Cardamom Orange Blossom Baklava offers a sophisticated twist on the classic baklava with aromatic cardamom and fragrant orange blossom water. This dessert combines crispy, flaky layers of phyllo dough with a spiced nut filling and a sweet, citrus-infused syrup.
Ingredients:
For the Baklava:
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Nut Filling:
- Mix the nuts and spices: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Stir in the granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
Assemble the Baklava:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare phyllo dough: Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
- Layer the phyllo: Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have about 10 sheets layered.
- Add nut mixture: Sprinkle a generous layer of the nut mixture over the top layer of phyllo.
- Continue layering: Continue layering phyllo sheets, buttering each sheet, until you have used about half of the remaining phyllo dough. Spread another layer of nut mixture evenly over the top.
- Finish with phyllo: Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the nuts, again buttering each sheet. Finish with a final layer of about 10 sheets of phyllo, buttering each layer.
- Cut before baking: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
Prepare the Syrup:
- Combine ingredients: While the baklava is baking, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it slightly thickens.
- Add orange blossom water: Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
Finish the Baklava:
- Pour syrup over hot baklava: When the baklava is finished baking, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan, allowing the syrup to soak in and the layers to become crisp.
- Serve: Once the baklava has cooled, cut through the pre-scored lines and serve.
Tips for Perfect Cardamom Orange Blossom Baklava:
- Thaw phyllo properly: Ensure the phyllo dough is fully thawed before use to prevent tearing.
- Butter every layer: Be generous with buttering each layer of phyllo to achieve a crisp, flaky texture.
- Cool and soak: Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving to ensure the syrup is absorbed properly and the layers remain crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Exotic flavors: The combination of cardamom and orange blossom water adds a unique and fragrant twist to traditional baklava.
- Delicate and crisp: The multiple layers of phyllo dough create a delightfully crispy texture.
- Sweet and nutty: The nut filling and sweet syrup make for a rich and indulgent dessert.
Enjoy making and indulging in this Cardamom Orange Blossom Baklava—a luxurious and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat!