Apple Rum Baklava Recipe

Ingredients for Apple Rum Baklava

• 4 medium apples (about 4 cups), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) walnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• Raisins
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum (or substitute with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons lemon zest)
• Cinnamon
• 1 package (14.1 oz/400g) phyllo dough, thawed
• Butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey

How to Make Apple Rum Baklava

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; and 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum (or substitute with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons lemon zest).
3. Mix well.
4. Peel, core, and thinly slice 4 medium apples (about 4 cups). Add sliced apples to the mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Trim 8 sheets of phyllo dough to fit a 10 x 15-inch baking pan. Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
6. Arrange 4 sheets of phyllo in the prepared pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter (approximately 1 tablespoon per sheet).
7. Spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the phyllo dough.
8. Layer 6 more sheets of phyllo on top of the apple mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
9. Spread the remaining apple mixture over the phyllo.
10. Top with the remaining 4 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.
11. Tuck in any overhanging phyllo neatly around the edges.
12. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamonds while it's still in the pan.
13. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
14. While the baklava is baking, heat 1/2 cup (120ml) honey in a small saucepan over low heat until warm and pourable.
15. Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm honey evenly over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely before serving. Enjoy!