Citrus Baklava

Delight your taste buds with the irresistible fusion of zesty citrus and classic Middle Eastern flavors in this Citrus Baklava recipe. Buttery, flaky layers of phyllo dough encase a rich blend of finely chopped walnuts and pistachios, brightened with bursts of orange and lemon zest. Drizzled with a luscious homemade citrus-honey syrup, this dessert is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes. Perfectly golden and crisp, each bite is infused with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of clove, elevating this traditional treat with modern citrus flair. Whether you're preparing it for a festive gathering or a special evening indulgence, this baklava delivers an unforgettable symphony of textures and flavors. Don't forget—patience pays off when allowing the syrup to fully soak in, creating a sticky-sweet masterpiece worth the wait.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 16 sheets phyllo dough sheets
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon clove powder (optional)
• 1 cup honey
• 0.5 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, orange zest, lemon zest, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and clove powder (if using). Set aside.

Step 3

Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, buttering each layer as you go.

Step 4

Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers.

Step 5

Layer another 4 sheets of phyllo on top, buttering each sheet as before.

Step 6

Spread the remaining nut mixture over the second layer of phyllo.

Step 7

Finish with the last 4 sheets of phyllo, again buttering each layer. Make sure the top is well-buttered.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut all the way through to the bottom layer.

Step 9

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

Step 10

While the baklava is baking, prepare the citrus syrup by combining the honey, orange juice, lemon juice, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 11

Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm citrus syrup evenly over the top, ensuring it seeps into all the cuts and layers.

Step 12

Allow the baklava to cool completely at room temperature before serving to let the syrup fully absorb. This may take 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 13

Serve at room temperature and enjoy the bright, nutty, and sticky-sweet flavors of Citrus Baklava!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1701.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6659.2

Total Fat 439.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 145.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 516.7mg	0%
Sodium 1866.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 668.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.9g	0%
Total Sugars 424.7g
Protein 97.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 535.5mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3391.5mg	0%

*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: 56.4%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 38.1%