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–+ servings
Pamela Dunlap

Vegan Baklava Dairy-Free

Baklava is often viewed as a decadent dessert, drenched in syrup and filled with nuts, making it a favorite among many.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb phyllo pastry sheets: The star of our dessert.
  • 1 cup vegan butter softened: To brush between those flaky layers.
  • 1 lb shelled walnuts roughly chopped: A classic nut choice, but feel free to mix in pistachios or almonds.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that amplifies flavor.
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar: Natural sweetness without the guilt.
  • 1 cup water: To form the syrup.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For rich flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater extract optional: Adds a traditional, floral touch.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated orange zest optional: A zesty kick!
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom optional: Brings warmth and a touch of exotic flavor.

Equipment

  • Oven, Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, take your phyllo pastry out of the fridge. Allow it to reach room temperature, as this prevents it from tearing while you work.
Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and cardamom. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Layering Phyllo Dough
  1. Unroll the phyllo sheets and lay them flat. Brush a baking dish (around 9x13 inches) with melted vegan butter. Start layering phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with more vegan butter. Aim for 8-10 sheets for the bottom layer.
Step 4: Add the Nut Mixture
  1. Once you've layered enough sheets, sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.
Step 5: Continue Layering
  1. Repeat the process of layering phyllo sheets and adding the nut mixture, ensuring that you finish with a top layer of phyllo sheets (at least 8-10 sheets). Again, brush melted vegan butter between each layer.
Step 6: Cut the Baklava
  1. Using a sharp knife, slice the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This ensures that the syrup seeps in nicely.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma will be fantastic!
Step 8: Prepare the Syrup
  1. While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and maple syrup. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves. Stir in vanilla, rosewater, and orange zest. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 9: Assemble
  1. Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava. Allow it to soak in and cool for at least 3 hours for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 20g

Notes

  1. Thaw Phyllo Properly: Make sure the phyllo dough is fully thawed to avoid any tearing.
  2. Brush Generously: Don’t skimp on the vegan butter between layers; it’s key for both flavor and flakiness.
  3. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to switch nuts according to availability or preference.
  4. Slice Before Baking: It’s easier to cut when the baklava is unbaked. It also helps in getting even syrup distribution.
  5. Add a Twist with Flavors: Besides rosewater, try other extracts, like almond or coconut, to personalize the baklava.

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