Basque Cherry Baklava

Recipe

Basque Cherry Baklava

Cherry Delight: Basque Twist on Traditional Baklava

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Basque cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic Turkish dessert, baklava. Basque Cherry Baklava combines the buttery layers of phyllo pastry with a luscious cherry filling, creating a mouthwatering treat that will transport you to the heart of Basque country.

Jan Dec
Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Vişneli baklava
Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Turkish cuisine
European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine› Basque cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Total time

1 hour 5 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Halal, Kosher

Allergens

Wheat (in phyllo pastry), Dairy (in butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo

Ingredients

In this Basque adaptation of the traditional Turkish baklava, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Basque cuisine. Instead of using traditional nuts like pistachios or walnuts, we replace them with a sweet cherry filling. This adds a fruity and tangy element to the dish, which is characteristic of Basque desserts. Additionally, we infuse the baklava with a hint of lemon juice to enhance the cherry flavor and provide a refreshing twist. We alse have the original recipe for Vişneli baklava, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
  • Fat: 20g (total), 12g (saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 40g (total), 20g (sugars)
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2.
    In a bowl, combine the sweet cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
  3. 3.
    Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
  4. 4.
    Layer half of the phyllo pastry sheets in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  5. 5.
    Spread the cherry filling evenly over the phyllo pastry.
  6. 6.
    Layer the remaining phyllo pastry sheets on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  7. 7.
    Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
  8. 8.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
  9. 9.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  10. 10.
    Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Phyllo pastry — Handle the phyllo pastry sheets gently to prevent tearing. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.
  • Sweet cherries — Choose ripe and juicy cherries for the filling. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Tips & Tricks

  • To achieve a crispy baklava, make sure to brush each layer of phyllo pastry generously with melted butter.
  • Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the pastry to become crispier.
  • Serve the baklava at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best texture and taste.
  • If you prefer a sweeter baklava, you can drizzle honey over the top before serving.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Basque Cherry Baklava as a delightful dessert after a Basque-inspired meal. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diamond or square-shaped baklava pieces on a serving platter, allowing the layers to be visible. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. Serve on colorful plates or with Basque-themed tableware to enhance the presentation.

More recipes...