These Baklava Babka Buns combine two beloved pastries into one irresistible treat. Soft, twisted sweet rolls filled with a rich walnut-pistachio filling and soaked in fragrant honey syrup, these buns offer the perfect fusion of babka and baklava. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these buns are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Irresistible Fusion: A beautiful blend of babka’s soft, enriched dough and the nutty, syrupy richness of baklava.
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Flavorful and Aromatic: With a walnut-pistachio filling and honey syrup, these buns are packed with warm, comforting spices and nutty goodness.
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Perfectly Sweet: The honey syrup soaks into the buns for a rich, sweet finish, making each bite truly indulgent.
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Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes 12 buns, ideal for serving at a brunch, family gathering, or as a special treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
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½ cup warm milk
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2 eggs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
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1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
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½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
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Add wet ingredients: Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until the dough begins to form.
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Knead: Knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Combine the nuts and spices: In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
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Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
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Brush with butter: Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, making sure to cover the surface evenly.
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Add the filling: Spread the nut mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
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Roll up the dough: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
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Cut into strips: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal strips.
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Twist and shape into buns: Take each strip, twist it gently, and then coil it into a bun shape. Place the buns in a greased baking pan.
Step 4: Second Rise and Bake
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Let the buns rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
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Preheat the oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake the buns: Once the buns have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Syrup
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Make the syrup: While the buns are baking, combine honey, water, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is melted and the syrup is warm.
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Set aside: Let the syrup cool slightly until the buns are done baking.
Step 6: Soak the Buns
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Pour the syrup: Once the buns are golden brown and out of the oven, pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the buns. Let them soak for a few minutes, allowing the syrup to soak into the dough.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
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Serve warm: These buns are best served warm. Enjoy the perfect balance of soft dough, crunchy nuts, and sweet honey syrup.
Tips and Tricks for Success
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Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can make the buns dense. Mix just until combined and knead until smooth.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
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For a golden crust: If you prefer a golden brown top, brush the buns with a little melted butter before baking.
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Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the nut filling for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store
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At room temperature: These buns are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
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Freezing: If you have leftovers, these buns freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a ziplock bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut filling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have walnuts or pistachios, you can substitute other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a different flavor.
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before and let the buns rise in the fridge overnight. Just bake them the next morning and soak in the honey syrup.
Can I skip the honey syrup?
While the honey syrup gives these buns the signature baklava sweetness, you can skip it for a less sweet version. Alternatively, you could use a different glaze or syrup, like maple syrup or a simple sugar glaze.
How can I prevent the buns from getting too soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to let the syrup soak into the buns for only a few minutes after baking. If you prefer a lighter coating, drizzle the syrup over the top without soaking it fully.
Conclusion
These Baklava Babka Buns are the perfect combination of two beloved desserts—soft, fluffy babka rolls filled with a rich nut mixture and soaked in sweet honey syrup. They’re indulgent, fragrant, and perfect for a special breakfast or dessert. With just the right amount of sweetness and texture, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and treat yourself to a bite of bliss!
Print
Baklava Babka Buns
- Total Time: 75 Minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings (12 buns)
Description
Soft, twisted sweet rolls filled with a walnut-pistachio filling and soaked in honey syrup, combining two beloved baked goods – babka and baklava!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk
2 eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
½ cup honey
¼ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
Knead until smooth and elastic (you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step).
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine walnuts, pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon.
Stir until the nuts are evenly coated in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Assemble the Buns:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Brush the dough with melted butter, then evenly spread the nut filling over the entire surface.
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then cut it into strips (about 1 inch wide).
Twist each strip and coil it into a bun, placing them into the prepared pan.
Let the Buns Rise:
Cover the buns and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Bake the buns at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Prepare the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and vanilla extract.
Heat over low heat until the honey dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
Soak the Buns:
Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and pour the honey syrup evenly over the warm buns.
Let the buns soak up the syrup before serving.
Notes
These buns combine the soft, twisted dough of babka with the nutty filling and honey syrup of baklava.
For extra flavor, try adding orange zest to the syrup or cardamom to the filling.
These buns are best served warm with a drizzle of syrup.
Tools You’ll Need:
Mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Rolling pin
Baking pan
Pastry brush
Small saucepan
Allergy Information:
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
- Prep Time: 45 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Freshly Baked Breads
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
