Description
This Baklava Star Bread is a delightful twist on traditional baklava, combining the rich flavors of cinnamon and walnuts within layers of soft, buttery dough. The dough is stacked and twisted into a beautiful star shape, then baked to a golden brown and drizzled with a simple honey-like syrup. Perfect for a festive occasion or a special brunch treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110° to 115°F). Let it stand for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir in 2-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour until the dough begins to come together. Add more flour a little at a time until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until soft and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, mix the chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll Dough Circles: Punch down the risen dough and divide into four equal portions. Roll each portion out into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Assemble Layers: Place one dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with a quarter of the walnut filling. Repeat this layering process with the remaining dough circles and filling.
- Shape the Star: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into a star shape, leaving a small circle in the center intact. Carefully twist each star point outward to create the star pattern.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped star bread to rise for an additional 20 minutes to puff up slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the star bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Syrup: While baking, heat 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely to form a simple syrup.
- Glaze Bread: When the bread is fresh out of the oven, drizzle the warm syrup evenly over the top to infuse sweetness and moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly to allow the syrup to set, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is fresh and water is at the correct temperature to activate properly.
- You can substitute walnuts with pistachios or almonds for a different flavor.
- The star shaping technique adds visual appeal but can be simplified into stacked circles if desired.
- Serve the bread slightly warm for the best flavor experience.
- The syrup can be enhanced with a teaspoon of honey or a splash of lemon juice if preferred.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
