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How to Make Squash Strudel with Homemade Phyllo Pastry

I made this every year for my family — a recipe born from humble ingredients we always had on hand. It quickly became a favorite around our house. If you love strudel made with thin, flaky phyllo dough and want to try something truly authentic Romanian, this is the one to make. The sweetened squash tucked between delicate layers of dough fills the kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma. Each bite — soft, crisp, and just sweet enough — leaves you wanting more. A favorite for sure!

Category
Desserts
SERVING SIZE
12 people
Time
1 hour 15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the squash.
Peel and grate the light-skinned squash. Place it in a bowl, sprinkle with a little salt, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to release excess water. Squeeze out the liquid well so the filling won’t be watery.

Step 2. Stretch the phyllo dough.
On a clean table or countertop, stretch one rested ball of homemade phyllo dough until it is paper-thin and almost transparent. Brush lightly with warmed oil to keep it pliable and prevent tearing.

Step 3. Add the filling.
Spread the grated squash evenly over the phyllo dough, leaving a 1–2 inch border along the edges. Sprinkle sugar generously over the squash and drizzle with a little vegetable oil to help the filling caramelize as it bakes.

Step 4. Roll the strudel.
Starting at one edge, gently lift and roll the dough over the filling. Continue rolling tightly but carefully, tucking in the sides as you go so the filling stays sealed inside.

Step 5. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Grease a cookie sheet lightly with oil. Place the strudel seam-side down and brush the top with more oil for a golden finish.

Step 6. Bake.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and crisp on the outside. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Note

This squash strudel is just as delicious served hot from the oven as it is enjoyed cold the next day. Its light sweetness and flaky phyllo layers make it versatile enough to serve as a snack, side, or even a simple dessert.

If you’d like to learn how to make the homemade phyllo dough used in this recipe, check out our step-by-step guide. It walks you through mixing, kneading, and stretching the dough until it’s paper-thin — the key to achieving authentic, flaky layers. Learn more Homemade Phyllo Dough Recipe.

Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 10 g | Sodium: 120 mg

Values are approximate and may vary depending on dough type, sugar amount, and oil used.

If You Enjoy Traditional Romanian Pastries...

Try our How to Use Leftover Phyllo Dough: Crispy Twists (Rațișe) — another creative and nostalgic way to turn phyllo into something delicious and homemade.

Ingredients

Main

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Filling

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Sauce

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Garnish

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Topping

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Instructions

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RATINGS

Cook's Note

Variations

Serving Suggestions

Storage & Reheating

Cuisine

Nutritional Information

Calories:
kcal,
Protein:
g,
Fat:
g,
Carbohydrates:
g,
Fiber
g,
Sugar:
Sodium:
mg.
Serving Size:
This is a recipe by
Viorica Marincus
View all my recipes
Recipe Tags:
Comfort Food
Budget
Romanian Authentic Food

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