Christmas Baklava with walnuts

Christmas Baklava with Walnuts

Celebrate the festive season with the irresistible flavors of Christmas Baklava with Walnuts. This delightful dessert combines layers of flaky phyllo pastry with a rich and aromatic walnut filling, all soaked in a sweet honey syrup infused with warm spices. Whether enjoyed as a decadent treat after a holiday meal or gifted to loved ones as a homemade delight, this Christmas baklava is sure to spread joy and cheer.

Ingredients:

For the Walnut Filling:

• 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Phyllo Pastry:

• 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• For the Honey Syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Walnut Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix well and set aside.

  2. Assemble the Baklava

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  • Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
  • Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat with several more sheets, brushing each layer with butter, until you have a layer of about 8-10 sheets.
  • Sprinkle a generous layer of the walnut filling evenly over the phyllo dough.
  • Continue layering the phyllo dough and walnut filling, brushing each layer of phyllo with melted butter, until all the filling is used up. Finish with a final layer of phyllo dough, brushing the top generously with butter.

  • 3. Score and Bake

    • Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top layer of phyllo dough into diamond or square shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
    • Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

    4. Make the Honey Syrup

    • While the baklava is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
    • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

    5. Soak the Baklava

    • Once the baklava is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm honey syrup over the hot baklava, ensuring that it seeps into all the cuts.
    • Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan, allowing the phyllo pastry to absorb the syrup and soften.

    6. Serve

    • Once cooled, slice the baklava along the scored lines into individual pieces.
    • Serve the Christmas baklava with walnuts on a platter, garnished with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
    • Enjoy the rich and fragrant flavors of this festive dessert with loved ones, and savor the sweetness of the holiday season.

    Conclusion:

     

     

    Christmas Baklava with Walnuts is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season with its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat after a festive feast or shared with friends and family as a homemade gift, this baklava is sure to bring joy and warmth to any holiday celebration. With its layers of flaky phyllo pastry, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey syrup, it’s the perfect indulgence for spreading Christmas cheer.