Baklava has always been a showstopper at any gathering, a sweet treat that brings people together with its rich flavors and flaky texture. My journey to veganism opened up a world of possibilities, and I found a way to create this classic dessert using minimal, high-quality ingredients. This vegan baklava is not only easy to make but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any table.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of vegan phyllo dough (typically found in the freezer section)
– 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
– 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
– 1 cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped pistachios for garnish
**Instructions:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions. Once thawed, keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This nutty mixture will form the delicious filling of your baklava.
Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and brush the bottom with melted coconut oil. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish, and brush it with more melted coconut oil. Repeat this process, layering about 6-8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer generously with oil.
Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo. Add 2-3 more layers of phyllo, brushing each one with oil. Continue this pattern of layering phyllo and sprinkling the nut mixture until all the nuts are used, finishing with 6-8 layers of phyllo on top.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking. This will help with serving later on.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and flaky.
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Once the baklava is out of the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over the entire dish. Allow it to soak in and cool for at least 1 hour. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb.
For an extra touch, garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
Indulge in the layers of flaky goodness and rich, nutty flavors. Share this delightful vegan baklava with friends and family, and watch as they savor each bite, perhaps even converting a few skeptics along the way! Enjoy!