Vegan Baklava Recipe: Bring Home the Taste of Turkey

Vegan Baklava, a delectable dessert that has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, is now enjoyed all around the world. This sweet treat consists of layers upon layers of delicate phyllo pastry sheets filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with sweet syrup. In this article, we will explore a vegan version of Baklava that captures the essence of its traditional counterpart while adhering to plant-based ingredients. So grab your apron and let's dive into the world of Vegan Baklava, and impress your family and friends.

Ingredient List

For the Baklava

• 1 cup vegan butter or light oil (Note: Vegan butter is usually salty. I prefer Miyoko's because it's unsalted)
• 1 pack of phyllo dough sheet
• Brush and a wooden stick

For the Filling

• ½ cup ground walnuts
• ½ cup ground almonds
• ¼ cup ground pistachio
• 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 pinch of nutmeg

For the Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Pre-Preparation

1. Make the Sugar Syrup:

   • Add all the ingredients for the sugar syrup to a pan and set on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
   • Simmer the syrup until it attains a one-string consistency.
   • Add saffron and keep it aside.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Brush a baking dish (11x10x2“ deep) with butter and keep it ready.

3. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

   • Remove the phyllo sheet 2 hours before you want to make the Baklava or keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt Butter:

   • Melt butter in a bowl.

2. Prepare Phyllo Sheets:

   • Lay one phyllo sheet on your work counter and cover the rest with a damp towel, so they don’t dry up.
   • Brush the melted butter on the entire sheet.

3. Add Filling:

   • Put a wooden stick 3 inches from the bottom and pour 2 tablespoons of the nut mixture above the stick.

4. Fold and Roll:

   • Fold the bottom part of the phyllo sheet over the mixture and butter the flipped part.
   • Start rolling the sheet to make a tight roll till the full sheet is covered.
   • Squeeze the roll by pushing down and gather the roll to make it 6-inch-long. Lay it on a baking dish, and cover with a damp towel until you’re done with all the rolls.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F.
   • Brush all the rolls with butter again and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
   • Pro Tip: Set your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes to get that delicious golden-brown color.

6. Add Sugar Syrup:

   • After baking, take out the tray and pour the sugar syrup on the rolls and cover with a towel.
   • Let the rolls soak the syrup for 10-15 minutes. Then uncover it and cut it into 2-3-inch-long pieces and top with crushed pistachios. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Prevent Drying: Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Rolling Technique: Squeeze the rolls gently to ensure they hold their shape and fit well in the baking dish.
• Broiling Tip: Use the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of baking for an extra golden-brown color.

Variations

Square Baklava

1. Layer the Phyllo Sheets:

   • Layer the phyllo sheets and the filling in a flat pan.
   • Add butter between the layers. Lay 4-5 sheets at the bottom of the pan, brush some butter, and then spread a handful of filling evenly over it.
   • Keep building layers.

2. Final Steps:

   • When you place your last phyllo sheets, brush some butter on top.
   • Make cut marks with a sharp knife and bake.
   • After baking, pour the sugar syrup over the baklava and set it aside for 10-15 mins.
   • Cut into squares and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of nuts for the filling?

Yes, you can customize the filling with your favorite nuts such as pecans, hazelnuts, or a combination of different nuts.

How do I store vegan baklava?

Store the baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator.

Can I make baklava ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the baklava and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Here are a couple of links to popular vegan baklava recipes by well-known food bloggers:

Connoisseurus Veg:

• Vegan Baklava Recipe This recipe uses a nut mixture of walnuts and hazelnuts, with a spiced syrup of maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves. It's layered with phyllo pastry and drizzled with a syrup once baked.

These recipes provide a variety of approaches to making vegan baklava, each with its own unique twist on the traditional dessert.

For a delightful exploration of the finest plant-based baklava from around the globe, check out our list of the 45 best vegan baklava products . Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this guide offers the top selections to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Check out #baklava to see the delicious baklava that other members of the abillion community have been eating.

Make this easy vegan baklava recipe and bring home the authentic taste of Turkey! Perfect for any occasion, this sweet and crunchy dessert is sure to impress.