Description
Baklava Star Bread is a delightful and visually stunning pastry inspired by traditional baklava. Layers of soft, yeast-raised dough are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a spiced walnut filling. The dough is carefully cut and twisted into a beautiful star shape before baking to golden perfection. A sweet sugar syrup is drizzled over the warm bread, enhancing its rich flavors and providing a luscious finish. Perfect as a festive centerpiece or a special treat to share with family and friends.
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
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110° to 115°F). Let it stand for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, 1/4 cup sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then continue adding additional flour a little at a time until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until soft and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, combine chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Roll Dough Circles: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- Layer and Fill: Place the first dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the walnut mixture. Repeat this layering process with the second, third, and fourth dough circles, brushing each layer with butter and sprinkling the walnut filling.
- Cut and Shape Star: Use a sharp knife to score the stacked dough into a star shape, leaving a small circle in the center. Carefully twist each point of the star to form the distinctive shape.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped star bread to rise for an additional 20 minutes to develop fluffiness before baking.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the star bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Syrup: While the bread bakes, heat 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a simple syrup.
- Apply Syrup: Remove the baked star bread from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm sugar syrup over it, allowing it to soak in and add a sweet glaze.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly to set the syrup before serving. Enjoy this beautiful and flavorful baklava-inspired bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Twisting the star points gently is key to maintaining the bread’s shape without deflating the dough.
- For a richer syrup, you could add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of honey while heating the sugar and water.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
