Name: Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pistachios (provides a rich, crunchy texture); 1 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warm aroma); 12 sheets phyllo dough (for flaky texture); 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing layers); 1 cup honey (adds sticky finish); 1 cup water (to thin the syrup); 1 cup milk (brings creaminess); 4 large egg yolks (enrich the custard); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor); powdered sugar for dusting (adds sweetness and elegance)

↓ Jump to Recipe

Pin the Recipe

As I walked through the bustling holiday markets, the enticing aroma of honey and spices wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to the heart of festive traditions. Today, I'm thrilled to share a special creation from my kitchen—the Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath. This delightful treat not only combines the rich flavors of traditional baklava but also adds a creamy custard twist that makes it an unforgettable centerpiece for your holiday table. With quick prep and plenty of wow-factor, this wreath is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to bring this delightful dessert to life, you'll wonder how it ever felt like a labor-intensive project. Ready to elevate your festive baking? Let’s dive in!

Why is this baklava wreath special?

Unique Flavor Combination: The delightful marriage of rich baklava and creamy custard creates a memorable dessert experience.

Eye-Catching Presentation: Shaped like a charming wreath, this treat adds a stunning visual appeal to your holiday table, making it a centerpiece everyone will admire.

Quick and Easy: With just a 30-minute prep time, you can have this impressive dessert ready in no time, allowing you to focus on creating memories instead of spending all day in the kitchen.

Versatile Delight: Ideal for festive gatherings or cozy family nights, this recipe can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature. Don't miss out on pairing this dessert with other holiday favorites like Christmas Thumbprint Cookies for an irresistible spread!

Crowd Favorite: Its rich flavors and stunning appearance are sure to impress your guests, leaving them craving more and asking for the recipe!

Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath Ingredients

Prepare to create a beautiful masterpiece that will delight all your holiday guests! Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Nut Filling
• Finely chopped walnuts or pistachios – these nuts provide a rich, crunchy texture in your baklava.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness that balances the nutty flavors beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon – sprinkle this in for a warm, holiday-spiced aroma that fills your home.

For the Phyllo Layers
• Phyllo dough sheets – the key to achieving that flaky, layered texture that baklava is famous for!
• Melted butter – brushing each layer ensures that your wreath comes out golden and crispy.

For the Honey Syrup
• Honey – this sweetener adds that essential sticky finish that makes baklava irresistible.
• Water – helps to thin the syrup for the perfect consistency.

For the Custard Center
• Milk – brings creaminess to the custard, making it luscious and rich.
• Egg yolks – these enrich the custard and help it set beautifully.
• Cornstarch – thickens the custard to the perfect smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the custard flavor and adds a hint of warmth.

For the Finishing Touch
• Powdered sugar – a light dusting adds extra sweetness and a touch of elegance to your wreath.

Now that you have all the magical ingredients for your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath, let’s bring this festive delight to life!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Mixture
In a bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pistachios with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended and set this fragrant mixture aside as it will add that delicious, nutty flavor to your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a baking dish and brush the bottom and sides with melted butter. This will ensure that your wreath doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden after baking.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough
Unroll the phyllo dough sheets and layer half of them evenly in the prepared dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Aim for a total of about 6-8 layers, ensuring they’re well-coated. This creates the flaky base of your baklava!

Step 4: Add the Nut Filling
Evenly sprinkle the previously prepared nut mixture over the layered phyllo dough. The crunchy nuts mixed with sugar and cinnamon should create a delightful layer of flavor in your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath, contributing to its holiday charm.

Step 5: Finish Layering the Phyllo
Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top of the nut mixture, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Use about 6-8 additional layers, creating a total of 12-16 sheets, to form a delicious, flaky top for your wreath.

Step 6: Shape the Wreath
With a sharp knife, gently cut through all layers of the dough into a circular wreath shape. Make sure to cut all the way down to the pan, which will create those characteristic pieces for your deliciously festive Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath.

Step 7: Bake the Wreath
Place your assembled baklava in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and crispy, allowing those buttery layers to shine. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 8: Prepare the Honey Syrup
While the baklava bakes, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it comes to a simmer, then let it reduce slightly for about 5-7 minutes before removing it from the heat and setting aside.

Step 9: Heat the Milk
In another saucepan, warm 1 cup of milk along with the remaining sugar until it’s just warm to the touch. This step is essential for creating the creamy custard that perfectly complements the baklava layers in your festive wreath.

Step 10: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into this bowl while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling the eggs, ensuring a smooth custard base.

Step 11: Cook the Custard
Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat while stirring frequently. This will thicken the custard, creating a luscious filling that seeps into the layers of the Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath, enhancing its indulgent flavor.

Step 12: Drizzle the Honey Syrup
Once the baklava is baked to a golden perfection, pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes to absorb that sweet goodness. This step is crucial for amplifying the flavor profile of your wreath!

Step 13: Pour in the Custard
After the soaking time, carefully pour the prepared custard into the center of the wreath. Allow it to seep into the layers of baklava, enriching each bite and making your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath an unforgettable centerpiece.

