Bulgarian Baklava Recipe: Baklava is a delightful dessert that showcases layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup. This recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Baklava is not just a treat; it is a part of Bulgarian culture and tradition, enjoyed during special occasions and gatherings.
As we explore this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step, making it easy for you to create this classic dessert in your own kitchen.
Using simple ingredients like filo dough, walnuts, and sugar, you can achieve a wonderfully rich and aromatic baklava that captures the essence of Bulgarian cuisine.
Join us as we dive into this enjoyable cooking experience. We promise that you will love sharing and savoring the sweet results with family and friends. Written by John and Laurel Rodgers, our journey of discovering and sharing recipes takes you into the heart of Bulgarian flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Bulgarian Baklava Recipe
We love this Bulgarian Baklava recipe because it blends crispy layers of filo dough with rich, flavorful walnuts. The contrast of textures is delightful, making each bite satisfying.
The use of sweet syrup poured over the hot baklava enhances the flavor. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Key Highlights:
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for basic items like filo dough, walnuts, and sugar.
- Easy Steps: Prepping and baking take less than two hours, perfect for us when we want a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
Flavor Profile:
- Nutty: The walnuts are chopped finely, ensuring their flavor is spread throughout.
- Sweet and Fragrant: The syrup adds a delightful sweetness, complemented by a hint of vanilla.
This dessert is not just tasty; it carries a sense of tradition. Each piece tells a story of family and culture. Making it at home allows us to connect with those rich traditions.
We appreciate how versatile baklava is. It’s perfect for special occasions or just a treat at home. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress our guests!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Our Bulgarian Baklava stands out for several reasons.
First, the use of freshly chopped walnuts adds rich flavor. We mix them with powdered sugar, creating a sweet and nutty filling that complements the pastry.
Next, we layer the filo dough carefully. Each layer is brushed with melted butter, giving the baklava its signature flaky texture. This step is essential for achieving the perfect golden brown color when baked.
Another key element is the sugar syrup. By using cold syrup on hot baklava, we create a delightful contrast in temperature. The syrup seeps into every layer, ensuring every bite is sweet and moist.
Homemade baklava allows us to adjust flavors and sweetness, making it truly our own. We can experiment with ingredients, such as adding vanilla for depth or citrus for brightness.
Finally, this recipe ties us to our travels. It represents shared experiences, from cooking classes to family traditions. Preparing this dish brings a piece of Bulgarian culture to our home, making it special for us and those we share it with.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Bulgarian baklava, we need some essential cooking equipment. Here is a list of what we will use:
- Baking Dish: A 9 by 13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. It holds the layers of baklava without overflowing.
- Mixing Bowl: We’ll use a mixing bowl for combining the chopped walnuts and powdered sugar.
- Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is important to apply melted butter on the phyllo dough layers. This helps achieve that golden color.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the baklava into diamond shapes before baking. This allows the syrup to soak in properly.
- Oven: Preheating the oven to 350°F is crucial for even baking. The baklava should bake until it is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Syrup Pot: A small pot is needed to prepare the sugar syrup.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the baklava to cool evenly after baking.
With these tools, we can create a delicious batch of Bulgarian baklava that showcases our passion for international cuisine.
Cooking Instructions
To make Bulgarian baklava, we start with the phyllo pastry. Thaw the phyllo dough if frozen. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Next, prepare the nut mixture. We use chopped walnuts and add a pinch of ground cinnamon for flavor.
In a bowl, melt butter and set aside.
Take a baking dish and brush the bottom with melted butter. Lay down about five sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
Spread a layer of the nut filling evenly over the phyllo.
Repeat this process, layering phyllo and nut filling, until all ingredients are used.
Once finished, we cut the baklava into diamond shapes. Then, brush the top layer with more melted butter.
Bake for about 45 minutes until the baklava is golden brown.
While it bakes, we make the syrup. Combine sugar, water, and a bit of lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
After baking, pour the cold syrup over the hot baklava right away. Allow it to cool completely for the syrup to soak in. The baklava should be sweet and rich with the flavors of nuts and honey.
Cooking Tips
When making Bulgarian Baklava, use flaky phyllo pastry for the best texture. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
We recommend using a mix of nuts like walnuts for a rich flavor. Be sure to have a good layer of nuts between the phyllo layers to add crunch. You can also enhance the taste with a pinch of ground cloves or a drop of vanilla.
For the honey syrup, simmer equal parts honey and water. Adding a bit of lemon juice brightens the flavor. Drizzle this syrup over the freshly baked baklava while it’s still hot for a honey-soaked finish.
Allow the baklava to cool completely before cutting it into squares. This helps retain its crispy texture.
If you’re preparing this as a make-ahead dessert, you can assemble the baklava and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it just before serving for the best experience.
