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    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Desserts > Cookies

    Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava

    Published: Apr 5, 2021 · Modified: Apr 6, 2021 by Melissa · 1 Comment

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    close up picture of a square of baklava on a plate with the words "spiced cranberry-nut baklava" written at the top
    squares of baklava on a plate with the words "spiced cranberry-nut baklava" written at the top
    baking pan of baklava next to oranges with the words "spiced cranberry-nut baklava" written at the bottom
    top picture is of a baking pan of baklava, bottom picture is of a plate of baklava squares, with the words "cranberry-nut baklava" written in the middle

    Just when you thought dessert couldn’t get any better, I bring to you Orange and Nut Baklava. It is crisp, flaky, and filled with a delicious orange, cranberry, and nut mixture.

    Orange and Nut Baklava is made with paper thin phyllo dough layers. It boasts the delightful addition of orange zest, dried cranberries, walnuts, and pecans. Baklava might seem intimidating because there are a several steps involved, but it is actually simple to make at home and so delicious.

    top view of baklava in a pan with oranges and cranberries around the dish

    Orange and Nut Baklava

    Baklava is a pastry that originates from Turkey. It is made up with layers of phyllo dough that is brushed with butter and filled with a mixture made up of orange peel, dried cranberries, and nuts. Then a sugary syrup in poured over the top. Mouth watering right?!

    Orange and nut baklava is a great make-ahead dessert because the flavors are even better the next day. 

    Baklava is a great dessert to have up your sleeve because it is something unique that most people don’t eat very often and it is so, so good! Plus, everyone will marvel at your culinary skills. This recipe is from my sister-in-law Beth, and it's amazing!

    close up of a plate with slices of baklava on it

    How do I thaw phyllo dough?

    Phyllo dough is frozen so you will want to remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for 24 hours prior to making the Baklava. 

    Can you use other nuts in Baklava?

    Baklava traditionally is made with pistachios but any variation would be good. The most common nuts used in Baklava are pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. 

    close up of baklava in a baking dish

    How do I store Baklava?

    Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Storing it at room temperature helps to preserve the crispiness.

    Already baked Baklava can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    Where can I buy phyllo dough?

    Phyllo dough can be found in most grocery stores in the frozen section near the pie crusts. 

    top view of a plate and pan of baklava with oranges and cranberries next to it

    More dessert recipes:

    • Beth’s Chocolate and Pecan Baklava Recipe
    • The Best Cranberry Orange Bread
    • The Best Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe
    • Giant Chocolate Chunk Cookies
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    top view of baklava in a pan with oranges and cranberries around the dish

    Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Yield: 36 small servings 1x
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    Description

    Just when you thought dessert couldn’t get any better, I bring to you Orange and Nut Baklava. It is crisp, flaky, and filled with a delicious orange, cranberry, and nut mixture.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Syrup:

    • 1 cup sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 3 strips orange peel each about 4x1 inch
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon allspice
    • ⅛ teaspoon cloves

    For the Filling :

    • ½ cup walnuts toasted and chopped fine
    • 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped fine
    • ⅔ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon orange zest
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon allspice
    • ⅛ teaspoon cloves

    For the Phyllo Layer:

    • 1 cup unsalted butter
    • 24 sheets frozen phyllo dough thawed in the refrigerator overnight

    Instructions

    1. Combine all syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan.
    2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
    3. Boil for 5 minutes
    4. Remove from heat and allow to cool
    5. Melt butter in the microwave or on the stove.
    6. Once melted skim any milky substance off the top.
    7. Pour clear portion of butter into a separate container.
    8. Discard remaining milky substance at the bottom.
    9. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. 
    10. Place all of the ingredients for the filling in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
    11. Unroll phyllo onto cutting board.
    12. Cut dough to fit in 13x9 inch pan.
    13. Cover phyllo with large dry towel.
    14. Brush bottom of 13x9 inch pan with melted butter.
    15. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in pan.
    16. Brush phyllo with butter.
    17. Repeat with 11 more sheets of phyllo.
    18. Evenly sprinkle filling onto phyllo.
    19. Top with remaining phyllo brushing butter in between each layer as before.
    20. Cut baklava into squares or diamonds, cutting all the way to the bottom ( about 1 ½ inch pieces).
    21. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
    22. Place the pan on wire rack.
    23. Immediately pour cooled syrup over baklava, distributing it evenly all over the top.
    24. Cool completely before serving.

    Notes

    • This stuff is so good and it lasts well! It can keep about 2 weeks at room temperature.
    • Prep Time: 30 min
    • Cook Time: 25 min
    • Category: dessert
    • Method: bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: orange baklava, how to make baklava, baklava recipe, spiced baklava recipe, honey baklava recipe, cranberry orange baklava recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    baking pan of baklava next to oranges with the words "spiced cranberry-nut baklava" written at the bottom

    Orange and Nut Spiced Baklava is a one-of-a-kind dessert that tastes absolutely heavenly. I guarantee that you will love the combination of flaky layers, spices, and nut mixture all drizzled in a honey syrup.

    Enjoy from my kitchen to yours.

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    About Melissa

    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆
      Recipe Rating




    1. Mary Barros

      December 21, 2021 at 1:44 pm

      I've made this twice now. Great basic recipe as is or to adapt to your individual taste.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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