There’s something magical about the holiday season, and this Christmas Baklava captures that festive spirit in every bite. With layers of flaky phyllo dough, spiced nuts, and a sweet honey syrup, this dessert is a true showstopper at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baklava for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb chopped pecans
- 1/2 lb chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 lb package of phyllo dough
- 1 1/2 cups butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
Directions:
- Prepare Nut Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, walnuts, and ground cinnamon. This nut mixture is the heart of your baklava, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Set the mixture aside for layering later. - Layer Phyllo:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish generously to ensure that the baklava doesn’t stick. Lay 2 sheets of phyllo dough on the bottom of the dish. Brush the phyllo with melted butter, making sure to cover it evenly. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top of the buttered phyllo. Continue layering the phyllo, butter, and nuts in this way until all of the nuts, butter, and phyllo are used. Be sure to end with about 6 layers of phyllo on top for a sturdy base that will hold the honey syrup. - Cut Baklava:
Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut through all layers of the baklava. Cut 3-4 slices lengthwise, then make diagonal cuts across the lengthwise slices to create diamond shapes. This step is crucial, as cutting the baklava after baking can cause the phyllo to crack and crumble. - Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp. The key here is to bake it slowly to ensure that the phyllo dough becomes flaky and the layers separate beautifully. - Prepare Honey Syrup:
While the baklava is baking, heat the honey in a saucepan until it is close to boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest, allowing the flavors to infuse into the honey. The honey syrup is what makes baklava so irresistibly sweet and sticky, and the lemon zest adds a refreshing note that balances the richness. - Finish:
As soon as the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the top. The syrup will seep into the layers, making the baklava moist and flavorful. Let the baklava cool completely in the pan before serving, allowing the syrup to fully absorb.
Tips:
- Phyllo Dough Handling: Make sure your phyllo dough is fully thawed and at room temperature before you start working with it. This will help prevent it from tearing and make it easier to layer.
- Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife to cut the baklava before baking. This ensures clean, even pieces that hold together well after baking.
- Flavor Development: Baklava actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. If you can resist, let it sit overnight before serving!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Conclusion
This Christmas Baklava is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its layers of crispy phyllo, spiced nuts, and sweet honey syrup, it’s a treat that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or as a special gift, this baklava is a delicious way to celebrate the season.