This Christmas Baklava Recipe is the ultimate holiday dessert—crispy layers of buttery phyllo dough, a spiced nut filling, and a warm honey syrup infused with cinnamon and citrus. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, gift trays, and festive celebrations, this Christmas Baklava Recipe delivers classic flavor with a holiday twist.
⭐ Why This Is the Best Christmas Baklava Recipe
- Perfectly crisp phyllo layers
- Rich nut filling with warm Christmas spices
- Sweet honey syrup that soaks evenly
- Gets better with time (ideal make-ahead dessert)
- Authentic texture with festive holiday flavor
🧈 Ingredients
For the Baklava Layers
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, melted
For the Nut Filling
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1½ cups pecans, finely chopped
- ½ cup pistachios (optional, festive touch)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Christmas Honey Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 strip orange peel (optional but recommended)
🍰 How to Make Christmas Baklava Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan
Step 2: Make the Nut Filling
- Combine walnuts, pecans, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt
- Mix well and set aside
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough
- Place 1 sheet of phyllo in the pan
- Brush lightly with melted butter
- Repeat until you have 10 buttered sheets
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the nut mixture evenly
- Add 6 more buttered phyllo sheets
- Add another ⅓ nut mixture
- Add 6 more buttered sheets
- Finish with remaining nut mixture
- Top with 10–12 buttered phyllo sheets
Step 4: Cut Before Baking
- Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes
- Cutting before baking is essential for a perfect Christmas Baklava Recipe
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and crisp
Step 6: Make the Syrup
- While baking, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and orange peel
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes
- Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick & peel
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla
Step 7: Syrup & Rest
- Pour hot syrup over hot baklava
- Let the Christmas Baklava Recipe rest at least 4–6 hours (overnight is best)
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Baklava
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel
- Use clarified butter for extra crispness
- Don’t oversoak—pour syrup slowly
- Flavor improves after 24 hours
🎄 Christmas Variations
- Add crushed candy canes to the nut mix
- Use orange blossom honey for festive aroma
- Drizzle with dark chocolate after cooling
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store covered at room temperature for 5 days
- Refrigerate up to 10 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot tea or coffee
- Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Perfect for Christmas dessert platters
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baklava Recipe is crispy, sweet, spiced, and irresistibly festive. Whether for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or holiday gifting, this Christmas Baklava Recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert every time.
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