Celebrate the holiday season with our Christmas Baklava recipe. Discover how to create this sweet and festive dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Layers of flaky phyllo pastry, crunchy nuts, and fragrant spices come together in a delectable treat that captures the spirit of Christmas.
Ingredients:
For the Baklava:
- 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Nut Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped mixed nuts, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Set aside.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
- Brush a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.
- Carefully place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it generously with melted butter.
- Continue layering and buttering each sheet of phyllo dough until you have about 8 sheets layered.
4. Add the Nut Mixture:
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo dough.
5. Continue Layering:
- Add another layer of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter.
- Repeat the process of layering and buttering until you’ve used up all the nuts.
- Finish with a final layer of phyllo dough, ensuring you brush the top sheet generously with melted butter.
6. Cut into Diamonds:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the baklava into diamond-shaped or square pieces. Be sure to cut all the way through the layers.
7. Bake and Golden:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
8. Make the Syrup:
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, and optional lemon and orange zest.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
9. Pour the Syrup:
- Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
- Allow it to cool completely in the pan to allow the syrup to be absorbed.
10. Serve and Enjoy: – Once cooled, carefully remove the Christmas Baklava pieces from the dish and serve on a festive platter. – Enjoy this sweet and festive holiday treat with your loved ones.
Celebrate the holidays with our Christmas Baklava recipe, a sweet and festive dessert ideal for sharing. Flaky phyllo pastry, crunchy nuts, and fragrant spices combine to make a delectable treat that captures the spirit of Christmas. Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this delectable baklava and spread the holiday cheer with your loved ones. Christmas Baklava is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your holiday celebrations, whether served as a dessert after a festive meal or given as a thoughtful gift.