Christmas Baklava

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pecans, walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish, brushing generously with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layering phyllo, butter, and nuts until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 layers of phyllo on top. Brush remaining butter over the top.
5. Using a very sharp knife, cut through all layers of baklava. Make 3–4 lengthwise cuts, then cut diagonally to form diamond shapes.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
7. While baking, heat honey in a saucepan until nearly boiling. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
8. When baklava is done, immediately pour the hot honey mixture over the top.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12–16
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Use pistachios or almonds instead of pecans or walnuts.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra holiday spice.
• Drizzle with dark chocolate after cooling for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions