Honey-Soaked Twisted Sweet Rolls

This indulgent Baklava Babka Buns recipe marries two beloved pastries into one irresistible treat. The soft, twisted sweet rolls filled with nutty goodness and soaked in honey syrup create the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.

I first created these when hosting a multicultural dinner party where I wanted to honor both my Greek and Eastern European heritage. The first batch disappeared within minutes, and now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour The foundation of our dough giving structure while remaining tender
• Granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning
• Instant yeast Ensures reliable rising without proofing first
• Warm milk Activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb
• Eggs Provide richness and structure to the dough
• Unsalted butter Adds richness and prevents sticking
• Salt Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness

• Walnuts Traditional baklava nut with perfect texture
• Pistachios Adds color and a distinctive flavor
• Granulated sugar Sweetens and helps create the sticky filling
• Cinnamon Adds warmth and classic baklava flavor
• Unsalted butter Binds the filling and adds richness

• Honey The signature flavor that defines baklava
• Water Thins the syrup for proper absorption
• Vanilla extract Adds depth and complements the nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl combine the flour sugar yeast and salt forming a well in the center. Pour in the warm milk eggs and melted butter starting from the middle and gradually incorporating the dry ingredients. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth elastic and slightly tacky. Place in an oiled bowl cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for one hour until doubled in size.

Create the Filling

While the dough rises prepare your filling by finely chopping the walnuts and pistachios to ensure they distribute evenly. Mix them thoroughly with the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl making sure there are no clumps. The finer the chop the easier it will be to roll the dough later.

Shape the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16 by 24 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Brush the entire surface generously with melted butter leaving a 1 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly across the buttered surface pressing it gently into the dough. Starting from the long edge roll the dough tightly into a log sealing the seam with a little water. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Twist and Bake

Take each piece and cut it lengthwise leaving one end intact. Twist the two strands around each other then coil into a bun shape tucking the end underneath. Place each bun in a greased baking pan allowing some space between them. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Syrup Soak

While the buns are baking combine honey water and vanilla in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. When the buns come out of the oven immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over them allowing it to soak in completely. Let the buns rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to absorb all that honeyed goodness.

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The pistachios are truly what elevate these buns from good to extraordinary. I discovered this when I was down to my last few tablespoons of walnuts and substituted what I had in my pantry. The vibrant green flecks and subtle flavor transformed the entire experience. My grandmother actually teared up when she tasted them, saying they reminded her of her childhood in Athens.

Storage and Freshness

These Baklava Babka Buns stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavor actually develops and improves overnight as the syrup continues to infuse the dough. To reheat simply warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave individual buns for 15 seconds. The texture becomes even more luscious when warmed.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these indulgent buns with strong Turkish or Greek coffee for an authentic experience. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweet syrup. For a more substantial brunch offering pair with yogurt topped with fresh figs or berries. The tanginess cuts through the richness beautifully. They also make an impressive addition to a holiday dessert board alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough feels too sticky add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. Conversely if it feels too dry add a teaspoon of milk at a time. When pouring the syrup ensure the buns are still warm but not hot from the oven for optimal absorption. If your nuts are browning too quickly in the oven tent the pan with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these Baklava Babka Buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and even shape the buns the day before. Cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking. The syrup can also be made ahead and gently reheated before pouring over the freshly baked buns.

→ Can I substitute different nuts in the filling?

Absolutely! While the traditional combination of walnuts and pistachios provides authentic flavor, you can experiment with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely and keep the total quantity the same for proper filling consistency.

→ Why do my buns need to soak in the syrup?

The soaking process is essential to achieve the true baklava element of these fusion buns. The warm syrup penetrates the baked dough, creating that characteristic sweet, moist texture while infusing honey flavor throughout every layer. Without this step, you'd miss the signature baklava experience.

→ How should I store leftover Baklava Babka Buns?

Store completely cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To refresh, warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving. Freezing is also an option – wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What's the best way to serve these buns?

These buns are delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They're perfect for brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea.

→ Can I add any additional flavors to enhance these buns?

Yes! Consider adding orange or lemon zest to the dough or syrup for a citrus note. Cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves can be added to the filling for more complex spice profiles. Some bakers also like to add a touch of rosewater to the syrup for a traditional Middle Eastern twist.