Crispy Baklava with chocolate filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Filling

• Start by making the chocolate filling. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm and the butter has melted.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute or two, then stir until the chocolate has completely melted and the filling is smooth. Set the chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Syrup

• While the chocolate filling cools, make the syrup. In a separate saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
• Once the syrup comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.

3. Prepare the Filo Dough

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.
• Carefully unroll the filo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Place one sheet of filo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet of filo dough. You’ll need to layer about 8 sheets for the bottom of the baklava.

4. Assemble the Baklava

• Once you’ve layered the bottom with buttered filo sheets, spread a thin layer of the chopped nuts over the filo dough. You can mix ground cinnamon with the nuts for extra flavor if you like.
• Next, add a thin layer of the chocolate filling on top of the nuts, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be sure the chocolate is slightly cooled so that it doesn’t seep into the filo layers and make them soggy.
• Continue layering the filo dough, buttering each sheet, and adding more nuts and chocolate filling. Aim for 4-5 layers of filo dough with nuts and chocolate in between.
• Finish with a final layer of filo dough (about 6-8 sheets), brushing each sheet with butter.

5. Cut the Baklava

• Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This makes it easier to serve once baked and allows the syrup to soak into the layers more evenly.

6. Bake the Baklava

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crispy on top.
• Keep an eye on the baklava during the last 10 minutes of baking to make sure it doesn’t brown too much. The pastry should be perfectly crispy, and the edges should have a slight golden color.

7. Soak the Baklava with Syrup

• Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. The syrup will sizzle and soak into the crispy filo layers.
• Let the baklava sit at room temperature for about 2-3 hours to allow the syrup to fully absorb and the baklava to cool down before serving.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Baklava with Chocolate Filling

• Use Fresh Filo Dough: Ensure that your filo dough is fresh and properly thawed. Dry or brittle filo dough will result in a less crispy texture.
• Let the Syrup Cool: Pouring warm syrup over the hot baklava ensures that the syrup gets absorbed evenly without making the filo dough soggy.
• Customize the Nuts: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts in the filling. Walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are traditional, but you can use pecans, hazelnuts, or cashews for a unique twist.
• Let It Sit: While it might be tempting to dig in right away, letting the baklava sit for a few hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld together, and the texture becomes even crispier.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as Dessert: This chocolate baklava is the perfect dessert to serve after a Mediterranean meal or with a cup of strong coffee or tea.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your Crispy Baklava with Chocolate Filling alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold, creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the crispy, warm baklava.
• Gift Idea: Baklava is a fantastic homemade gift for friends and family. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful way to share your love of baking, especially during the holidays or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baklava with Chocolate Filling is a sweet, luxurious twist on a traditional dessert. The combination of flaky filo pastry, crunchy nuts, rich chocolate filling, and sweet syrup creates a mouthwatering treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun way to impress your guests, this recipe brings together all the best elements of baklava and adds a decadent touch with the chocolate filling. With its irresistible layers and sweet, nutty goodness, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.