Description
Baklava Star Bread is a beautiful and delicious layered pastry inspired by the classic baklava dessert. This star-shaped bread is filled with a sweet cinnamon-walnut mixture and brushed with buttery syrup, creating a rich and fragrant treat perfect for gatherings or special occasions. The dough is soft and tender, layered with melted butter and a spiced nut filling, then twisted into a stunning star design and baked to golden perfection.
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
- Dissolve the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110° to 115°F). Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir these ingredients together until well blended.
- Add yeast and flour: Gradually pour in the frothy yeast mixture and stir in 2-1/2 cups of flour. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then add more flour a little at a time until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball.
- Knead and rise dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes to develop gluten. 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 it doubles in size.
- Prepare filling: While the dough is rising, mix chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the spiced nut filling.
- Divide and roll dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air, then divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- Layer dough and filling: Place the first dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush it generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with the walnut filling. Repeat this layering with the second dough circle, continuing until all four are stacked with filling between layers.
- Cut and shape star: Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into a star shape, leaving a small circle intact in the center. Carefully twist each point of the star outward to create the distinctive star design.
- Second rise: Let the shaped star bread rise for an additional 20 minutes, allowing it to puff slightly before baking.
- Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the star bread for 25 to 30 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make sugar syrup: While the bread bakes, prepare the syrup by heating sugar and a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup is clear.
- Glaze the bread: Remove the hot bread from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm sugar syrup over it, allowing the syrup to soak into the layers.
- Cool and serve: Let the star bread cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the syrup to set.
Notes
- Use warm liquids at the recommended temperature range to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Adjust the flour quantity as needed to achieve a smooth, elastic dough that is not too sticky.
- For a nut-free version, try substituting the walnut filling with chopped pistachios or omit nuts entirely and add extra cinnamon sugar.
- The syrup can be flavored with a splash of lemon juice or rose water for an aromatic twist.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
