Description
Baklava Star Bread is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired sweet bread that combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with a beautiful star-shaped presentation. Layers of buttery dough interspersed with cinnamon-spiced walnuts and pistachios are baked to golden perfection and soaked in fragrant honey syrup, making it a perfect festive breakfast or dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water or vanilla extract (optional)
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a bowl. Set aside to blend the flavors.
- Roll and Layer: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll out one piece into a 10-inch circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle one-third of the nut filling over it. Repeat this layering process with the next two dough circles, buttering and filling each. Finish by placing the fourth dough circle on top, without butter or filling.
- Form the Star Shape: Place a small cup or jar lid in the center of the stacked dough. Using a sharp knife, cut 16 equal strips from the edge of the center circle outward. Take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends together to form a pointed tip. Repeat for all pairs to create an 8-point star.
- Second Rise: Cover the star-shaped dough and let it rise for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread: Brush the star bread with melted butter and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Syrup: While baking, combine honey, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water or vanilla extract if using.
- Apply the Syrup: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over it. Let the syrup soak in for 10–15 minutes to infuse sweetness and moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for added texture and color. Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive breakfast or dessert treat.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
- The syrup can be made ahead and reheated slightly before use for convenience.
- Baklava Star Bread makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday celebrations or brunch gatherings.