Christmas Baklava
Celebrate the holidays with a tray of golden, nut-filled Christmas Baklava soaked in honey and cinnamon. A perfect dessert for gifting or sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 pack phyllo dough 1 pound, thawed
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups butter melted
- 2 cups honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, pecans, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously using melted butter.
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo and Nuts
- Place two sheets of phyllo dough into the dish and brush with butter.
- Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of the nut mixture.
- Repeat this layering process—2 sheets of phyllo, butter, nuts—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a phyllo layer.
- Brush the top with extra melted butter for that perfect crisp finish.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–47 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Syrup
- While the baklava bakes, heat honey, vanilla, and lemon zest in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warmed and fragrant. Do not boil.
Step 6: Soak and Serve
- Once baklava is out of the oven, slowly pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the syrup to absorb.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.