Description
Baklava Star Bread is a stunning, sweet, and flaky pastry with layers of buttery dough, cinnamon, walnuts, and a honey-like syrup. This beautiful star-shaped bread combines the rich flavors of baklava with the soft texture of homemade bread, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2–1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir in 2-1/2 cups of flour. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Continue adding more flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
- Place the first circle of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with the walnut mixture. Add the second dough circle, and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Once all layers are stacked, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into a star shape, leaving a small circle in the center. Carefully twist each point of the star to form the star shape.
- Let the star bread rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the star bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the syrup by heating the 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan with a tablespoon of water until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the syrup over the hot bread.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This bread is best served warm for a soft and flaky texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pistachios or almonds for a different flavor.
- If you want an extra golden look, brush the top of the bread with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes