Joanna Gaines Baklava Recipe

Jennifer Segal

21 Sep, 2023

Discover the mouthwatering magic of Joanna Gaines' baklava recipe! A twist on tradition that'll leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Joanna Gaines Baklava

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 24
Calories: 250 calories

About this recipe

Joanna Gaines' baklava is a delightful take on the classic Middle Eastern dessert. What sets this version apart is the meticulous combination of flavors and textures that create a memorable treat.

This baklava begins with a nut mixture composed of lightly toasted almonds and raw pistachios, offering a satisfying crunch and rich nuttiness. The addition of sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of kosher salt creates a harmonious blend of sweet and aromatic spices that infuse every layer.

The preparation involves layering buttered sheets of phyllo dough, creating a golden, flaky exterior that encases the nut filling. These layers are generously brushed with melted butter, ensuring a buttery richness in every bite.

What truly elevates this baklava is the honey syrup. A combination of sugar, raw honey, orange peel, and fresh orange juice is simmered to a luscious consistency, infusing the dessert with a sweet, citrusy essence. Pouring this warm syrup over the freshly baked baklava allows it to soak up all the goodness, making each piece irresistibly moist and sweet.

The Joanna Gaines' baklava is a testament to the art of balancing flavors and textures. It's a treat that marries the warmth of spices, the richness of nuts, and the sweetness of honey, resulting in a dessert that's as comforting as it is indulgent. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in quiet moments, it's a recipe that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Recipe origin and background

The Joanna Gaines baklava recipe doesn't have a direct and specific origin tied to Joanna Gaines herself. Instead, it's a variation of the traditional Middle Eastern baklava, a popular dessert enjoyed across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions for centuries.

Baklava, in its traditional form, is believed to have ancient roots, with variations found in many cultures. It's thought to have been enjoyed in the Ottoman Empire and later spread to various parts of the world.

In this recipe, while it carries the name "Joanna Gaines," it's important to note that it's just a personal take or adaptation of the classic baklava by someone inspired by her style or culinary preferences. Joanna Gaines is known for her love of home cooking and comfort food, so it's not surprising that her version of baklava incorporate familiar and comforting flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, and a rich honey syrup.

Why try this Joanna Gaines Baklava recipe?

You should definitely give the Joanna Gaines baklava recipe a try for several compelling reasons:

Delicious Twist: This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic baklava by incorporating warm and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with a rich honey syrup. These flavors combine to create a delightful and indulgent dessert that's both comforting and exotic.
Texture Sensation: The recipe ensures a perfect balance of textures. You'll enjoy the crispy, buttery layers of phyllo dough contrasting beautifully with the crunchy, nutty filling. It's a symphony of textures in every bite.
Culinary Adventure: Trying out this baklava recipe can be a culinary adventure. It introduces you to the world of Middle Eastern sweets, allowing you to explore new flavors and techniques in your own kitchen.
Impress Your Guests: If you're looking to impress your family and friends with your baking skills, this baklava is an excellent choice. Its intricate appearance and delectable taste will leave your guests thoroughly impressed.
Aroma and Presentation: While baking, your kitchen will be filled with the warm and inviting scents of toasted nuts, spices, and honey. The final presentation of the golden, syrup-soaked layers is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Joanna Gaines' Touch: If you're a fan of Joanna Gaines' style and taste, trying her baklava recipe is a way to bring a bit of her culinary influence into your own home. It's a recipe that reflects her appreciation for homey, comforting dishes with a touch of elegance.

In summary, trying the Joanna Gaines baklava recipe is an opportunity to embark on a delightful culinary journey, indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures, and create a dessert that's bound to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and those of your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the sweet rewards of this creative and delicious recipe!

What does Joanna Gaines Baklava taste like?

The Joanna Gaines baklava offers a delightful and complex taste profile that combines various flavors to create a truly satisfying dessert experience.

Nutty Richness: The toasted almonds and raw pistachios provide a deep, nutty richness to each bite. Their flavors are intensified by the toasting process, adding a slightly roasted and earthy quality to the dessert.
Spices Infusion: The combination of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg imparts warm and aromatic spices into the baklava. These spices offer a layer of complexity, with the cardamom's citrusy notes, cinnamon's warmth, and nutmeg's earthiness.
Sweetness: The sweetness comes from both the nut mixture, which is lightly sweetened with sugar, and, most notably, the honey syrup. The raw honey infuses the dessert with a rich, floral sweetness that's complemented by a touch of fresh orange juice. It's a natural and nuanced sweetness that doesn't overpower but enhances the other flavors.
Buttery Layers: The layers of phyllo dough, generously brushed with melted butter, contribute a rich, buttery, and flaky texture to the baklava. They act as a canvas that holds the nuts and syrup while providing a delightful crunch.
Balanced Harmony: What makes this baklava special is the harmonious balance of these elements. The sweetness of the honey is offset by the nuttiness, while the spices add depth without overwhelming the palate. It's a dessert that offers both complexity and comfort.