Step 14: Dust and Serve
Before serving, dust the top of the wreath with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. Cut into pieces and share this beautiful dessert with family and friends, reveling in the festive spirit and delightful flavors you’ve created!

Make Ahead Options

These Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreaths are perfect for busy holiday planners! You can prepare the nut filling and buttery phyllo layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply layer the phyllo in your baking dish, sprinkle the nut mixture, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When it's time to serve, just preheat your oven and bake as directed. To ensure the custard stays creamy and doesn’t curdle, prepare it fresh right before pouring it into the wreath, allowing for that just-made taste. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of having your festive centerpiece ready to go while still providing a deliciously impressive dessert!

Expert Tips for Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath

Nut Choice: Use fresh nuts: Freshly chopped walnuts or pistachios bring the best flavor to your baklava, elevating your Christmas wreath.

Phyllo Care: Keep covered: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work to maintain their moisture.

Layering Secret: Brush generously: Don't skimp on the melted butter when layering phyllo. This ensures a crispy, golden finish for your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath.

Custard Consistency: Whisk constantly: When adding milk to the egg mixture, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth custard perfect for your wreath.

Soaking Time: Be patient: Let the honey syrup soak in for 20 minutes after baking. This helps to infuse rich flavors throughout your baklava, creating a delightful dessert.

Presentation Tip: Dust before serving: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only enhances the wreath’s appearance but also adds a subtle sweetness to each slice.

Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath Variations

Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this lovely holiday dessert!

Nut-Free: Substitute the nuts with crushed graham crackers or oatmeal for a different texture.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and a plant-based butter to make this treat suitable for dairy-free diets.
Flavor Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens every bite.
Chocolate Drizzle: After adding the honey syrup, melt dark chocolate and drizzle it on top before dusting with powdered sugar.
Extra Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the nut mixture to enhance the warm, spiced flavor profile.
Fruity Addition: Toss in dried cranberries or apricots with the nuts for a burst of fruity flavor and chewy texture.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a touch of cayenne pepper into the honey syrup for a surprising heat that contrasts with the sweetness.
Vegan Custard: Substitute the egg yolks with silken tofu blended until smooth for a rich, egg-free custard option.

These variations not only cater to different preferences, but they also have the potential to impress your guests with unique flavors. For a delightful finish, consider pairing this gorgeous wreath with some festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies to round out your holiday dessert spread!

What to Serve with Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath

As you prepare to delight in this stunning dessert, consider these perfect companions that will elevate your festive meal.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with fresh fruits adds a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of your wreath. A sprinkle of granola can introduce a delightful crunch!
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A warm cup of coffee infused with cinnamon enhances the flavors, making every bite of baklava even more comforting. It’s like a cozy embrace in a cup!
Mint Tea: The refreshing herbal notes of mint tea cleanse the palate and provide a soothing finish to this rich dessert, making it an ideal pairing for any holiday gathering.
Chocolate Mint Cookies: For a sweet final touch, this classic cookie, with its minty twist, complements the honey and nut flavor profile while adding an indulgent touch.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad drizzled with honey offers a fresh contrast, balancing the sweetness of your baklava-custard creation with bright, zesty flavors.
Pistachio Ice Cream: Creamy and nutty, this delightful dessert pairs beautifully with the nut-filled wreath, ensuring an extra layer of decadence with each spoonful!
Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced drink creates a perfect holiday atmosphere and complements the spices used in baklava, enhancing the festivity of your table.

How to Store and Freeze Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath

Room Temperature: Store your baklava-custard wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the layers crispy and the flavors intact.

Fridge: If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The custard may soften the phyllo slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Freezer: You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: To warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that lovely crispness before enjoying your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath!

Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right nuts for this baklava?
Absolutely! Freshly chopped walnuts or pistachios are ideal for your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath. When selecting, look for nuts that are fragrant and have no dark spots. This freshness will enhance the flavor of your wreath and add a delicious crunch!

How long can I store my baklava-custard wreath?
You can store your baklava-custard wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you're looking to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just keep in mind that the custard might soften the phyllo slightly, but it will still be just as tasty!

Can I freeze this dessert?
Very much! You can freeze individual slices of your Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath for up to 2 months. First, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they're good to go!

How do I reheat baklava without losing its crispiness?
To ensure your baklava retains its delightful crispiness when reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that flaky texture and make it even more enjoyable!

What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
If your custard mixture doesn't thicken as intended, don't fret! This can happen if the heat is too low or the whisking isn’t vigorous enough. If you find it too runny, you can return it to the saucepan over medium heat while stirring frequently until it thickens. Ensure your egg yolks are fully incorporated, and remember, consistency is key.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
While the Baklava-Custard Christmas Wreath does contain nuts, if you’re catering to someone with nut allergies, you can try substituting the nuts with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. However, ensure all other ingredients are free of any allergens and carefully check food labels to guarantee safety!