Baklava Star Bread is an irresistible fusion of two beloved desserts—classic baklava and warm, soft bread. This delightful pastry brings the best of both worlds into one beautiful creation. The star-shaped design adds a festive touch, making it an ideal centerpiece for any holiday celebration or special occasion. The golden, flaky layers of dough are filled with a sweet walnut and cinnamon mixture, mimicking the rich, nutty flavors of baklava, while the syrup drizzled over the top brings the perfect finishing touch. Whether you serve it as a breakfast treat or a dessert, Baklava Star Bread is sure to impress with its stunning appearance and mouthwatering flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its easy-to-follow steps. You don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve a showstopping result. The combination of buttery dough, crunchy walnuts, cinnamon, and a sweet syrup creates a flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for another slice. The bread can be made ahead, and the syrup ensures every bite is packed with sweetness and flavor. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, this bread is bound to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baklava Star Bread is the perfect dessert for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a showstopping treat. Not only does it look stunning with its star shape, but it combines the flavors of traditional baklava with the soft, comforting texture of freshly baked bread. The sweet syrup drizzled on top adds a glossy, flavorful finish, ensuring that each bite is an indulgent experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients and minimal effort. The bread can be made ahead of time, allowing you to save time on the day of your celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your holiday rotation.
Ingredients
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Warm 2% milk
- Sugar
- Butter
- Salt
- Egg
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped walnuts
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- For the syrup: sugar, water, honey, lemon juice
Variations
- Nut Filling: While walnuts are the traditional choice for Baklava Star Bread, feel free to substitute with other nuts such as pistachios, pecans, or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Syrup Flavoring: You can infuse the syrup with additional flavors like vanilla, orange zest, or a splash of rosewater to customize the sweetness.
- Dough: For a softer, richer dough, try adding a bit more butter or substituting part of the milk with cream for a creamier texture.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and egg with plant-based alternatives like dairy-free butter and flax eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Stir in a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and mix until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Nut Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin round disc, about 8 inches in diameter.
Step 6: Layer the Dough
Brush the first disc of dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with a portion of the walnut mixture. Layer the second disc on top, repeating the butter and walnut filling. Continue layering the remaining dough discs, buttering and adding the nut mixture between each layer.
Step 7: Shape the Star
Once all the layers are assembled, place a round object, like a small bowl, in the center of the dough stack. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 16 equal wedges, but leave the center intact. Take two adjacent wedges and twist them in opposite directions to form the star shape. Repeat for all the wedges.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up.
Step 9: Make the Syrup
While the bread is baking, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Step 10: Drizzle with Syrup
Once the bread has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the syrup over the hot bread, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Check yeast freshness: Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. If it doesn’t foam when combined with water, it might not be active.
- Room temperature ingredients: Use warm, but not hot, milk to help activate the yeast and ensure the dough rises properly.
- Avoid overfilling: Be careful not to overload the layers with filling, as this can make it harder to twist the dough into the star shape.
- Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rise fully before shaping it to ensure it’s light and airy.
- Drizzle while hot: To help the syrup absorb, drizzle it while the bread is still hot from the oven.
How to Serve
Baklava Star Bread is best served slightly warm, as the syrup is more fragrant and the layers are soft and delicious. It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be served as a festive addition to any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baklava Star Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Baklava Star Bread in the oven or microwave until it’s warm and the syrup is slightly melted.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?
Yes, you can use other nuts like pistachios, pecans, or almonds as a substitute for walnuts.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, and use a flax egg as a replacement for the regular egg.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, allow it to rise, and then store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
4. How do I know if the yeast is active?
If the yeast mixture becomes frothy and bubbly after a few minutes, it’s active and ready to use.
5. Can I use store-bought dough?
While homemade dough is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with store-bought pizza dough in a pinch.
6. Can I make this without the syrup?
Yes, but the syrup adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness. You can skip it if preferred.
7. How long should I let the bread rise?
The dough should rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
9. Can I add other spices to the filling?
Feel free to experiment with other spices such as cardamom or nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
10. How can I prevent the bread from becoming too dry?
Make sure to cover the dough with a damp cloth while it rises, and don’t overbake the bread.
Conclusion
Baklava Star Bread is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the rich, nutty flavors of baklava with the light, airy texture of freshly baked bread. This showstopper is perfect for any holiday table or special occasion, and its stunning appearance will have everyone asking for the recipe. With its simple preparation and make-ahead options, this treat is as practical as it is impressive. Whether you serve it warm with a drizzle of syrup or enjoy it later, Baklava Star Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Baklava Star Bread: A Sweet and Elegant Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This stunning Baklava Star Bread combines the flavors of traditional baklava with the fluffy texture of fresh bread. It’s a showstopper dessert or breakfast treat, featuring layers of buttery dough, cinnamon-spiced walnuts, and a sweet, sticky syrup drizzle. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2–1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add just enough to form a dough that is smooth and slightly tacky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Assemble the Star Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
- Place the first dough circle on the baking sheet. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with a quarter of the walnut-cinnamon mixture.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining dough circles, butter, and walnut mixture, stacking them on top of each other.
- Once all layers are stacked, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into a star shape. Make four cuts to form a cross in the center, then make additional cuts to create eight “points.”
- Carefully twist each point of the dough to form the star shape, pinching the ends together slightly to secure them.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- While the bread is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Finish the Bread:
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot bread. Let it soak in for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the walnuts with chopped pistachios or almonds.
- This bread is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a richer flavor, you can brush the dough layers with honey butter instead of plain melted butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes