Introduction & Inspiration
These Baklava Bites are a miniature, simplified version of the classic Greek pastry! I love the combination of the flaky phyllo dough, the sweet and nutty filling, and the fragrant honey-lemon syrup. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean.
The inspiration for this recipe came from my love for traditional baklava. But also a desire to create a quicker and easier version that would be perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat. These bites are the perfect solution.
I wanted to capture the essence of baklava – the nutty filling, the flaky pastry, and the sweet syrup – in a bite-sized format. Using pre-made phyllo shells makes the process incredibly simple.
These bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for any occasion.
Nostalgic Appeal (with a Bite-Sized, Convenient Twist)
Baklava is a dessert that holds a special place in many cultures. It often evokes a sense of nostalgia and tradition. It reminds me of holidays, celebrations, and the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
These Baklava Bites take that classic dessert. And transform it into a bite-sized, convenient treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a way to enjoy the flavors of baklava.
There’s something inherently satisfying about the combination of flaky phyllo, crunchy nuts, and sweet, fragrant syrup. It’s a flavor and texture combination that’s both comforting and exotic.
These bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Or for enjoying all to yourself as a little indulgence. They’re a celebration of traditional flavors.
Homemade Focus (with a Smart Shortcut)
While this recipe utilizes pre-made phyllo shells as a convenient shortcut. The overall treat is still very much a homemade creation. The focus is on creating a flavorful and authentic-tasting filling and syrup.
I’m a firm believer in making things from scratch whenever possible. But I also appreciate the practicality of using high-quality shortcuts when they save time and effort without compromising flavor. The phyllo shells are a perfect example.
The real magic of this recipe lies in the homemade nut filling. The honey-lemon syrup, and the careful assembly of the bites. It’s about creating a delicious and impressive treat with a combination of ease.
It’s a reminder that “homemade” doesn’t always have to mean starting from absolute scratch. It’s about putting your own personal touch on a dish. And creating something special with love and care.
Flavor Goal
The flavor goal of these Baklava Bites is to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and slightly tangy notes. With a crispy, flaky texture from the phyllo shells and a moist, flavorful filling. A perfect balance.
The nut filling, made with walnuts, pistachios, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt, provides the heart of the flavor. The combination of walnuts and pistachios is classic for baklava.
The brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. The cinnamon and lemon zest add warmth and brightness. The salt balances the sweetness.
The honey-lemon syrup, made with water, brown sugar, honey, and lemon juice, adds a fragrant sweetness and helps to moisten the filling. The overall effect is a bite that’s both familiar and irresistible.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. We have light brown sugar, divided, which provides sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to both the syrup and the filling.
Honey adds a distinct floral sweetness and a sticky texture to the syrup. Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note to both the syrup and the filling.
Shelled raw walnuts and shelled raw pistachios form the base of the nut filling. I recommend using raw nuts and chopping them yourself for the best flavor and texture.
Unsalted butter, melted, binds the filling ingredients together and adds richness. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the filling.
Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the filling. Kosher salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Finally, frozen phyllo shells provide the crispy, flaky base for the bites. These are a convenient shortcut that saves a lot of time and effort.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
A small saucepan for making the syrup.
A food processor for chopping the nuts.
A large bowl for mixing the filling.
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Liquid measuring cup
That’s it! This recipe is very simple in terms of equipment. The key is to have a food processor for chopping the nuts finely and evenly.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:
- ⅓ cup plus ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, divided
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup shelled raw walnuts
- 1 cup shelled raw pistachios
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 (1.9-oz.) packages frozen phyllo shells
These are the listed ingredient quantities.
Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible, especially the nuts and spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious Baklava Bites? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Syrup:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of water, ¼ cup of the light brown sugar, the honey, and the lemon juice.
Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and transfer to a liquid measuring cup to cool slightly while assembling the baklava bites.
3. Chop the Nuts:
To the bowl of a food processor, add the walnuts and pistachios.
Pulse the nuts in 15 to 20 (1-second) bursts until they are uniformly chopped. They should be smaller than grains of rice, but not completely ground into a powder.
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the chopped nuts for garnish.
4. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, place the remaining chopped walnuts and pistachios.
Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Stir in the remaining â…“ cup of light brown sugar, the cinnamon, the lemon zest, and the kosher salt into the melted butter.
Pour the butter mixture over the chopped nuts. Stirring until well combined.
5. Fill the Phyllo Shells:
Spoon a scant tablespoon of the nut mixture into each mini phyllo cup.
