Welcome to the delightful world of desserts, where we merge traditions to create something truly unique! If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the warm, inviting taste of a classic apple pie and the crispy, nutty perfection of baklava, your dilemma is about to end. Introducing our Apple Pie Baklava with Maple Syrup—a glorious amalgamation that takes comfort food to an elegant new level. With its flaky phyllo layers, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of rich maple syrup, this recipe encapsulates the essence of autumn and festive gatherings in every bite.
This fusion dessert doesn’t just flaunt its stunning appearance; it’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and newcomers alike. Only a handful of ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, each piece offers a comforting slice of nostalgia while showcasing an innovative twist. So, whether you’re indulging yourself with a luscious slice or sharing it with loved ones, you’re in for a sublime treat!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Baklava
With its an enticing blend of cultural influences and exceptional flavors, this Apple Pie Baklava promises to become a fast favorite in your household. Here’s why:
- Unique Flavor Combination: This recipe beautifully marries the sweet spices of apple pie with the rich layers of traditional baklava, creating a memorable dessert experience.
- Easy to Prepare: You’ll love how simple this recipe is! With only a bit of prep work and layering, you’ll put together a stunning dessert that looks professional.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, an elegant dinner party, or a holiday gathering, this dish fits right in.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy this baklava warm on its own, or pair it with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup!
- Stress-Free Baking: Unlike traditional pies that require careful crust work, this recipe allows you to focus on the joy of cooking without the pressure of perfection.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delicious preparation of Your Apple Pie Baklava, it’s essential to set up your workspace efficiently. Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring they’re measured and within easy reach. This keeps your kitchen organized and helps avoid any last-minute scrambles.
You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the apple filling and a sturdy baking dish, around 9×13 inches works best for this recipe. Extra tools like a pastry brush for buttering the phyllo dough, sharp knife or pastry wheel for scoring the baklava, and a saucepan for simmering your syrup will make your cooking process smoother.
Don’t forget about the phyllo dough! Ensure it’s thawed completely overnight in your refrigerator; working with it while it’s cold makes it easier to handle. Have a damp towel on standby to cover the sheets as you work with them, preventing them from drying out. Keep everything in order, and you’ll breeze through the process!
Ingredients
For an incredibly satisfying Apple Pie Baklava, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.125 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.75 cup pure maple syrup
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon stick or 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 0.5 lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin your baklava by combining the finely chopped apples with the walnuts and pecans in a bowl. This delightful mix adds a crunchy contrast to the dish. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and flour. The flour will help bind the apples and sugar, ensuring they hold their shape during baking. Stir everything thoroughly and allow your filling to rest while you prepare the dough. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Phyllo Layers
Next, it’s time to handle the phyllo dough. Carefully unroll it and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Grab your melted butter and a brush to butter your baking dish thoroughly. Now, layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each layer generously with melted butter as you go. This technique gives your baklava its signature crispy layers. Spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets, allowing those cinnamon notes to start wafting up.
Step 3: Continue Layering
Add another 6-8 buttered phyllo sheets on top of the apple mixture to create a solid foundation. Then, spread the remaining apple filling on this layer. This ensures every inch of baklava is bursting with that delicious apple-cinnamon goodness! Finish with 8-10 more buttered phyllo sheets, making sure to butter each layer as you stack. The more butter, the better the crispiness! Then, take a sharp knife to score the baklava into squares or diamonds; this not only helps with even cooking but also allows for better syrup absorption later.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the prepared baklava for 45–55 minutes or until it’s golden and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone curious about what you’re making!
Step 5: Create the Maple Syrup Glaze
While the baklava is baking, let’s whip up the syrup! In a saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup with water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and zest of half a lemon. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This wonderfully fragrant syrup is what will soak into your hot baklava, creating that perfect sweetness.
Step 6: Soak the Baklava
Once the baklava is done baking, immediately pour your hot syrup over it, ensuring every piece is coated. This step is crucial; you want your baklava to soak up as much syrup as possible. Allow the baklava to sit for at least 4 hours—or even overnight. The longer it rests, the better those flavors will develop, resulting in an irresistible dessert!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Apple Pie Baklava! Here are some variation ideas:
- Protein: Add a handful of chopped cooked chicken or turkey into the filling for a savory twist or layer slices of cheese between the phyllo.
- Vegetables: Try mixing in some finely shredded carrots or sweet potatoes for a mash-up that infuses a unique texture and sweetness.
- Spices: Mix in some cardamom or vanilla bean seeds for a diverse flavor profile that elevates this dessert even further.
Cooking Notes
- Phyllo dough can be tricky; always keep it covered to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
- This dessert is best served after resting; ideally, make it a day in advance for optimal flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by either increasing the maple syrup the next time or using less brown sugar.
- Be gentle when layering the phyllo; don’t worry about imperfect layers—each will still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Apple Pie Baklava, enhance the experience with these delightful options:
- Serve warm along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a sumptuous contrast.
- Opt for a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some extra cinnamon for an inviting presentation.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is melted but not boiling to prevent the phyllo from cooking prematurely.
- Adding a bit of salt to the apple mixture can enhance the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Try different types of apples for varied sweetness and tartness; Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are both excellent choices!
- Don’t rush the soaking time! The longer you let the baklava sit, the more syrup it absorbs and the tastier it becomes.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 200 per piece
- Protein: 3 grams
- Sodium: 70 mg
FAQs
Can I make Apple Pie Baklava ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this baklava tastes even better after a day of resting, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to mix different varieties for a more complex flavor.
Can I substitute other nuts?
Yes! Any nuts you prefer can be used in place of walnuts or pecans—try almonds or pistachios for a delightful change!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several days. You can also refrigerate it if you plan to keep it longer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the delightful Apple Pie Baklava with Maple Syrup embodies the spirit of bringing cultures together through food. Its flaky layers, sumptuous apple filling, and a drizzle of maple syrup create a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or simply for a comforting treat at home, your efforts will be rewarded with compliments and satisfied smiles. We invite you to try your hand at this unique recipe, experiment with your own variations, and most importantly, share your experiences. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious piece of your culinary creativity!
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Apple Pie Baklava with Maple Syrup
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Pie Baklava with Maple Syrup – a glorious amalgamation of classic apple pie and crispy baklava.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 0.5 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.125 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.75 cup pure maple syrup
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon stick or 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 0.5 lemon
Instructions
- Combine chopped apples, walnuts, and pecans in a bowl. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and flour. Stir and let it rest.
- Unroll phyllo dough, cover with a damp towel. Butter your baking dish and layer 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Spread half the apple mixture over the phyllo.
- Add another 6-8 buttered phyllo sheets. Spread remaining apple filling, then top with 8-10 more buttered sheets. Score the baklava.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden.
- Make syrup by simmering maple syrup, water, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest for 10 minutes.
- Pour hot syrup over baked baklava. Let sit for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Best served after resting. Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 200 per piece
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Protein: 3 g