Crispy, Nutty, and Vegan Bakllava Redefined

Bakllava, a decadent dessert with roots in the Ottoman Empire, is a beloved treat in Albania and an essential feature in festivities and family gatherings.

Often layered with nuts and syrup, traditional bakllava is not always suitable for vegans, due to the use of honey and butter.

However, MagicTowns.al is pleased to guide you through a vegan-friendly rendition that retains the indulgent spirit of this classic dish. By following this recipe, you can create a delectable vegan Bakllava that everyone can enjoy.

Vegan Albanian Bakllava Recipe

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 45 min 

Total Time: 55 min 

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 lb phyllo dough 
• 1 lb walnuts, chopped 
• 1/4 cup semolina flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup vegan butter, softened 
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup maple syrup 
• 1/2 lemon, squeezed 
• 1/2 lemon for garnish 

How to Make Vegan Baklava (Step-by-Step)

1. Start by preheating your oven to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). 
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the walnuts, semolina, cinnamon, and cloves. Brush a baking dish with a little vegan butter.
3. Lay two sheets of the phyllo dough into the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush with a good amount of softened butter. Repeat this process three more times, so you are left with 6-7 sheets of phyllo dough. 
4. Add two heaped tablespoons of the walnut mixture on top, then, add two sheets of dough; brush them with butter. Repeat the process until you run out of ingredients. 
5. Now, cut your baklava into squares, using a sharp knife; make sure to leave an inch from the bottom of the dish.
6. Bake your baklava in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until golden on top.
7. Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup. In a deep saucepan, heat the sugar and water; bring to a rapid boil. Once it’s boiling, add in the maple syrup, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes; add the lemon juice.
8. Afterwards, pour the sugar syrup over warm baklava. Garnish with lemon slices and let it cool completely. Enjoy! 

Chef’s note: You can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, and ground cloves for anise. Pistachios can be a great substitute for walnuts in this Balkan delight.

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