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
Scale
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