Christmas Baklava
A festive twist on the classic dessert, Christmas Baklava combines layers of crispy phyllo dough with a filling of spiced nuts, dried cranberries, and warm holiday spices. Topped with a honey-citrus syrup, it's the perfect sweet treat for your holiday table!
Ingredients
For the Baklava:
1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Syrup:
1 cup honey
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
For Garnish:
Crushed pistachios
Dried cranberries
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Nut Filling:
In a bowl, combine walnuts, pistachios, cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Baklava:
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat with 8-10 sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
Spread 1/3 of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.
Add another 8-10 layers of phyllo, brushing with butter between layers, then another 1/3 of the nut mixture. Repeat one more time, finishing with 8-10 phyllo layers on top.
Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
5. Prepare the Syrup:
While the baklava bakes, combine honey, sugar, water, vanilla, orange zest, juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.
6. Add the Syrup:
Immediately after removing the baklava from the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and dried cranberries before serving.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: ~5 hours
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories: ~210 calories per piece
Tips:
Cut Before Baking: Cutting before baking prevents the layers from shattering.
Make Ahead: Baklava tastes even better the next day, so plan ahead!
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
0 Comments