Baklava is a famous sweet pastry originating back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was often enjoyed as a luxurious treat. This dessert is made by layering thin sheets of filo pastry with chopped nuts, usually pistachios or walnuts, and sweetening it with syrup or honey. Baklava has become a popular dessert in many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan regions, with each country adding its own twist.
Baklava bites offer a smaller version of the traditional dessert, making it easy to enjoy without the commitment of a whole slice. These mini treats are perfect for sharing at gatherings, surprise school lunch treats or serving as a bite sized after dinner sweet. The flaky pastry and nutty filling provide a satisfying crunch with every bite.
This recipe should make approximately 12 baklava bites.
Baklava Tips
- Use can use store bought filo pastry to save time and effort.
- Keep the filo pastry covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out and breaking.
- Melt the butter fully before brushing it on the filo pastry for even coverage. Make sure you do not burn the butter as it melts.
- Chop the nuts finely so they fit well and cover the bite sized portions.
- Let the baklava cool completely before adding the syrup to avoid sogginess.
Ingredients
- 200 g filo pastry sheets, cut into 10 cm squares
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted
- 150 g mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 100 ml honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with paper cases.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon together.
- Brush a filo pastry square with melted butter and place another sheet on top, repeating for three layers.
- Place the layered filo in a muffin case. Repeat with the remaining filo sheets.
- Fill each pastry case with a tablespoon of the nut mixture. Fold the edges of the filo pastry over to enclose the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- While the baklava bites are baking, heat the honey and lemon juice in a saucepan until combined.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the baklava bites are out of the oven, drizzle the honey mixture over them. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to absorb the syrup.
Savour these delicious baklava bites with a cup of tea or coffee. For more tasty treats, check out our Baked Cheesecake Recipe | Classic Baked Cheesecake Recipe.
For more information on buying the right honey for you, we recommend you review the following; honey and beeswax.