Learn how to make Baklava rolls, your favorite Middle Eastern Mediterranean dessert with Phyllo sheets| Easy recipe for Baklava rolls for festivals and special occasions
About the recipe
Baklava, crunchy dessert with addictive flavors and beautiful layered texture. It is a traditional treat made with phyllo sheets, layered with butter. The sweet factor of baklava comes from the flavored sugar and honey syrup.
It is an ultimate crowd pleaser and easy to make for big gatherings. Be it Diwali, Holi or Thanksgiving, this dessert gets a thumbs up from all age groups.
Trust me it is highly addictive and we absolutely love this flaky dessert!!
History of Baklava
The origin of Baklava is undocumented and hence controversial. Some believe that it originated in Greece in third century BC. But it is believed to be originated in Assyria region (area around Turkey and Iraq) in 8th century B.C.
Baklava in ancient times was made only on special occasions and it was called as rich man's dessert. But now with changing times it has gained popularity and one even order online also packs of Baklava.
Baklava is popular in Mediterranean countries, Middle East and now it is widely accepted in America and many Asian countries. During festival time all over the world we can now see can stores loaded with the packs and packs of scrumptious crunchy Baklava pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with sugar or honey syrup.
What are Phyllo Sheets
Phyllo sheets are kind pastry sheets made with Phyllo/Fillo dough. Phyllo in Greek means 'leaf', these sheets are as thin as leaf and this thinness give Baklava it's characteristic crunch.
It is an unleavened dough used for making desserts and pastries in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Baklava is one of the most popular recipe made with Phyllo sheets.
Phyllo sheets can be layered, filled, folded or rolled , turned into cups or pies in any shape. Filings used can be sweet and savoury.
Another recipe where you can use Phyllo sheets for savory snack .. Spanakopita
Phyllo sheets are easily available in many countries and now also in India at online stores and also at high end stores. So, it is now very easy to make Baklava at home!!
Handy tips to get perfect store bought like Baklava
While using Phyllo sheets we have to carefully handle the sheets so that it doesn't tear or dry out. Some points that can help:
- Keep the frozen Phyllo sheets in refrigerator to thaw 7-8 hrs before using.
- Try not to freeze again the thawed sheets.
- Carefully take out each sheet while working. Do not pat the sheets with force, gently place once sheet above the other.
- Carefully apply butter with a brush on the sheets, take care these don't tear apart.
- Keep the rest of the sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel so that the sheets don't get dry.
How to make Baklava Rolls
If you think it is quite a task to make it at home, trust me!! once you do it, you will never go back again to the store-bought packs.
Steps to make Baklava
Prepare nuts
- You can choose nuts of your choice for filling Baklava.. Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Cashew nuts or Hazelnuts. Coarsely grind nuts in food processor or use a knife or rolling pin.
- Mix coarse nut powder with castor or fine sugar. I added less sugar as we like desserts with moderate sweetness. Store bought baklava are too sweet for us. So, when I make at home I add less sugar in filling than standard recipes. Adjust sugar as per your taste.
Layering Phyllo Sheets and Prepare Baklava Rolls
- Next part is layering the phyllo sheets. Melt butter and spread on each sheet with light hands.
- For each Baklava Roll we need to layer 3 phyllo sheets . for that, take one sheet first, lightly brush butter on it.
- I used a single pack with around 30 sheets.
- Next carefully keep the other 2 sheets likewise and brush butter on it. On the top sheet spread butter very lightly, spread nuts and sugar lightly all over and roll like the roulade.
- If the roll is bigger than the baking pan, then you can cut the sides to adjust it in pan. Before placing the roll, brush butter in pan.
- Repeat the steps for rest of the sheets and arrange rolls in baking tray.
Bake Baklava rolls
- Preheat oven to 350º F or 180°C and bake for 40-45 minutes, till pastry turns light brown in color and looks crisp.
- Once done, take out and place on counter for 5 minutes. Cut the rolls to desired size. Then drizzle the syrup over the rolls.
Make Sugar Honey Syrup
Mix sugar, honey/maple syrup in water and boil for few minutes. Let it cool and then drizzle on the baked warm Baklava rolls.
Drizzle more nuts and serve with tea or coffee or as dessert.
Variations
- In the countries where it is popular, Baklava is prepared in many variations with different fillings and cut into different shapes. Traditionally, the local people prepare homemade pastry sheets and make different fillings with walnuts, pistachio, almonds and hazelnuts.
- My readers from India can make also make Indian Baklava with Gujiya filling or Khoya filling that we use to make Rajasthani Mawa Kachori. If you ever try these do share your feedback.
- You can also mix nuts with honey or maple syrup to make filling.
- Use you favourite chocolate spread like hazelnut(nutella) for a different taste, kids will love it this way.
- I have made rolled baklava, you can cut it in diamond shape or small squares.
Storing and Shelf Life of Homemade Baklava
Homemade Baklava stays good for about 1 month when refrigerated. Though the sheets may become a bit chewy on refrigeration.
You can also store it in an airtight box at room temperature. It will stay good for about a week in cold weather. Finish it within 4-5 days after making it.
More festive recipes that you can make easily at home and gift to your loved ones
If you love Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine you will love these recipes
Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup, Chickpea and Couscous Soup, Rosemary Focaccia with Cherries, Refreshing Greek Salad, Vegetable Pizza, Falafel(fried and baked) with Mint yogurt dip, Hummus, Tzatziki, Mezze Platter and many more.
