Irresistible Greek Chocolate Baklava: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite
Baklava is a traditional dessert enjoyed across generations, combining delicate layers of phyllo, sweet syrup, and nuts. This recipe incorporates a touch of chocolate, bringing a modern twist to this classic dessert. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Greek chocolate baklava, using a recipe inspired by authentic Greek sources.
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Perfect Greek Chocolate Baklava
Baklava’s history spans centuries, with roots tracing back to the Byzantine Empire and Middle Eastern influences. In Greece, baklava is a symbol of festivity and celebration, often prepared during religious holidays and special occasions.
The Greek version of baklava is known for its thin layers of phyllo dough, generously filled with a mixture of crushed nuts, and drenched in a honey-sugar syrup. The chocolate variation adds a unique depth, transforming this already indulgent treat into a richer, more decadent version.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Greek chocolate baklava, using a recipe inspired by authentic Greek sources.
How to Make Greek Chocolate Baklava
Greek Chocolate Baklava is a sumptuous twist on the traditional Greek dessert, blending the rich, buttery layers of phyllo dough with a decadent mix of nuts and dark chocolate.
Prepare the Nuts and Chocolate
The preparation starts by finely chopping a mix of nuts—commonly walnuts, almonds, or pistachios—and combining them with high-quality dark chocolate, ground cinnamon, and optional cloves. This flavorful filling adds both crunch and depth to the baklava.
Prepare the Syrup
The syrup, an essential component of any baklava, is made by simmering water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice until slightly thickened, then enriched with vanilla extract for a subtle aromatic sweetness.
Cooling the syrup before pouring it over the baked baklava ensures it soaks in evenly without making the layers soggy.
Assemble the Baklava
Assembling the baklava involves layering sheets of buttered phyllo dough, alternating with layers of the nut and chocolate mixture.
Add the Nut and Chocolate Mixture
Careful layering and brushing with melted butter create the signature flaky texture.
After the first 8 layers of dough, spread a thin, even layer of the nut and chocolate mixture over the phyllo.
Repeat the process of layering 8 sheets of phyllo dough, buttering each layer. After 8 more layers, spread another layer of the nut and chocolate mixture.
Finish the Layers
Continue layering the phyllo sheets until all the dough and filling are used, ending with a final 8 layers of phyllo dough on top. Gently press down to compact the layers.
Cut the Baklava
Cutting the baklava into portions before baking allows for easy serving and helps the syrup penetrate all layers after baking.
Bake the Baklava
Place the prepared baklava in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo dough turns golden brown and crispy.
Pour the Syrup
Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. The syrup should soak into the layers, making it sweet and sticky. It’s a good idea to make it even more decadent by pouring melted chocolate on top!
Let the baklava sit for several hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the syrup to fully absorb and the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the baklava has cooled, it’s ready to serve.
The layers should be crisp, with a rich chocolate filling and a sweet, syrupy finish. Serve with a cup of Greek coffee or tea for the ultimate treat and add fresh mint leaves or crushed pistachios for a touch of freshness and color!
Greek Chocolate Baklava Recipe
Greek Chocolate Baklava
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough (500 grams or 16 oz, thawed)
- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios)
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground clove (optional)
For the Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chop your mixed nuts into small pieces. You can use a food processor for a finer texture.
- Once the nuts are ready, chop the dark chocolate into small chunks.
- Combine the nuts, the chocolate, the ground cinnamon, and the clove (if using) in a bowl. Set this mixture aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil over medium heat
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool.
>> You can check. out this other perfect syrup recipe.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Place the first layer of phyllo dough into the dish, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
- Brush this layer with more melted butter. Continue layering and buttering the phyllo dough, about 8 sheets in total.
- Spread half of the nut-chocolate mixture evenly over dough.
- Layer another 8 sheets of phyllo, buttering each sheet.
- Add the remaining nut-chocolate mixture.
- Finish with a final 8 layers of phyllo, buttering each time.
- Press the layers gently.
- Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This will make it easier to serve after baking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Pour the cooled syrup over hot baklava.
- Let soak for several hours or overnight before serving.
Greek chocolate baklava is a delightful fusion of tradition and modern flavor. The buttery, crispy layers of phyllo dough paired with the crunchy nuts and creamy chocolate filling are simply irresistible.
This baklava is great for any special occasion, but it can also be a simple dessert to enjoy with family. Trust me when I say that this recipe will make your baklava stand out.
The key is to take your time layering the dough and allowing the syrup to fully soak in, which creates the perfect texture and flavor. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find that this decadent treat is sure to become a favorite in your household!
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Irresistible Greek Chocolate Baklava
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
