Makes 24 pieces
A luxurious twist on the classic Middle Eastern dessert! Layers of crisp phyllo pastry, rich pistachios, and dark chocolate, drenched in a spiced honey syrup. Perfect for celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Baklava:
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 tsp orange zest
For the Spiced Chocolate-Honey Syrup:
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Garnish:
- Crushed pistachios
- Edible gold leaf (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest (if using).
2. Layer the Phyllo:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each sheet with butter.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the pistachio-chocolate mixture evenly over the phyllo.
- Repeat layers: 6 sheets of buttered phyllo + ½ remaining filling, then 6 sheets + remaining filling.
- Top with 8-10 buttered phyllo sheets, trimming excess edges.
3. Score and Bake:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake 40–45 mins until golden and crisp.
4. Make the Syrup:
- While baking, combine honey, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer 10 mins, stirring until thickened. Remove cinnamon stick; stir in vanilla.
5. Assemble:
- Pour hot syrup evenly over the baked baklava. Let cool completely (4+ hours) to soak.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and gold leaf.
Tips for Success
- Phyllo Hack: Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Chocolate Balance: Use high-quality dark chocolate to avoid overpowering the pistachios.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Textural Contrast: Crisp phyllo, crunchy nuts, and melty chocolate.
- Spiced Syrup: Cocoa and cinnamon deepen the honey’s sweetness.
- Luxe Appeal: Edible gold and jewel-toned pistachios make it a showstopper.
Serve with Turkish coffee or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience!