Overall, Joanna Gaines' baklava is a sensory delight, with layers of flavor and texture that work in harmony. It's sweet but not overly so, aromatic without being overpowering, and it provides a satisfying crunch alongside a luscious syrupy finish. Each bite is a journey through these complementary tastes, making it a dessert worth savoring and sharing.

What is in Joanna Gaines Baklava?

Almonds: These whole raw almonds are toasted to enhance their nutty flavor, adding a delightful crunch to the baklava.
Pistachios: Raw pistachios are used both in the nut mixture and as a garnish, providing a unique flavor and vibrant green color.
Sugar: Sugar sweetens the nut mixture, balancing the natural nuttiness with a touch of sweetness.
Ground Cardamom: Cardamom adds a fragrant, citrusy and slightly floral note to the baklava, contributing to its Middle Eastern flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon lends warmth and a familiar spice flavor that complements the nuts.
Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg brings an earthy, nutty undertone to the mix, enhancing the overall spiciness of the baklava.
Kosher Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is generously brushed between the layers of phyllo dough, giving the baklava its rich and buttery texture.
Frozen Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough is paper-thin pastry dough that creates the crispy, flaky layers of the baklava.
Good-Quality Raw Honey: Raw honey infuses the baklava with a rich, floral sweetness and acts as a key component of the syrup.
Orange Peel: The strip of orange peel adds a hint of citrusy aroma to the syrup.
Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice adds a touch of citrusy brightness to the syrup, balancing the sweetness.

Equipment required for this recipe

Food Processor: Used to finely chop the nuts and create the nut mixture. Substitute: You can chop the nuts by hand using a sharp knife, although it will require more time and effort.
9x13-inch Baking Pan: The baklava is assembled and baked in this rectangular pan. Substitute: A similar-sized baking dish, like a 9x9-inch square pan, can work if you adjust the layering accordingly.
Plastic Wrap and Damp Towel: Used to cover the phyllo dough sheets as you work to prevent them from drying out. Substitute: You can use a clean kitchen towel instead of plastic wrap if it's kept slightly damp.
Pastry Brush: Used to generously brush melted butter between the layers of phyllo dough. Substitute: A clean paintbrush or silicone pastry brush can work if you don't have a traditional pastry brush.
Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting the baklava into squares or diamonds once it's baked. Substitute: Any sharp kitchen knife will do the job.
Medium Saucepan: Used to prepare the honey syrup. Substitute: Any saucepan of similar size will work for this task.
Wire Rack: After baking, the baklava is set on a wire rack to cool and allow excess syrup to drip off. Substitute: A clean cooling rack or even a parchment-lined baking sheet can serve as a substitute.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.

How to make Joanna Gaines Baklava

Indulge in Joanna Gaines' baklava recipe – a sweet twist on tradition. Learn to make this delectable treat step by step!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) whole raw almonds, lightly toasted
1 2/3 cups (8 ounces) raw pistachios, plus 3 tablespoons chopped toasted pistachios
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon dried edible rose petals (culinary grade)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
One 16-ounce package frozen phyllo dough, thawed

For the Honey-Rose Syrup:

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup good-quality raw honey
One 3-inch strip orange peel (with pith)
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon rose water (culinary grade)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a food processor, combine the almonds, 1 2/3 cups of pistachios, sugar, cardamom, rose petals, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped, leaving some larger nut pieces for texture.
Brush a 9x13-inch baking pan generously with some of the melted butter.
Lay out the phyllo sheets as before, but this time, sprinkle each sheet lightly with edible rose petals before brushing with melted butter.
Layer the nut mixture and phyllo sheets as you did in the original recipe.
Cut and bake the baklava as directed in the original recipe.
While the baklava bakes, prepare the Honey-Rose Syrup by following the same steps as the original syrup but adding 1 teaspoon of rose water for a delicate floral aroma.
Pour the fragrant Honey-Rose Syrup over the hot baklava and sprinkle with the chopped toasted pistachios.
Allow the baklava to cool and soak up the syrup for at least four hours or overnight, just like the classic version.

