Description
Festive holiday magic shines through this Christmas baklava, blending Middle Eastern tradition with seasonal cheer. Sweet layers of phyllo, honey, and warm spices create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each delicate, nutty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 cups walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed (approximately 16 ounces or 454 grams)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (227 grams)
Syrup Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey (340 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1/4 cup water (60 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- Combine finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant nut blend.
- Carefully layer 8 delicate phyllo sheets into a generously greased baking dish, meticulously brushing each sheet with melted butter to achieve a crisp, golden texture.
- Evenly distribute the prepared nut mixture over the buttered phyllo layers, creating a rich, aromatic filling.
- Continue alternating between phyllo sheets and nut mixture, brushing each phyllo layer with butter, until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a sharp knife, precisely cut the layered pastry into elegant diamond-shaped portions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching carefully until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp.
- While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining honey, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan, heating until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once baked, remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the warm, fragrant syrup over the entire pastry, allowing it to soak and infuse the layers with sweet, sticky goodness.
- Let the baklava cool completely, allowing the syrup to be fully absorbed before serving.
Notes
- Swap nuts for dietary needs by using almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds to accommodate nut allergies or preferences.
- Reduce sugar content by using honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar for a lower glycemic option.
- Brush phyllo sheets with olive oil instead of butter to create a lighter, vegan-friendly version of the dessert.
- Enhance flavor by adding orange zest or cardamom to the nut mixture for a more complex and festive taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 393
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 66 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg