The Best Baklava
Perhaps you’ve tried baklava before and, if so, you’ll know how mouthwatering it is. This Balkan dessert, which is well-loved in Turkey and Greece, as well as across the Middle East, is a wonderful confection of filo pastry layers with honey or sugar and nuts. It’s a very rich choice, which is why it’s typically served in small squares.
You can add your own touches, such as adding cardamom, cloves or cinnamon for extra flavor, using puff pastry rather than filo, or swapping the traditional walnuts for another kind of nut.
If you usually make the same things every year for Christmas, or you’re just looking for something deliciously different to change things up, you might like to try this easy recipe. It’s decadent enough to make a perfect festive treat and if you love sweet food, you’re going to love this.
Enjoy it with your coffee on Christmas morning just before you open your presents, or have it as dessert later on.
Why do I love The Best Christmas Baklava?
Baklava is a wonderful recipe from Greece and Turkey, and it’s not difficult to make as long as you do all the prep work ahead and then just assemble it. It’s sticky, sweet and delicious, and perfect for a special occasion such as Christmas.
How to Serve It:
Baklava is very sweet and filling, so a little goes a long way. Serve it in small squares with a coffee, or enjoy some as a snack.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Baklava keeps for a while so feel free to prepare this tasty dessert in advance.
You’ll love The Best Christmas Baklava because it is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will bring joy to any holiday gathering! It’s made with layers of filo pastry, and chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey or sugar for an amazing combination of flavors.
Weight Watchers Baklava
Ingredients
- 8 sheets light phyllo dough
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons light butter, melted (or light buttery spread)
Honey Syrup
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the phyllo sheets, brushing each sheet lightly with the melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine the walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Spread half of the nut mixture over the phyllo.
- Add the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer lightly with butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture on top and finish with the last few phyllo sheets.
- Cut into 16 pieces before baking.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, vanilla, and lemon juice. Heat until well blended.
- Pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava and let it cool completely before serving.
Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 5 Points per serving (1 piece when cut into 16 servings).
