Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava

If you’re a fan of both baklava and Nutella, then you’re in for a delightful treat with this Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava. This indulgent twist on the traditional Middle Eastern pastry combines the flaky, buttery layers of phyllo dough with the rich, creamy sweetness of Nutella and the luscious melt of chocolate chips. It’s a dessert that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of making this delectable dessert!

The Upside of Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava

Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava brings a modern and exciting twist to a classic dessert. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

• Unique Flavor Combination: The richness of Nutella paired with semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that elevates traditional baklava.
• Impressive Appearance: This baklava looks stunning with its golden layers and drizzled chocolate, perfect for serving at gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a magnificent dessert without any fuss.
• Make Ahead: Baklava can be made in advance, making it a great option for parties or holiday gatherings.

What Goes Into Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava

To make this scrumptious Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1-pound box phyllo dough (about 18 large sheets)
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups Nutella
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup honey

Hardware & Gadgets

Here’s what you’ll need to successfully whip up this delightful dessert:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for layering your baklava.
• Pastry brush: Essential for applying the melted butter on the phyllo dough.
• Sharp knife: For cutting your baklava into pieces before baking.
• Medium saucepan: To prepare the syrup that will soak into your baklava.
• Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients like Nutella and chocolate chips.

Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava Cooking Guide

Follow these easy steps to create your Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take your phyllo dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with some melted butter. This will help prevent sticking and ensure a golden finish.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough

Unroll the phyllo dough carefully, keeping it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Place one sheet in the baking dish, brush it generously with melted butter, and repeat this process for about 8 sheets. Each layer should be brushed with butter to ensure that your baklava turns out flaky and delicious.

Step 4: Add Nutella and Chocolate Chips

Once you have your base layers, spread 1 cup of Nutella over the layered phyllo dough, then sprinkle half of the chocolate chips on top.

Step 5: Continue Layering

Add another layer of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter as you go. Repeat the layering process until you have used about 8 more sheets.

Step 6: Top with Nutella and Chocolate

Spread the remaining 1 cup of Nutella over the last layer of phyllo, followed by the rest of the chocolate chips.

Step 7: Final Layers

Finish by adding another 8 sheets of phyllo dough on top, brushing each with melted butter. Make sure to brush the final layer generously with butter.

Step 8: Cut the Baklava

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This will allow the syrup to soak in better later.

Step 9: Bake

Place your baklava in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Prepare the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of honey in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

Step 11: Soak the Baklava

Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled syrup over it while it’s still hot. This will ensure that all the layers soak in the delicious syrup.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. This will help the syrup soak in and the layers to hold together nicely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy your Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Want to elevate your baklava even further? Here are some seasonal flavor boosts you can try:

• Chopped nuts: Add walnuts, pistachios, or almonds for a crunch.
• Cinnamon: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon in between layers for warmth.
• Orange zest: Brighten it up with a hint of citrus.
• Cardamom: Add a unique floral flavor that complements the chocolate.

Learn from These Mistakes

Making baklava can be tricky at times. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Dry phyllo dough: Always keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.
• Skipping the butter: Don’t skimp on the butter between layers; it’s what makes baklava flaky and delicious.
• Not cutting before baking: Always cut your baklava before baking to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
• Pouring hot syrup on hot baklava: Let the syrup cool before pouring it over hot baklava for the best texture.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Baklava keeps surprisingly well! Here’s how to store your leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store baklava in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the baklava in individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• Reheat: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I make baklava ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare baklava a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature. The flavors will deepen overnight!

What can I substitute for Nutella?

If you need a substitute, try using chocolate hazelnut spread or even a homemade chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Is baklava gluten-free?

Traditional baklava is made with phyllo dough, which contains gluten. You can try using gluten-free phyllo dough for a gluten-free version.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pistachios, almonds, or pecans. They all add their own unique flavor and texture.

What to Make After This

If you enjoyed making Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava, you might want to try your hand at these delicious recipes:

• Baklava with Mixed Nuts
• Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
• Nutella Stuffed Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Muffins

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you’ve crafted this Nutella Chocolate Chip Baklava, it’s time to serve it up! The rich flavors, flaky textures, and sweet syrup will make it a hit at any gathering. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive party, your guests will be raving about this unique dessert.

The combination of Nutella and baklava is truly a celebration of flavors. So gather your loved ones, share stories, and indulge in this delightful treat. Enjoy every bite and the joy it brings to your table!