Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava

5 from 4 votes

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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
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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

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top view of baklava in a pan with oranges and cranberries around the dish
5 from 4 votes

Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava

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.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 36 small servings

Ingredients 

For the Syrup:

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

For the Filling :

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

For the Phyllo Layer:

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

Instructions 

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

Notes

  • This stuff is so good and it lasts well! It can keep about 2 weeks at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 square (1/36 of recipe), Calories: 149kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 62mg, Potassium: 32mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 160IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

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.

About Melissa

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