Fruit and Nut Baklava

Indulge in the irresistible layers of Fruit and Nut Baklava, a vibrant twist on the classic dessert. This recipe combines the flaky, buttery deliciousness of phyllo dough with a luscious filling of spiced mixed nuts, naturally sweet dried fruits, and a sprinkle of aromatic cardamom and cinnamon. Topped with a honey-lemon syrup that seeps into every crispy layer, this baklava achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and zest. Ideal for entertaining or as a festive treat, it's surprisingly easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or new to phyllo pastry, this showstopping dessert is sure to delight. Serve it at room temperature and watch it become the highlight of any gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 16 sheets phyllo dough
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups chopped mixed nuts (e.g., pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
• 1 cup chopped dried fruits (e.g., apricots, figs, cranberries)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 cup honey
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts, dried fruits, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 3

Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Step 4

Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7 more sheets, brushing each layer with butter.

Step 5

Spread half of the nut and fruit mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.

Step 6

Layer 4 more sheets of phyllo dough over the fruit and nut mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter.

Step 7

Spread the remaining fruit and nut mixture evenly over the second set of phyllo layers.

Step 8

Finish with the remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer (including the top) with butter.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut through all the layers.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 11

While the baklava is baking, make the syrup by combining honey, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 12

Once the baklava is done baking, pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava, ensuring it seeps into all the cuts and layers.

Step 13

Allow the baklava to cool completely at room temperature, so the syrup is fully absorbed.

Step 14

Serve the baklava at room temperature and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1334.6 grams (1334.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5278

Total Fat 329.20g	422%
Saturated Fat 133.50g	668%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 517mg	172%
Sodium 1890mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 553.80g	201%
Dietary Fiber 46.00g	164%
Total Sugars 314.70g
Protein 70.30g	141%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 396mg	30%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 3250mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.3%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 40.6%