Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by the most decadent dessert mashup you've ever encountered! Imagine the delicate, crispy layers of traditional Middle Eastern baklava transformed with the irresistible richness of Nutella and the classic comfort of chocolate chips. This isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that bridges continents and satisfies every sweet craving imaginable. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking for something extraordinary, this Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava will become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it with melted butter.
- Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and trim it to fit the baking pan. Cover the phyllo sheets with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Layer 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough in the baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Ensure each layer is evenly buttered.
- Spread a thin, even layer of Nutella over the buttered phyllo sheets using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle the walnut and chocolate chip mixture evenly over the Nutella layer.
- Continue layering 6-8 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Repeat the Nutella and nut mixture layer once more, creating a total of two filling layers.
- Top with a final 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Ensure the top layer is well-buttered.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, cutting all the way through to the bottom of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the entire pastry.
- Allow the baklava to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the syrup absorb into the layers.
- Let the baklava rest for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld and syrup to be fully absorbed.
- Serve at room temperature and store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Phyllo Dough Handling: Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out and cracking. Work quickly and carefully when layering.
- Butter is Key: Be generous with melted butter between layers - this creates the signature flaky, crisp texture baklava is famous for.
- Even Layering: Use an offset spatula to spread Nutella evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cutting Technique: Cut the baklava before baking to make serving easier later. Use a sharp knife and cut all the way through the layers.
- Syrup Absorption: Allow the baklava to rest for at least 4 hours after adding syrup. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and perfect texture.
- Storage Tip: Store at room temperature in a covered container. The flavors actually improve over 1-2 days!
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance, as it keeps well for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 40mg
