Name: Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 36 small servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; ½ cup water; 1 tablespoon honey; 3 strips orange peel each about 4x1 inch; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ⅛ teaspoon cloves; ½ cup walnuts toasted and chopped fine; 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped fine; ⅔ cup finely chopped dried cranberries; ¼ cup sugar; 1 ½ teaspoon orange zest; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ⅛ teaspoon cloves; 1 cup unsalted butter; 24 sheets frozen phyllo dough thawed in the refrigerator overnight

Just when you thought dessert couldn’t get any better, I bring to youOrange and Nut Baklava. It is crisp, flaky, and filled with a delicious orange, cranberry, and nut mixture.

Top view of baklava in a pan with oranges and cranberries around the dish.

Orange and Nut Baklava is made with paper thin phyllo dough layers. It boasts the delightful addition of orange zest, dried cranberries, walnuts, and pecans. Baklava might seem intimidating because there are a several steps involved, but it is actually simple to make at home and so delicious. This recipe is from my sister-in-law Beth, and it’s amazing!

Baklava is a pastry that originates from Turkey. It is made up with layers of phyllo dough that is brushed with butter and filled with a mixture made up of orange peel, dried cranberries, and nuts. Then a sugary syrup in poured over the top. Mouth watering right?! You may also want to try myChocolate and Pecan Baklava Recipe.

A close up of a plate with three slices of baklava on it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baklava is a great dessert to have up your sleeve because it is something unique that most people don’t eat very often and it is so, so good!
Everyone will marvel at your culinary skills.
It is a great make-ahead dessert because the flavors are even better the next day.

🍲 If cranberries are your berry of choice, then you may also enjoy mycranberry salsa recipewith options for adjusting spiciness!

Recipe Ingredients

Butter –Unsalted
Phyllo dough– Frozen
Sugar –Granulated
Honey
Orange –You will need the peel and zest
Spices –Cinnamon, allspice, cloves
Walnuts
Pecans
Cranberries –Dried

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava

Step 1.Boil syrup ingredients for 5 minutes, then cool.

Step 2.Combine filling ingredients.

Step 3.Layer buttered phyllo sheets, add filling, and top with more phyllo.

Step 4.Cut, bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, pour cooled syrup over hot baklava, and cool.

Recipe FAQs

How do I thaw phyllo dough?

Phyllo dough is frozen so you will want to remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for 24 hours prior to making the Baklava.

Can you use other nuts in Baklava?

Baklava traditionally is made with pistachios but any variation would be good. The most common nuts used in Baklava are pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.

How do I store Baklava?

Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Storing it at room temperature helps to preserve the crispiness.Already baked Baklava can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Where can I buy phyllo dough?

Phyllo dough can be found in most grocery stores in the frozen section near the pie crusts.

A close up of baklava in a glass baking dish.

Expert Tips

Boil the syrup for exactly 5 minutesand allow it tocool completelybefore pouring it over the hot baklava to ensure it absorbs evenly anddoesn’t make the phyllo soggy.
Keep thephyllo sheets covered with a damp towelwhile working to prevent them fromdrying out and becoming brittle.
Clarify the butter by skimming off the milky solidsafter melting to prevent them from burning and ensure aclear, golden finishon the phyllo layers.
Make sure tocut the baklava into pieces before bakingto help itbake evenlyandabsorb the syrupthoroughly.

A top view of a plate and pan of baklava with oranges and cranberries next to it.

How to Serve and Store Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava

This is traditionally served around Christmas time and goes great after a meal ofoven roasted turkey breast,mashed potatoes, andstuffing. If you have extra cranberries, try mycranberry orange breadorwhite chocolate and craisin granola bars.

Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Storing it at room temperature helps to preserve the crispiness. Already baked Baklava can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.