Nutty Baklava
Nutty baklava features flaky phyllo layers filled with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, and fragrant spices, offering a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for sharing at celebrations or with coffee.
Ingredients
- 17 1/4 oz. package frozen phyllo pastry, thawed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flaked coconut, lightly toasted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Macadamia nuts, toasted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw the phyllo pastry according to package instructions.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine toasted coconut, chopped Macadamia nuts, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and ground allspice.
- Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
- Layer sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.
- Sprinkle a portion of the nut mixture over the layered phyllo.
- Repeat layering with phyllo and nut mixture until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of phyllo.
- Cut the assembled baklava into diamonds or squares before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, combine sugar, water, and honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes to make syrup.
- Pour hot syrup over the hot baklava immediately after removing from oven.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to let the syrup soak in.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier baklava, ensure each layer of phyllo is brushed generously with melted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, consider replacing the nuts with a mixture of seeds like sunflower and pumpkin. Feel free to experiment with spices; cinnamon or cardamom can enhance the flavor. For added texture, incorporate some finely chopped dried fruits into the nut mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Baklava is best served at room temperature. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or tea for a delightful experience. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light dessert like Mid East Salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to retain its flaky texture. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the quality of the phyllo pastry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Baklava contains roughly 445 calories, with 3g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baklava ahead of time?
Yes, baklava can be made a day in advance. After baking and pouring the syrup, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will give the flavors time to meld, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to keep it at room temperature for the best texture.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil is an excellent substitute for butter in this recipe. It will impart a subtle coconut flavor that complements the toasted coconut in the baklava. Just make sure to melt it before using it to brush the phyllo layers.
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Macadamia nuts and pecans, feel free to substitute with walnuts, pistachios, or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure the nuts are finely chopped and toasted to enhance their flavor and texture in the baklava.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).