Here’s a festive Christmas Baklava recipe with a holiday twist, perfect for the season!
Christmas Baklava Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 12-15
Ingredients
For the Baklava Layers:
•1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
•2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
•1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
•1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Christmas Syrup:
•1 cup granulated sugar
•1 cup honey
•1/2 cup water
•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 cinnamon stick
•2-3 whole cloves
•Zest of 1 orange
For Garnish:
•Crushed pistachios or red and green sugar sprinkles
Instructions
1.Prep the Phyllo Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
2.Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3.Assemble the Baklava:
•Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, buttering each one.
•Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo.
•Add 4 more sheets of phyllo, buttering each one, and layer more nuts. Repeat until the nuts are used up, finishing with 8 layers of buttered phyllo on top.
4.Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
5.Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden and crisp.
6.Prepare the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. Combine sugar, honey, water, vanilla, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves.
7.Add the Syrup: Pour the hot syrup evenly over the baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
8.Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or festive red and green sugar sprinkles for a Christmas touch.
9.Serve: Enjoy this festive baklava with coffee or tea!
This Christmas Baklava combines the classic recipe with warm holiday spices and orange zest for a festive flavor twist!
