Go Back
+ servings
baklava blondies

California Baklava Blondies

4.50 from 4 votes
These decadent bar cookies layer a buttery cookie crust with spiced nuts and a honey glaze, capturing all the flavors of baklava in an easy blondie form.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Bars and Blondies, Desserts
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 (17.5 oz) package sugar cookie mix store-bought
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest from 1 large lemon
  • 1 large egg room temperature
Filling
  • 3/4 cup pecans chopped
  • 3/4 cup pistachios chopped
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt fine sea salt
  • 10 frozen mini phyllo shells thawed and crumbled
Glaze
  • 2/3 cup honey divided (1/3 cup + 1/3 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon Meyer lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract pure

Method
 

Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, lemon zest, and egg until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just set.
Filling
  1. While the crust bakes, combine the chopped pecans, pistachios, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir until the nuts are well coated and the mixture is crumbly.
  2. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Crumble the mini phyllo shells over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes more, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Glaze and Finish
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/3 cup of the honey, 2 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Microwave on high for 40 to 60 seconds, until the butter melts and the mixture is bubbly. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Drizzle the warm honey mixture evenly over the hot bars. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Before slicing, warm the remaining 1/3 cup honey and drizzle it over the cooled bars to taste. Cut into 24 squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

For best results, use raw, unsalted nuts and chop them by hand for varied texture. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To make ahead, prepare the bars through step 4, cool, cover, and refrigerate; add the final honey drizzle just before serving. Avoid overbaking the crust—it should be pale golden. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a decadent treat.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!