Christmas Baklava – Get ready to experience a truly enchanting dessert with our Christmas Baklava recipe. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of pecans and walnuts, wrapped in layers of buttery Phyllo dough and infused with the warmth of cinnamon. Topped off with a luscious honey and lemon sauce, this dessert is a heavenly creation that will leave you craving for more. Join us in celebrating the joyous holiday season with this special recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your home.
The holidays hold a special place in our hearts, and our Christmas Baklava recipe has become an inseparable part of our family’s festive traditions. Every year, as we gather around the table, the anticipation of tasting this sweet masterpiece fills the air. The aroma of freshly ground cinnamon and the nutty fragrance of pecans and walnuts waft through the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and anticipation. The process of layering the delicate Phyllo dough, generously brushing it with melted butter, and sprinkling it with the nut mixture becomes a labor of love, a tradition we eagerly pass down from one generation to the next. As the baklava bakes to a golden perfection in the oven, the excitement in our household reaches its peak. Finally, as we pour the warm honey and lemon sauce over the finished baklava, a collective sigh of delight fills the room. Each bite is a heavenly symphony of textures and flavors, evoking memories of cherished moments and creating new ones. This recipe has become a symbol of love, togetherness, and the magic of the holiday season in our little family.
Why This Christmas Baklava Will Be the Highlight of Your Festive Table?
- Unique Combination: Our Christmas Baklava combines the earthy richness of pecans and walnuts with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, creating a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
- Perfectly Flaky: The layers of delicate Phyllo dough, generously brushed with melted butter, bake to a golden crispness that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Heavenly Sweetness: The decadent honey and lemon sauce, infused with a hint of vanilla, drizzled over the baklava adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly balances the nutty flavors.
- Festive Tradition: Celebrate the holiday season with a dessert that has become a beloved tradition in many households. Christmas Baklava brings the spirit of joy and togetherness to your festive table.
Ingredients:
- 227 grams (1/2 lb.) chopped pecans
- 227 grams (1/2 lb.) chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 454 grams (1 lb.) package of Phyllo dough
- 340 grams (1 1/2 cups) butter, melted
- 591 grams (2 1/2 cups) honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
Directions:
In a bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Butter a baking dish generously using melted butter.
Place two sheets of Phyllo dough at the bottom of the dish and brush the top with melted butter.
Sprinkle approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the Phyllo dough.
Repeat the layering process, alternating between Phyllo dough and the nut mixture until all the ingredients are used, ending with 6 layers of Phyllo dough on top.
Brush the remaining melted butter over the top layer of Phyllo dough.
Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 lengthwise cuts through all the layers, and then make diagonal cuts to create diamond-shaped pieces.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until the baklava turns golden and crispy.
While the baklava is baking, heat the honey in a pan, bringing it to a near boil. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey and lemon sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Allow the baklava to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy this sweet delight with your loved ones!
Notes:
- You can substitute other nuts like almonds or pistachios for pecans and walnuts.
- To prevent the Phyllo dough from drying out, cover it with a damp cloth while working with it.
- For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on top of the honey and lemon sauce before serving.
- Store the leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It also freezes well for longer storage.
As we conclude our journey through the tantalizing world of Christmas Baklava, we invite you to embark on your own culinary adventure. This recipe, with its harmonious blend of nuts, warm spices, buttery layers of Phyllo dough, and a sweet honey and lemon sauce, captures the essence of the holiday season. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a symbol of love, family, and the joyous moments we share together.
Imagine the anticipation as you take your first bite, the delicate crunch of the perfectly baked Phyllo dough giving way to the nutty richness within. The flavors dance on your taste buds, bringing a sense of warmth and delight that can only be experienced during this magical time of year.
Whether you’re looking to create new traditions or add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations, Christmas Baklava is sure to become a centerpiece on your festive table. Share it with loved ones, pass down the recipe to future generations, and let the sweet aromas and heavenly flavors evoke memories that will be cherished for years to come.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the enchantment of Christmas Baklava unfold in your kitchen. May this recipe bring you joy, laughter, and a deeper connection with the ones you hold dear. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a season filled with warmth, love, and the sweetness of homemade delights. Happy holidays and happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pecans and walnuts, you can experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios to create your own unique variation of Christmas Baklava.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baklava in advance. Once baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time.
Can I freeze the baklava?
Yes, you can freeze the baklava. Ensure it is fully cooled before wrapping individual pieces or the whole tray tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I reduce the amount of honey used?
The honey contributes to the sweetness and moistness of the baklava. However, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of honey according to your taste.
Can I reheat the baklava?
Absolutely! You can gently reheat individual pieces of baklava in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature to restore their crispness.
Christmas Baklava
Ingredients
- 227 grams 1/2 lb. chopped pecans
- 227 grams 1/2 lb. chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 454 grams 1 lb. package of Phyllo dough
- 340 grams 1 1/2 cups butter, melted
- 591 grams 2 1/2 cups honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Butter a baking dish generously using melted butter.
- Place two sheets of Phyllo dough at the bottom of the dish and brush the top with melted butter.
- Sprinkle approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the Phyllo dough.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between Phyllo dough and the nut mixture until all the ingredients are used, ending with 6 layers of Phyllo dough on top.
- Brush the remaining melted butter over the top layer of Phyllo dough.
- Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 lengthwise cuts through all the layers, and then make diagonal cuts to create diamond-shaped pieces.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until the baklava turns golden and crispy.
- While the baklava is baking, heat the honey in a pan, bringing it to a near boil. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey and lemon sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Allow the baklava to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy this sweet delight with your loved ones!
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