Recipe Card
Baklava Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 Pack Phyllo Sheets
- ½ Cup Pistachios
- ½ Cup Walnuts
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)
- ½ Cup Castor Sugar use 3/4 cup for sweeter version
For Honey/Maple Syrup
- ¾ Cup Water
- ¼ Cup Honey/Maple Syrup
- 1/3 Cup Sugar or as required
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
Make Sugar Syrup
- In a pan boil water, sugar and honey.
- Add lemon juice.
- Boil for 10 minutes till it starts to become thick.
- Take off the flame and keep aside to cool.
Making Baklava
- Keep the frozen sheets in refrigerator to thaw.
- Once ready to make, keep all the ingredients ready,
- Coarsely ground pistachios and walnuts.
- Take out in bowl and mix together with sugar. You can also add cinnamon powder/orange blossom water or rose water.
- Melt butter.
- On a clean baking mat or counter-top, tale one sheet carefully and brush butter on it,
- Take another sheet and repeat the above step and then with the 3rd sheet.
- Sprinkle nut and sugar mix on it.
- Start to roll it like a roulade or jelly roll.
- Prepare a baking tray, lightly butter it, Arrange pastry roll on it.
- Repeat the above steps and make other rolls and arrange in the tray.
- In case the rolls don't fit in the tray, you can cut the ends with sharp knife.
- Lightly butter rolls and keep the pan covered till you start baking.
- Pre heat oven to 350°F or 180°C.
- Bake the phyllo rolls for 40-45 minutes or till the top is rolls appear flaky and light brown in color.
- Once done take out of the oven, keep on the counter for about 5 minutes.
- Cut rolls in half or in desired size.
- Pour syrup on the rolls. Pastry should be quite warm when pouring the syrup as it rolls will soak syrup nicely.
- Prefer to keep these overnight so that the syrup is soaked nicely in baklava rolls and serve it the next day.
If you easily get Phyllo sheets at the store in your area do try this crispy and flaky dessert. You can make it in bulk and serve at your gatherings..One of the best and easy to make festive treats at home!!
Also, whenever you try the recipe, I will love to hear/share your feedback or any queries in the comment section below. I will try to answer your queries as soon as possible.
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Thanks for stopping by!! Keep coming back!!
Swati
miakouppa
These look simply amazing Maria! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
Swati
Thanks for stopping by and appreciating.. Swati here.not MAria :).
Maria
These baklava rolls look just perfect to finish off a special dinner in style! Looking at your lovely pictures, I'm craving them so bad. Good thing they are so easy to make. ??
FoodTrails
Thanks Maria!! Yes, these are royal treats and so easy to make!!
themadscientistskitchen
These are amazing delicious baklava
themadscientistskitchen
Baklava has been on my todo list for ages... the phyllo sheets will make the job so much more easy. I love sweets n now wondering how I forgot about it when we went to Israel.
Vasusvegkitchen
Loved these rich man's dessert Swaty, in glance i felt it as Andhra putha rekulu ?. Never heard about Baklava rolls it's new recipe to me, it looks very tempting with its flakk texture ?.
Swati
These are not very popular in India.. came into focus recently.. but here everyone is fond of this pastry..
Preethi Prasad
Beautifully rolled Baklava Swaty.Such a neat work. I would like to try your version sometime soon. Thanks for the lovely recipe.
FoodTrails
Thanks Preethi!! do give these a try.
Renu Agrawal Dongre
I have never had baklava rolls but heard a lot about it. I wish to try it sometime and your pics are tempting me. I have phyllo sheets and all the ingredients mentioned, looks like some dessert to make. Thanks for an awesome share.
FoodTrails
Thanks Renu!! Do make this pastry.. kids and everyone in family will love these.
Batter Up With Sujata
Baklava looks so perfect and yummy. Loved the stuffing of dry fruits. I am sure it taste heavenly. Your pictures tempting me to try soon.
FoodTrails
Thank you Sujataji!!
poonampagar
Your crispy sugary nut stuffed baklava rolls look so very tempting Swaty ! Perfect treat for any festive occasions . You have done it so beautifully. Now my hunt for the phyllo sheets begin.
FoodTrails
Thank you so much Poonam!!
namscorner18
Baklava rolls looks so inviting and I have never tasted these. Heard about Phyllo sheets, cups and should check where I can get these and try my hands with your recipe.
FoodTrails
Thanks Narmadha.. Do try these whenever you get these pastry sheets. heard in India these sheets are available in some Gourmet shops or specialized bakeries.
The Girl Next Door
Oh yum! The baklava looks just perfect!
I adore baklava, but I have never attempted making it at home. You're tempting me to, now. 🙂
FoodTrails
Thanks Priya!! If you get these do try.. you will love working with these sheets!!
mayurisjikoni
I'm flying down to your place immediately, please save some for me! I love baklavas and the only time I get to enjoy this Middle Eastern sweet is when someone brings it from Dubai for me. I had the opportunity to work with phyllo pastry for the first time during one of my trips to Montreal and fell in love with it.
FoodTrails
Please please do come, will be happy to host you!! shall make a batch for you!! working with these sheets needs patience and is fun now!!
mayurisjikoni
One day perhaps Swaty.
Megala
Love these cylindrical baklava with crispy golden skin & nutty fillings. It is really difficult to handle the phyllo sheets while rolling them with the fillings inside, but you have nailed it perfectly.
FoodTrails
Thanks Megala!! yes these sheets are very delicate..
tastyrecipesfrompooja
Just awesome! love baklava!!