Chocolate Brownie Baklava – New decadence in an ancient treat.
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Baklava is among the oldest and yet modern day delicacies known to us, dating back to the 13th century in Turkey where some believe that it originated. Others dispute that claim, saying that it is an ancient treat enjoyed by the Romans and subsequently enjoyed by the Byzantine empire. Honey and nut based sweets were popular all those years ago and remain popular to this day. I can’t help but wonder what those folks would have thought of this treat if they could see and taste what we did to it right here in Neenah, Wisconsin in the year 2015.  We added chocolate.
Chocolate Brownie Baklava
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I can’t think of too many things that chocolate doesn’t make better. Chocolate milk, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate covered grasshoppers (just checking to see if you’re reading,) and now: Chocolate baklava.
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We had some leftover fillo dough from the Greek Chicken and Rice in Fillo Dough post we put together a couple of weeks ago. We’ve worked with fillo in the past, including the delicious Brat Bites we did a year or so back and I wanted to find yet another recipe to make using this paper thin pastry.
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Many people have mentioned they are reluctant to use fillo dough because it intimidates them. I call it fear of fillo syndrome (FFS) and like many other things that we are afraid of it is best dealt with by simply facing this fear. Or in this case, facing the fillo.
One of the secrets of using fillo is to work quickly, and keeping the stack covered with either a plastic wrap or a moist towel when removing individual sheets. It will dry out in a matter of seconds if this is not done.
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Adding “moisturizer” to the fillo is perhaps the very best part of any recipe that uses it. What is used to keep it from drying out as it is being used? Good ole’ butta. And lots of it.  This recipe however uses a key ingredient that some, including your truly, may consider even better than butter; that would be chocolate. The chocolate, when combined with the walnuts and fillo slathered in butter, takes this ancient treat to a new level of decadence. It’s a new use for chocolate and one more method of losing your fear of fillo.
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Chocolate Brownie Baklava
Ingredients
for the brownie batter
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate squares
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs large
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup flour all-purpose
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups walnuts chopped and divided
for the baklava
- 16 oz fillo dough thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1.5 cups honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- For the brownie batter melt the butter and chocolate squares in a large microwave safe bowl for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted. Let cool slightly before stirring in the sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the flour and cinnamon. Fold in 1-½ cups chopped walnuts. Set brownie batter aside.
- Roll fillo dough out onto a work surface. Place a 9x13-inch baking dish in the center of the fillo and cut around the edges with a sharp knife so that the fillo sheets are shaped to fit the dish. Cover the fillo with a damp cloth while you are assembling the baklava.
- Melt 1 cup butter in a microwave safe bowl. Spread the bottom and sides of the 9x13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter. Place a sheet of fillo in the bottom of the baking dish and brush generously with the melted butter. Repeat with 6 more sheets of fillo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter..
- Spread half of the brownie batter evenly over the 7 sheets of fillo that are in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 6 more sheets of fillo dough, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter, on top of the brownie layer. Spread the remaining brownie batter over the middle layers of fillo dough.
- Top the second layer of brownie batter with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Using a sharp knife, cut the unbaked baklava into 24 squares. Brush with remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until baklava is golden and starting to crisp on top. Remove from the oven and drizzle with 1 cup honey. Let baklava set for 3 hours then drizzle with remaining ½ cup honey before cutting and serving
Nutrition
Dawn Conklin says
There was a guy who used to have a stand set up in our local mall with all sorts of delicious treats along with coffee. I used to love to get a baklava often, they were so amazing! I was devastated when he left (the mall started dying out.)
The combination of brownie and baklava sounds like a perfect match!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Baklava is one of our favorites too, Dawn!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
You have put two great recipes together here, Genius idea!
The Food Hunter says
I wasn’t hungry until I saw this!
Chef Mireille says
a great fusion of two great desserts
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
OK…so is this awesome or what!!! Two delicious desserts rolled into one YUMMY creation. Sound totally addictive…and you will for sure want more than one piece!!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
NOH-MY_GAWD!!! You did not just combine brownies with Baklava!!!! I’m going to dieee!!! And FFS (you are a darling for giving it a name, now I can tell people about it) – It is so real, isn’t it! I live in perpetual fear of it!
[email protected] says
Chocolate does make everything better and these look mouth watering.
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
Haha, I definitely suffer from FFS. But I will have to overcome it in order to make this DELICIOUS-sounding baklava, because CHOCOLATE, hello. And lots o’ buttah? Sign me up!
Dannii says
We ate some amazing baklava when we were island hopping round Greece, but nothing like this. What an amazing flavour combo.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Two of my favourite things in one recipe. Heaven.
Cricket Plunkett says
Two of my favorite desserts! This sounds out of this world!
Carlos At Spoonabilities says
I MUST try this recipe ASAP. Baklava is one of my favorite desserts + Brownie = Magnificent Idea!!!
The pictures look superb!
Congratulation guys on this post!!
Sabrina | The Tomato Tart says
These are not only best but also a killer one. Delicious brownies, love it!
Dahn @savorthebest says
wow a brownie baklava, what a great idea! This sounds amazing
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, we loved this one!
Sarah says
This idea of a dessert is just genius. You are a genius for sharing this recipe and I am going to be a genius when I make and share it at my next holiday party. Woo!
Kristine says
Once again, you’ve got me! This looks delicious! I cannot wait to try it!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Wow these are so decadent! I bet these taste amazing!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you, Emily!
[email protected] says
These look so Awesome!!! And chocolate does make everything better except for Grasshoppers..not..haha
Evi says
oh hell yes! love that you combined baklava and brownies!