This Honey-Rose Joanna Gaines Baklava offers a unique twist with the delicate essence of roses, making it a delightful and aromatic treat. Enjoy! 🌹🍯

How to serve Joanna Gaines Baklava

Serving Joanna Gaines' baklava is a delightful experience, and you'll want to present it in a way that does justice to its flavors and appearance. Here are the steps to serve it:

Cool It Down: Allow the freshly baked baklava to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set a bit and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces.
Cut into Portions: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes. The pre-cut lines you made before baking will guide you. Make sure to cut all the way through the layers.
Pour on the Syrup: Once cut, it's time to pour that luscious honey syrup over the baklava. Ensure that the syrup covers the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the layers. The baklava will soak up the syrup, infusing each piece with sweetness.
Garnish with Pistachios: Sprinkle the reserved chopped toasted pistachios over the top of the baklava. This adds a lovely green hue and a final touch of nuttiness.
Presentation: If you're serving it for a special occasion or to guests, consider placing individual pieces on decorative dessert plates or a serving platter. This enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.
Optional: Add Some Rose Petals: To complement the Honey-Rose Baklava twist, you can add a few edible dried rose petals as a garnish for an elegant touch.

Remember that baklava can be quite sweet, so small portions often suffice. It's a dessert meant to be savored slowly, and the honey-infused layers are truly something to relish. Enjoy your homemade Joanna Gaines baklava!

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 148 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Joanna Gaines Baklava, Joanna Gaines Baklava Recipe, Recipe, Easy, Homemade, Top rated

What to serve Joanna Gaines Baklava with

Joanna Gaines' baklava is a delightful dessert on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with some complementary accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of thick Greek yogurt alongside the baklava can provide a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness and richness of the dessert.
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, can add a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that pairs well with the sweet baklava.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide an extra layer of creaminess and a mild sweetness to balance the baklava's flavors.
Mint Tea: A cup of hot or iced mint tea is a classic accompaniment to baklava. The refreshing herbal notes of mint can cleanse the palate between bites.
Coffee or Turkish Coffee: A cup of strong coffee, whether it's a regular brew or traditional Turkish coffee, complements the sweetness of the baklava. The contrast between the bitter coffee and sweet dessert is delightful.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, you can serve a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream with the baklava. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm and crispy layers.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the baklava or as a garnish can add a zesty and citrusy kick that brightens up the dessert.
Candied Orange Peel: Similar to lemon zest, candied orange peel can provide a sweet and citrusy element that complements the baklava's flavors.

These options allow you to customize the experience based on your preferences and create a well-rounded dessert presentation that offers a variety of tastes and textures alongside the baklava. Whether you choose to keep it simple or explore these pairings, your baklava will be a delightful treat.

My recommendations and tips

Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before you begin, read the entire recipe carefully. This will give you a clear understanding of the steps involved and help you prepare all the necessary ingredients and equipment in advance.
Prep Work: Toasting the nuts is a crucial step for enhancing their flavor. Make sure to do this before you start assembling the baklava.
Thaw Phyllo Dough Properly: If you're using frozen phyllo dough, follow the package instructions for thawing. Typically, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, keep it covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
Butter Generously: When layering the phyllo sheets, be generous with the melted butter between each layer. This is what creates that deliciously flaky and buttery texture.
Cutting the Baklava: It's easier to cut the baklava into portions before baking. Make sure to use a sharp knife and follow the pre-cut lines you've made to ensure even pieces.
Honey Syrup Timing: Prepare the honey syrup while the baklava is in the oven. It should be warm and ready to pour over the hot baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven. This helps the syrup penetrate the layers effectively.
Cool Gradually: Allow the baklava to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after pouring the syrup. Then, you can transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling process ensures that the syrup is absorbed properly.
Patience is Key: Baklava is best when it's allowed to rest for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld, and the texture becomes perfect.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the baklava in an airtight container at room temperature. It can stay fresh for up to three days.

Potential ingredients substitutes

If you need to make substitutions for some of the ingredients in Joanna Gaines' baklava recipe, here are some options:

Nuts: If you have allergies or prefer different nuts, you can substitute almonds and pistachios with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary accordingly.

Spices: While cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg are traditional spices for baklava, you can adjust the spice mix to your taste. Ground cloves, allspice, or even a pinch of ground ginger can be used as substitutes.

Butter: If you'd like a dairy-free option, you can use clarified butter (ghee) or a vegan butter substitute. Both will provide the necessary richness for layering the phyllo dough.

Phyllo Dough: If you can't find phyllo dough, you can try using puff pastry sheets as a substitute. While the texture will be slightly different, it can still create a delicious dessert.

Sugar: You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar in the nut mixture. This will add a different flavor profile but can be equally enjoyable.

Honey: If you're looking for a vegan alternative to honey, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup to make the syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

Orange Peel: If you don't have an orange on hand, you can skip the orange peel in the syrup or use a small amount of orange zest for a similar citrusy note.

Final Remark

Inspired by Joanna Gaines' baklava, your culinary journey has been both delicious and rewarding. Now, savor every bite and share the joy of this delightful dessert with your loved ones. Happy baking!