Wrap Baklava Recipe: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight
Wrap Baklava is a delightful variation of the traditional Turkish dessert, known for its rich, nutty filling and sweet syrup-soaked layers of thin, flaky dough. Unlike the traditional square-cut baklava, Wrap Baklava is rolled, giving it a unique shape and texture. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests, and it makes a delicious treat for special occasions like holidays and celebrations. Made with layers of filo dough, ground nuts, and a fragrant syrup, Wrap Baklava brings together a beautiful balance of sweetness and crunch.
What Makes Wrap Baklava Special?
The charm of Wrap Baklava lies in its presentation and texture. By rolling the filo dough, the dessert takes on a more elegant appearance, with the layers creating a satisfying crunch. The filling, made with ground nuts like walnuts or pistachios, gives the dessert its signature nutty flavor. Soaked in a sweet, aromatic syrup made with sugar, water, and lemon juice, Wrap Baklava offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors: crunchy, nutty, and sweet, with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients For the Wrap Baklava:
400g filo dough (yufka)
250g unsalted butter, melted
300g ground walnuts or pistachios
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Syrup:
400g sugar
300ml water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Syrup: Start by making the syrup so it can cool while you prepare the baklava. Combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened slightly. Add honey if desired for extra richness. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Filo Dough (Yufka): Lay out a sheet of filo dough on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have about three to four layers.
Add the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts or pistachios with sugar and cinnamon (if using). Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the buttered filo dough.
Roll the Baklava: Carefully roll the filo dough into a tight cylinder, starting from one end and rolling all the way to the other. Once rolled, cut the roll into smaller pieces, about 2 inches long.
Bake the Baklava: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baklava rolls on a greased baking tray, brush the tops with more melted butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Soak in Syrup: Once the baklava is baked and still hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the rolls. The hot baklava will absorb the syrup, making it deliciously sweet and sticky. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight for the syrup to fully soak in.
Serve: Wrap Baklava is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Wrap Baklava:
Use High-Quality Filo Dough (Yufka): Since filo dough is the base of this dessert, it’s important to use a high-quality brand to get the best results.
Don’t Skip the Syrup: The syrup is what gives baklava its signature sweetness, so make sure you allow the dessert to absorb the syrup fully. It’s best to let it sit overnight for the flavors to fully develop.
Experiment with Flavors: While the traditional filling is made with walnuts or pistachios, you can experiment with different nut combinations, or even add dried fruits like raisins for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Wrap Baklava is a delicious and beautiful twist on the classic baklava recipe. Its rolled shape makes it not only appealing but also easier to portion and serve. The combination of crisp filo dough, sweet syrup, and rich nuts makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Turkish desserts or looking for something new to try, Wrap Baklava is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.