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Baklava Cake-Kekli

Dec 4, 2023
4 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago



  • Baklava is a renowned Turkish dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Known for its rich flavor and flaky texture, this pastry is a celebration of layers, nuts, and sweetness that embodies the essence of Turkish culinary tradition. This recipe for baklava cake is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pastry chefs alike.


Ingredients

To create this delightful baklava cake, you will need the following ingredients:


- **Phyllo Dough**: 1 package (about 16 oz), thawed

- **Nuts**: 2 cups (a mix of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds, finely chopped)

- **Butter**: 1 cup (melted, for brushing the layers)

- **Sugar**: 1 cup (for the syrup and filling)

- **Cinnamon**: 1 teaspoon (for added flavor)

- **Water**: 1 cup (for the syrup)

- **Honey**: 1/2 cup (to sweeten the syrup)

- **Vanilla Extract**: 1 teaspoon (optional, for added aroma)


Preparation Steps

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baklava cake will bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden-brown color.


2. **Prepare the Nut Filling**: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts with sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will provide the filling for your baklava layers, infusing them with a sweet and nutty flavor.


3. **Layer the Phyllo Dough**: Take the thawed phyllo dough and carefully unroll it. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in a greased baking dish, brushing it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering about 8 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter, to create a sturdy base.


4. **Add the Nut Mixture**: Once you have your base layer, evenly spread a portion of the nut mixture over the phyllo layers. Follow this with additional layers of phyllo dough, again brushing each sheet with butter. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of phyllo and nut filling, until all the filling is used.


5. **Top Layer**: Finish with about 8 more layers of phyllo dough, ensuring that the top is well-buttered to achieve a crispy texture during baking.


6. **Cut the Baklava**: Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This will allow the syrup to penetrate the layers more effectively once baked.


7. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.


Preparing the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup:


1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.


2. **Simmer**: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will thicken the syrup slightly and enhance its flavor.


3. **Cool**: Once the baklava is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before pouring the warm syrup over the hot baklava. This contrast in temperature helps the syrup soak into the layers, ensuring each bite is sweet and moist.


Serving

  • Allow the baklava to rest for several hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, cut along the pre-marked lines and arrange the pieces on a decorative plate. Baklava is often enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, making it a perfect ending to a meal or a delightful afternoon treat.


Conclusion

  • This original baklava cake recipe encapsulates the rich traditions of Turkish cuisine while being straightforward enough for anyone to attempt. With its layers of flaky phyllo dough and a sweet, nutty filling, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of making this delectable dessert, and savor every bite of your homemade baklava!

Ingredients: glass- 200 ml., medium, total time: 90 min.

Syrup:

  • 2 glasses of granulated sugar

  • 2 glasses of water

  • 1 tsp lemon juice


Filling for Dough:

  • 1. 5 tea glasses of flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 3 eggs

  • 0.5 tea glass of granulated sugar

  • 0.5 tea glass of milk

  • 50 g of melted butter

  • 1 bag vanilla sugar/ 10 g

  • 1 glass of ground walnuts


Dough:

  • 15 pieces of dough for baklava (crust)

  • 100 g of melted butter


Mold:

  • Rectangular mold (22×30 cm)

baklava-cake-kekli-in-blue-plate
Baklava Cake-Kekli
Preparation:

Preparation of Syrup:

  1. Put the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and mix it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. When it starts to boil, add the lemon juice. Reduce the heat and boil for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.


Preparation of the Dough:

  1. Mix flour and baking powder and sift into a bowl. Put the egg and powdered sugar in a separate whisking bowl and beat for 3 minutes. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla sugar, flour mixture, and ground walnuts. Whisk for 2 more minutes at low speed.


Styling and Cooking:

  1. Grease the mold with margarine. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and heat it up.

  2. Top and bottom cooking: 180 °C. Turbo cooking: 170 °C

  3. Cut the dough in half. Get 30 pieces of dough. Place the first 15 pieces of dough, one by one, into the mold, greasing them lightly with butter. Spread the cake dough you have prepared on it. Line the remaining 15 pieces of dough on top of each other by applying butter in between. Slice it into squares with a sharp knife and bake. Cooking time: Approximately 40–45 minutes.


Syrup and Serving:

  1. Let the baklava come out of the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes, and pour the cold syrup you have prepared over it. Let it sit for 3–4 hours and serve.

Buon appetito!

NOTE:
  • Cover the cake with aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge for about 7 days.


  • Use the contact form for questions or advice.

  • I would be happy if you would comment on my recipes and give them a like.

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Trieste, FVG, Italy

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