4. Spread the filling over half of the dough, then top with crushed cornflakes or biscuits – or extra nuts if preferred.

5. Roll the strudel with the other half of the dough and shape as desired – either into smaller rolls (perfect for those who love crispy edges) or into a spiral shape.

6. Place the strudel in an oiled baking tray and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.

7. While it bakes, melt chocolate for the topping. Once out of the oven, drizzle with chocolate and garnish with more orange zest and chopped dried figs.

The result is a strudel with rich layers of coffee, nuts and chocolate – a true harmony of flavours. Much like Bach’s music, it balances depth, sweetness and a touch of surprise.