Dan from Platter Talk says
I’m pretty sure you’re my kinda gal, Evi!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
What a genius combination of two of my favorite desserts- I would be thrilled to find this on any holiday dessert table!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Jessey; we were please how this one came out!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Wow, this is nothing short of spectacular! Pinning and sharing!
Tania Sheff says
Two of my favorite desserts combined together! Love this!
Dan from Platter Talk says
That seems to be the consensus with this one!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This looks so decadent! Everything is better with chocolate, right?
Dan from Platter Talk says
Yes, Karen; absolutely correct!
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
I am a fan of Baklava but I have never tried adding chocolate to it. You are right, though, chocolate makes everything better so I am surely trying this!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Igor, you’re going to love this!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
I don’t have a fear of phyllo dough – per se, but I usually moderate my intake because of the copious amounts of butter that you use to layer it with! LOL – But if we’re going all out with brownies, too — who am I to say no?
Dan from Platter Talk says
Lisa, there are certain things that are probably best not to obsess about; the amount of butter found in baklava is surely one of them đŸ™‚
Julie says
That looks fabulous to share with guests and to give as little gifts to friends and family. Yum!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Great idea, Julie! Sadly, there is usually none leftover at our house!
Shinee says
Whoa, that’s genius!! I bet those folks who created this treat would definitely approve your brownie twist! LOVE IT!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, I would have to hope!
Anjali says
Pretty much the best combination i’ve ever seen! what a great idea…perfect mix between both. This sounds delicious!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, in all honesty, these are as mouth watering as depicted in the photos.
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
What a creative mashup! I love brownies, I love baklava – I’ve never thought about putting the two together.
Amy @ Pressure Cook Recipes says
Love eating baklava! This chocolate brownie one looks yummy. đŸ™‚
Tara | Deliciously Declassified says
Wow! Chocolate and baklava together?! That sounds like a delicious combination.
Rylee says
Yes, please. I’ll take 2 batches!!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Coming ring up!
Ciao Florentina says
Look at this beauty ! I love the twist you put on this baklava, wow amazing, I would have never thought !
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, these are pretty addictive and really quite easy to put together!
Oana @AdoreFoods says
Guys, you are absolutely killing me right now! Would love a couple of those perfect squares…NOW!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Have at it, Oana! Thanks for the comments!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
I cannot stop drooling. I just had lunch and these pictures make me want to dive right in and enjoy!! Wonderful recipe — thank you!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Ha! Drool away, we won’t judge! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Brandy M. says
WOW!! You have taken two amazing desserts and turned them into an ooey gooey delicious dessert that will be wowed over at all these holiday parties.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks Brandy, we had a lot of fun making these!
Choclette says
Haha, what a brilliant idea. I’ve made chocolate baklava before, but this is something else altogether. I bet the mix of fudgy and crispy was delightful.
Dan from Platter Talk says
You are so right! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a nice comment!
[email protected] says
What a genius idea!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
How right you are that chocolate makes everything better (especially chocolate brownies — duh!). These looks so good! Worth every napkin used to wipe up! Nice!
Judy says
Oh my gosh… two of my favorite things combine in one delicious dessert!!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Judy. Ours too!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
I grew up eating my Grandma’s baklava and i love it! This one looks fantastic! Never had brownie baklava though but I must try it now that I have the recipe!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Lucky you, Neli! I think you’ll enjoy this chocolatey variation!
2 Sisters Recipes says
LOVE it! Genius idea! I just printed this recipe, which I think may be a wonderful treat for this Easter holiday!
Thanks for sharing boys! Great job.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you, Ladies!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
I have no leftover sheets of phyllo, but I’m willing to go out and buy a box, just to try this recipe. Gorgeous and beyond mouth-watering.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Laura, Thanks for the great comments. We are pretty happy with this one!
Nicole Neverman says
You are a genius! This is absolutely fantastic, it ticks all the right boxes. I adore brownie and I love baklava so the two together is just WOW!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Nicole; we brought these to our new Rodan+Fields business launch last night and there were not even any FLAKES of the phyllo leftover đŸ™‚
Debi @ Life Currents says
Yum! Feel free to bake some and mail them to me! hee hee They look fabulous!
Dan from Platter Talk says
All we need is an addy, Debi! đŸ™‚
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
Now you guys know I don’t indulge in sweets very often, but I just may have to try this recipe…these look heavenly!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you Linda!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
I am totally mimicking the “not worthy” pose to you. This is so creative and droolishious (if that is a word.)
Dan from Platter Talk says
LOL, Oh, Sandi. You crack us up! We love your work and we love reading your comments!
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
You guys! Holy awesome idea! And with gorgeous pics to go with. You are really inspiring me with this one – absolutely brilliant đŸ™‚
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Erica. Ironically, we get a great deal of inspiration from you!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
This is genius! Plain and simple.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Takes one to know one! Thanks so much, Patty.
Kevin | keviniscooking says
Holy smokes you guys are killing me with this one. Awesome… đŸ™‚
Dan from Platter Talk says
Hey, Thank you Kevin!!
Catherine says
I love Baklava…I have not made it in ages though. I am really craving this. Beautiful job. Have a splendid day, Catherine
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Catherine!
Tara says
My daughter would think she had died and gone to heaven, two of her favorites together at last!!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
What fun fusion!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Tasty too! Thanks Peter!
Susie Gall says
Genius!! That is the best I can come up with – GENIUS!! (…and, your photos are fantastic!)
Dan from Platter Talk says
Coming from you we are forced to take your comments as a huge compliment; thank so much Susie!