Greek Chocolate Chip Baklava
What Started it all:
Chocolate chips
Alright, listen up! We’re taking a classic Greek dessert and giving it a twist with chocolate chips. This isn’t your grandmother’s baklava, so pay attention! We’re making a rich, flaky, and indulgent dessert that’ll have everyone begging for more. Now, let’s get to work!
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts and pistachios), finely chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get it hot enough to cook that baklava to perfection!
- Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a bowl, mix the finely chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and ground cinnamon. This is the filling, so make sure it’s well combined. No half-assed jobs here!
- Layer the Phyllo Dough: Take a baking dish and brush it with some of that melted butter. Lay down a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with more butter. Repeat this process, layering about 8 sheets. Don’t be lazy—each layer counts!
- Add the Filling: Sprinkle a generous layer of your nut and chocolate mixture over the phyllo. Don’t skimp on the filling.
- Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process with another 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter. Then, add another layer of the nut and chocolate mixture. You should have at least 3 layers of filling.
- Finish with Phyllo: Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, using about 8 more sheets, brushing each with butter. Use your knife to cut the baklava into diamond shapes. Get it right—don’t hack it like a butcher!
- Bake: Pop that bad boy into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it—no one likes a burnt baklava!
- Make the Syrup: While it’s baking, combine sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This syrup is what will make your baklava sing!
- Pour the Syrup: Once the baklava is out of the oven and still hot, pour the syrup all over it. Let it soak in—this is where the magic happens!
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. Cut along the lines you made earlier and serve it up. You’re going to impress everyone!
There you have it! A Greek Chocolate Chip Baklava that’s rich, flaky, and utterly delicious. Don’t just serve it—make it a centerpiece. Now get in that kitchen, give it your all, and remember: cooking is about passion and perfection! Enjoy!