Ingredients For the Bulgarian Baklava Recipe
Phyllo Dough
Butter
Walnuts
Ground Cinnamon
Granulated Sugar
Honey
Lemon Juice
Water
Walnuts or Pistachios
Cooking Instructions For the Bulgarian Baklava Recipe
Preparing the Phyllo Dough/strong>
Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions. This makes it easier to separate the sheets without causing them to tear.
Making the Honey Lemon Syrup/strong>
Start by preparing the honey lemon syrup, as it needs time to cool before being poured over the warm baklava. In a medium pan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to boil for another 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set the syrup aside to cool while you prepare the baklava.
Preparing the Baklava/strong>
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of coarsely ground walnuts with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
For the first layer, place 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Make sure to keep the remaining phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. To create a nice texture once baked, my grandmother taught me to slightly wrinkle the sheets without tearing them. (The sheets are a bit longer than 13 inches for this purpose.) Once the 10 sheets are layered, sprinkle with 1/5 of the nut mixture.
For the next layers, add 5 sheets of phyllo dough at a time, brushing each with butter. After each layer, sprinkle with 1/5 of the nut mixture. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the nuts, adding 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing with butter, and sprinkling with the nut mixture in between layers.
Finally, finish by layering the remaining 10 sheets one at a time, brushing each with melted butter. Brush the top sheet with extra butter.
Cutting and Baking the Baklava/strong>
Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into 4 strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Then, make diagonal cuts to create a diamond pattern.
Bake the baklava in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
Finishing Touches
Once the baklava is done baking, pour the cooled honey lemon syrup over the warm baklava. Let it soak, uncovered, overnight.
FAQ For the Bulgarian Baklava Recipe
Question: What is the Bulgarian Baklava recipe?
A: The Bulgarian Baklava recipe is a rich, sweet pastry made from layers of filo dough, filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, usually walnuts or pistachios, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a popular dessert in Bulgaria, often served during holidays and celebrations.
Question: Can I use other nuts in the Bulgarian Baklava recipe?
A: Yes, you can use other nuts in the Bulgarian Baklava recipe, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. While walnuts are the traditional choice, these alternatives can give the baklava a slightly different flavor and texture, while still maintaining the signature sweetness.
Question: How long does the Bulgarian Baklava recipe need to bake?
A: The Bulgarian Baklava recipe typically bakes for 40 to 45 minutes at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). You’ll want the filo dough to be golden and crispy, and the syrup should have fully soaked into the layers.
Question: Can I make the Bulgarian Baklava recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Bulgarian Baklava recipe can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day, as the syrup has time to fully soak into the layers. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
Question: How can I make the Bulgarian Baklava recipe less sweet?
A: To make the Bulgarian Baklava recipe less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or use a combination of honey and water for a lighter sweetness. You could also try using less syrup or drizzle it lightly over the baklava after baking.
Bulgarian Baklava Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz Phyllo Dough thawed
- 1 ¼ cup Butter 2 1/2 sticks butter
- 1 lb Walnuts coarsely ground (or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¾ cup Water
- chopped walnuts or pistachios for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Phyllo Dough/strong>
- Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions. This makes it easier to separate the sheets without causing them to tear.
Making the Honey Lemon Syrup/strong>
- Start by preparing the honey lemon syrup, as it needs time to cool before being poured over the warm baklava. In a medium pan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to boil for another 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set the syrup aside to cool while you prepare the baklava.
Preparing the Baklava/strong>
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of coarsely ground walnuts with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- For the first layer, place 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Make sure to keep the remaining phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. To create a nice texture once baked, my grandmother taught me to slightly wrinkle the sheets without tearing them. (The sheets are a bit longer than 13 inches for this purpose.) Once the 10 sheets are layered, sprinkle with 1/5 of the nut mixture.
- For the next layers, add 5 sheets of phyllo dough at a time, brushing each with butter. After each layer, sprinkle with 1/5 of the nut mixture. Repeat this process until you've used up all the nuts, adding 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing with butter, and sprinkling with the nut mixture in between layers.
- Finally, finish by layering the remaining 10 sheets one at a time, brushing each with melted butter. Brush the top sheet with extra butter.
Cutting and Baking the Baklava/strong>
- Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into 4 strips, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Then, make diagonal cuts to create a diamond pattern.
- Bake the baklava in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
Finishing Touches
- Once the baklava is done baking, pour the cooled honey lemon syrup over the warm baklava. Let it soak, uncovered, overnight.
Nutrition
1 comment
The Bulgarian Baklava turned out beautifully! The layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup were perfectly balanced, creating a rich and sweet dessert. My guests couldn’t get enough of it and asked for the recipe. It was simple to make, and I was pleased with how it turned out. This recipe is a keeper, and I’ll be making it again for special occasions!