Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and most importantly, indulging in delicious, heartwarming food. When you think of Christmas treats, perhaps gingerbread cookies and plum cakes come to mind. But this year, let’s twist the traditional tale and dive into a delectable dessert that combines the festivity of Christmas with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean – Christmas Baklava! This sweet, nutty, and crispy delight is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
How to Prepare Christmas Baklava
Christmas Baklava is an elegant fusion of the classic Greek pastry with the festive flavors that epitomize the holiday season.
With layers of flaky phyllo dough, a medley of nuts, and a sweet honey syrup infused with a hint of citrus, this dish is the perfect ending to your Christmas feast. Not to worry if you are new to baking, as this recipe is simple enough for beginners and will leave your guests impressed!
Ingredients for Christmas Baklava
- 1/2 pound chopped pecans
- 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 pound package of Phyllo dough
- 1-1/2 cups butter, melted
- 2-1/2 cups honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
Start by mixing the nuts together in a large bowl and tossing them with the ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
Directions for Christmas Baklava
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish and brush generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat these layers until all the nuts, butter, and phyllo are used up.
- End with about 6 layers of phyllo on the top. If you still have some butter left, brush it over the top layer.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of the baklava. Cut 3-4 slices lengthwise, then make diagonal cuts to form diamond shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- While the baklava is baking, heat honey in a saucepan until close to boiling. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
- When the baklava is done baking, immediately pour the honey mixture over the top. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the phyllo dough is completely thawed before using it. It is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava to prevent it from drying out.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the nut mixture for an extra festive touch.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava before baking. This ensures cleaner cuts and makes it easier to serve.
- Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. This helps the syrup to soak into the layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in my Baklava?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with almonds, pistachios, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
Can I make Baklava ahead of time?
Yes, Baklava can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
How do I store leftover Baklava?
Store Baklava in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating it as this can make the pastry soggy.
Can I use a different syrup instead of honey?
Yes, you can use a sugar syrup made with equal parts sugar and water. You can also add a bit of lemon juice or rose water for flavor.
What can I do if my phyllo dough tears?
Don’t worry if the phyllo dough tears. You can just patch it up and continue layering. Once it’s baked with all the butter and syrup, it’s hardly noticeable.
How do I know when the Baklava is done baking?
Your Baklava is done when the top is a golden brown color. It’s important not to under-bake it, as the inner layers won’t be crispy. But be careful not to over-bake it either, as it can dry out.
Can I add chocolate to my Baklava?
Yes! You can add chocolate by either drizzling melted chocolate over the finished Baklava or by adding chocolate chips to the nut mixture. Just keep in mind that this will make it sweeter and richer.
Is it possible to make a vegan version of Baklava?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I freeze Baklava?
Yes, you can freeze Baklava. Before you freeze it, make sure it is completely cooled. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature.
Christmas Baklava
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound chopped pecans
- 1/2 pound chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 pound package of Phyllo dough
- 1-1/2 cups butter melted
- 2-1/2 cups honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
- Mix nuts together in a large bowl and toss with the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of prepared dish. Brush generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all the nuts, butter, and phyllo are used.
- End with about 6 layers of phyllo on the top. If you still have some butter left, brush it over the top layer.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of the baklava. Cut 3-4 sliced length-wise.
- Then make diagonal cuts to make diamond shapes.
- Bake in heated 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- While baklava is baking, heat honey in a sauce pan until close to boiling. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
- When baklava is done baking, immediately pour the honey mixture over the top.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
