INGREDIENTS

The Baklava

1 package phyllo dough (about 16 oz, thawed if frozen)

1 ½ cups mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, and almonds work wonderfully)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cardamom (optional, for warmth)

¾ cup melted vegan butter (or neutral oil, like coconut oil)

The Syrup

¾ cup water

1 cup sugar (or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)

½ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 small lemon, juiced

1 tsp orange blossom water or rosewater (optional, for aromatic depth)

Instructions

Prepare the Nut Filling

Finely chop the nuts (or pulse them in a food processor) and mix them with cinnamon and cardamom. Set aside.

Assemble the Baklava and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of the melted vegan butter.

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush with melted vegan butter. Repeat this process with 8-10 layers, brushing each with butter.

Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture (about ⅓ cup).

Add another 5-7 layers of phyllo, buttering each sheet, and top with another layer of nuts. Repeat until you’ve used up the nuts, finishing with at least 10 layers of phyllo on top.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the assembled baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Make the Syrup

While the baklava bakes, combine water, sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, and any flavorings (vanilla, rosewater, or orange blossom water) in a saucepan.

Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Combine and Cool

Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Ensure every section gets a generous coating.

Let it cool completely (about 2 hours) to allow the syrup to soak in.

Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios if desired.

Layer upon layer of crisp, golden phyllo dough cradling a symphony of finely chopped nuts and warm, spiced syrup. This Vegan Baklava is an indulgent Middle Eastern dessert transformed for plant-based foodies, offering a perfectly flaky texture, rich nuttiness, and an irresistibly sticky sweetness. A luxurious treat that feels like a hug in every bite.

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