Baklava Star Bread Recipe
Get ready to dazzle your friends and family with Baklava Star Bread—a showstopping treat that combines the rich, nutty layers of classic baklava with the fluffy, pillowy comfort of freshly baked bread. Imagine a golden, pull-apart star filled with cinnamon-scented pistachios and walnuts, all soaked in a honey-lemon syrup for the perfect finish. It’s a fusion of textures and flavors that feels both familiar and utterly extraordinary, turning any gathering into an instant celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring Baklava Star Bread to life. From aromatic spices and buttery dough to a glossy honey syrup, each ingredient builds texture and flavor, so don’t skip a thing—it all adds up to that irresistible finish!
- Warm milk (¾ cup): The right temperature helps activate the yeast and creates a plush, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Gives our bread its lovely lift and airy crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup for dough, ½ cup for syrup): Sweetens the dough and syrup, balancing savory nuts.
- Large eggs (2): Add richness, color, and structure to the bread layers.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted for dough, ¼ cup melted for filling): Infuses moisture and that classic, indulgent flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3¼ cups): The backbone of our dough, giving it a sturdy-yet-soft bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
- Walnuts (¾ cup finely chopped): Earthy, soft crunch that’s at the heart of baklava tradition.
- Pistachios (½ cup finely chopped): A pop of green color plus a sweeter, aromatic bite.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Brings caramel notes to the nutty filling.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm, fragrant spice that ties everything together.
- Water (½ cup for syrup): Base for the sweet syrup that soaks into the hot bread.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a floral sweetness and sticky finish—so irresistible!
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Lifts the syrup with a hint of brightness and balance.
- Egg + water for egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water): For that beautiful golden crust.
How to Make Baklava Star Bread
Step 1: Make and Proof the Dough
Kick things off by mixing warm milk and yeast in a large bowl, letting it sit until it gets nice and foamy—this lets you know the yeast is awake and ready. Add in sugar, eggs, and melted butter, then the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—either by hand (a little workout!) or with your stand mixer. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a cozy spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours. This is where the magic of Baklava Star Bread begins.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Syrup
While the dough is rising, combine your finely chopped walnuts and pistachios with brown sugar and cinnamon—breathe in deeply, this aroma is pure happiness. In a small saucepan, simmer water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice for about 5 minutes, then let it cool completely. This syrup will be the crowning glory, soaking into the bread for that signature baklava flair.
Step 3: Roll, Layer, and Fill the Dough
Once your dough is puffy and ready, gently punch it down and divide into four equal pieces. Roll each one into a 10-inch circle. Begin the layering: place the first circle on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with melted butter, sprinkle over a third of the nut filling, and repeat with the second and third layers. The last circle goes on top, unadorned, creating tidy layers bursting with nuts and spice—your star is about to shine!
Step 4: Shape the Star
For the iconic Baklava Star Bread look, set a small glass in the center of your dough stack, then cut 16 equal strips radiating out from the center. Take two strips at a time, twist them away from each other twice, then pinch the ends to form a star point. Repeat this with all the strips for an 8-point star that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
Cover your shaped bread and let it rise for 20 to 30 minutes—it needs a little more puff before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F, brush that beautiful star with egg wash, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and irresistible. As soon as it’s out of the oven, drizzle the cooled syrup all over the hot bread, letting every bit soak in. Wait 10 to 15 minutes to let the syrup settle before gently pulling apart the star’s petals and enjoying a bite of sweet, nutty perfection.
How to Serve Baklava Star Bread
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way with Baklava Star Bread. Dust it with a shower of powdered sugar, scatter a few extra chopped pistachios on top, or even drizzle a bit more warmed honey for added shine and flavor. For special occasions, edible gold leaf or rose petals would make it truly festive.
Side Dishes
Because Baklava Star Bread is rich and decadent, it pairs beautifully with light sides. Think of a bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt, or a glass of strong, unsweetened tea or coffee. If you’re serving a brunch spread, add some citrus salad or simple cheeses for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Let the star shine at the center of your table—place your Baklava Star Bread on a cake stand or rustic wooden board. For parties, pull apart the star’s arms and offer each piece in cupcake liners. You can even pre-cut and wrap slices in parchment with ribbon for a sweet, homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Baklava Star Bread left, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep it away from direct heat or moisture to maintain its tender crumb and keep the syrup from making it soggy.
Freezing
Baklava Star Bread freezes surprisingly well! After cooling completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving, and consider a quick warm-up in the oven for perfect texture.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheat individual slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-8 minutes, just until warm. This brings back the softness and revives the syrupy aroma—just what you want with your next cup of coffee.
FAQs
Can I use only one type Dessert
Absolutely! If walnuts or pistachios aren’t your thing, feel free to swap in just one type, or even try hazelnuts or almonds. The key is chopping them finely for even layers and smooth slicing.
How far in advance can I make Baklava Star Bread for a party?
You can assemble and shape the bread the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and finish its final rise before baking the next day—super helpful for busy schedules!
My syrup seems a bit thin. Did I do something wrong?
Not at all! The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first. Letting it simmer for the full five minutes ensures a perfect, pourable texture.
Can I skip the lemon juice in the syrup?
I highly recommend keeping it in—the lemon brings brightness and keeps the syrup from being overly sweet. However, you could substitute a splash of orange juice for a twist.
Is Baklava Star Bread best eaten warm or at room temperature?
It’s delicious both ways! Warm, it’s softer and the syrup is extra gooey; at room temperature, the flavors deepen and the filling melds into the bread. Try it both ways and see which you love more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress, or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Baklava Star Bread is pure magic—flaky, fragrant, and as joyful to make as it is to share. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new special occasion staple. Happy baking!
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Baklava Star Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2½ hours (including rising)
- Yield: 1 star bread (8–10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of a traditional Middle Eastern baklava and a festive star bread with this Baklava Star Bread recipe. Layers of buttery dough encase a sweet and nutty filling, all soaked in a fragrant honey syrup for a truly special treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Brushing:
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Let rise for 1–1½ hours.
- Filling and Assembly: Mix walnuts, pistachios, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Prepare syrup. Divide risen dough, roll into circles, layer with filling, and shape into a star.
- Baking: Let shaped dough rise, then bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Spoon cooled syrup over the hot bread and let soak before serving.
Notes
- You can use all walnuts or all pistachios if preferred.
- The bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be reheated gently the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