Pressing the mixture down gently to fill the cups evenly.
Place the filled cups on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
Bake until the filling is set and lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes.
7. Add Syrup:
While the cups are still warm, spoon ½ teaspoon of the warm syrup over each cup. Allowing the syrup to soak into the filling.
Reserve any remaining syrup.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To serve, brush the tops of the bites with the remaining syrup (if any).
Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts.
Enjoy these delicious Baklava Bites!
Troubleshooting
Even a simple recipe, here are some issues:
Problem: The syrup is too thin.
Solution: Simmer the syrup for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken further.
Problem: The nut filling is too dry.
Solution: Add a bit more melted butter, a teaspoon at a time, until the filling reaches your desired consistency.
Problem: The phyllo shells are breaking.
Solution: Handle the phyllo shells gently, as they can be delicate. If some break, you can still use them by patching them together with the filling.
Problem: The bites are sticking to the parchment.Solution: Ensure the bites are cooled enough.
Problem: Filling is too sweet.Solution: Reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations:
Tip: For an even richer flavor, you can toast the walnuts and pistachios before chopping them.
Tip: If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the nuts by hand with a sharp knife.
Tip: To save time, you can use pre-chopped nuts, but make sure they are finely chopped.
Variation: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the nut filling for a more complex spice flavor.
Variation: Use different types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or cashews.
Variation: Drizzle the finished baklava bites with melted chocolate.
Variation: Add a sprinkle of orange zest to the filling or the syrup.
Variation: Add some dried fruit.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Baklava Bites are perfect for a variety of occasions:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve them at room temperature or slightly warm.
Serve them as a dessert, snack, or appetizer.
Serve them at a party, gathering, or holiday celebration.
They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a homemade gift.
Pairing Suggestions:
These bites pair well with a variety of beverages.
A cup of strong coffee or tea.
A glass of dessert wine, such as a Moscato d’Asti or a Sauternes.
A glass of milk.
They’re also delicious on their own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per bite (assuming about 30 bites):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams (mostly from the nuts and butter)
- Carbohydrates: 7-9 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
This is a general estimate. These Baklava Bites are a relatively rich and decadent treat, due to the butter, nuts, and sugar.
They do provide some protein and fiber from the nuts. They’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
You can reduce the fat and calories by using less butter.
Print
Baklava Bites
Description
These Baklava Bites are a miniature, simplified version of the classic Greek pastry! I love the combination of the flaky phyllo dough, the sweet and nutty filling, and the fragrant honey-lemon syrup. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plus ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, divided
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup shelled raw walnuts
- 1 cup shelled raw pistachios
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 (1.9-oz.) packages frozen phyllo shells
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Syrup:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of water, ¼ cup of the light brown sugar, the honey, and the lemon juice.
Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and transfer to a liquid measuring cup to cool slightly while assembling the baklava bites.
3. Chop the Nuts:
To the bowl of a food processor, add the walnuts and pistachios.
Pulse the nuts in 15 to 20 (1-second) bursts until they are uniformly chopped. They should be smaller than grains of rice, but not completely ground into a powder.
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the chopped nuts for garnish.
4. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, place the remaining chopped walnuts and pistachios.
Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Stir in the remaining â…“ cup of light brown sugar, the cinnamon, the lemon zest, and the kosher salt into the melted butter.
Pour the butter mixture over the chopped nuts. Stirring until well combined.
5. Fill the Phyllo Shells:
Spoon a scant tablespoon of the nut mixture into each mini phyllo cup.
Pressing the mixture down gently to fill the cups evenly.
Place the filled cups on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
Bake until the filling is set and lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes.
7. Add Syrup:
While the cups are still warm, spoon ½ teaspoon of the warm syrup over each cup. Allowing the syrup to soak into the filling.
Reserve any remaining syrup.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To serve, brush the tops of the bites with the remaining syrup (if any).
Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts.
Enjoy these delicious Baklava Bites!
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap this delicious Baklava Bites journey. Summary below:
Summary: These Baklava Bites are miniature versions of the classic Greek pastry, made with pre-made phyllo shells, a flavorful nut filling, and a sweet honey-lemon syrup. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these bites up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze these bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: I’m allergic to nuts. Can I make these without nuts?
A: Unfortunately, nuts are a key component of baklava. You could try substituting with seeds. But it won’t be the same.
Q: I don’t have any phyllo shells, what can I do?A: You could use puff pastry.
Q: Where do I purchase phyllo cups?A: These are readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores.