Irresistible Baklava Pancakes: Fluffy Greek Yogurt Delights with Honey, Orange Blossom & Nutty Toppings

Baklava pancakes - soft, fluffy Greek yoghurt pancakes flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon and chopped pistachios, walnuts and almonds topped with a delicious honey, orange blossom, lemon and rose syrup.

Prepare to elevate your breakfast or brunch with a culinary fusion that’s as delightful as it is unique: Baklava Pancakes! These aren’t just any ordinary pancakes; they are a homage to the beloved Middle Eastern dessert, baklava, reimagined in a light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible pancake form. Imagine the sweet, syrupy, and nutty richness of baklava, but with the comforting texture of thick, American-style pancakes. This recipe promises an unforgettable experience that will transport your taste buds.

Our Baklava Pancakes are crafted to be exceptionally soft and moist, thanks to the clever incorporation of Greek yogurt into the batter. This not only adds a lovely tang and keeps the pancakes incredibly tender but also provides a welcome boost of protein. Each bite is infused with a fragrant blend of cardamom and cinnamon, the quintessential spices of Middle Eastern sweets, alongside finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. The crowning glory is a luscious, sweet syrup, subtly perfumed with lemon, exotic orange blossom water, and a delicate hint of rose, mirroring the complex flavors found in traditional baklava.

The Inspiration: Bringing Baklava to Your Breakfast Table

Baklava, a layered pastry dessert made of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey, holds a special place in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Its intricate flavors and textures – crisp pastry, rich nuts, and sweet, aromatic syrup – make it a truly decadent treat. Our goal was to capture this essence and infuse it into a more approachable, breakfast-friendly format. The result is a pancake that doesn’t just borrow flavors but embodies the spirit of baklava, offering a new way to enjoy these cherished tastes.

A Trio of Nuts: Pistachios, Walnuts, and Almonds

Just like traditional baklava, the choice of nuts is crucial in achieving that authentic flavor profile. We’ve opted for a harmonious blend of finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. These three nuts are the most commonly used in baklava recipes, either individually or in combination, bringing a delightful variety of textures and nutty notes. We integrate these nuts directly into the pancake batter for an internal burst of flavor and texture, and then generously sprinkle them on top as a garnish, enhancing both taste and visual appeal. The pistachios offer a vibrant color and distinct flavor, walnuts provide a deeper, earthy tone, and almonds contribute a sweet, delicate crunch.

Crafting the Signature Syrup: A Balance of Sweetness and Fragrance

The syrup is arguably the soul of these Baklava Pancakes, just as it is for the pastry itself. While some baklava syrups forgo honey, we believe its rich, golden flavor is indispensable. Our syrup combines honey with granulated sugar and water, creating a sticky, sweet base. To prevent it from being overly cloying, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is added, providing a crucial tartness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. The magic truly happens with the addition of orange blossom water and, optionally, a touch of rosewater. These floral essences lend a gently aromatic and wonderfully exotic dimension, elevating the syrup from merely sweet to truly captivating. We’ve even incorporated a small amount of this exquisite syrup directly into the pancake batter to subtly sweeten them from within, ensuring every part of the pancake carries that signature baklava taste. However, the real indulgence comes when you generously drizzle even more of this aromatic syrup over the hot, fluffy pancakes just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for an Elevated Experience

To truly complete the Baklava Pancake experience, presentation and accompanying toppings are key. We highly recommend serving these pancakes with a dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt. The cool, slightly tart yogurt provides a lovely contrast to the warm, sweet pancakes and rich syrup. A generous scattering of additional chopped nuts – a mix of pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, of course – adds another layer of crunch and nutty goodness. For an extra touch of vibrancy and a burst of tangy sweetness, a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate arils is absolutely divine. These ruby-red jewels not only add beautiful color but also offer a delightful textural contrast. Finally, don’t be shy with the syrup; a liberal drizzle ensures every bite is drenched in that sweet, aromatic goodness. These thoughtful additions transform a simple pancake dish into an exquisite breakfast or brunch centerpiece that’s perfect for special occasions or simply when you’re craving something a little out of the ordinary.

Why Greek Yogurt Makes All the Difference

The inclusion of low-fat Greek yogurt is not just for an extra protein kick; it’s a secret weapon for achieving truly superior pancakes. The acidity in the yogurt reacts with the baking soda, leading to extra light and fluffy results. Furthermore, the yogurt adds a significant amount of moisture, preventing the pancakes from drying out and ensuring they remain tender and delectable. Its slight tang also balances the sweetness of the syrup and spices, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Achieving Pancake Perfection: Tips and Tricks

Making great pancakes is a skill that improves with practice, but a few simple tips can ensure success every time with these Baklava Pancakes:

Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough pancakes.
Rest the Batter: If you have time, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to fully activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Pan Temperature is Key: Use a low to medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If it’s too cool, the pancakes won’t brown properly or become fluffy.
Grease Lightly: A small amount of butter or oil is usually sufficient. Too much grease can lead to greasy, rather than golden, pancakes.
Watch for Bubbles: Wait for bubbles to appear on the surface and the edges to look set before flipping. This indicates the pancake is ready for its turn.

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Customization and Variations

While this recipe offers a perfect balance, feel free to experiment with slight variations to suit your taste:

Nut Selection: If you prefer one nut over another, you can adjust the ratios or even use a single type of nut like all pistachios or all walnuts. Toasting the nuts lightly before chopping can also enhance their flavor.
Syrup Strength: For a more intense floral note, increase the amount of orange blossom or rosewater slightly. For a less sweet syrup, reduce the amount of granulated sugar.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and cardamom to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg could also be a delicious addition.
Other Toppings: Besides pomegranate, fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) can add a lovely tartness. A sprinkle of desiccated coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar can also be nice.

These Baklava Pancakes are genuinely easy to make, yet they deliver a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress anyone you serve them to. They transform a simple breakfast into an exotic treat, proving that you don’t need to be an expert baker to create something extraordinary in your kitchen.

4.76 from 25 votes

Baklava Pancakes

Makes about 8 pancakes.

Servings 4 people

Author Domestic Gothess

Ingredients

Syrup:

150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
50 g (1.75oz) honey
150 ml (scant ⅔ cup) water
juice of ½ small lemon
½ tsp orange blossom water
¼ tsp rosewater (optional)

Pancakes:

200 g (1 + ⅔ cup) plain flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
5 cardamom pods, seeds only ground
120 g (½ cup) low fat Greek yoghurt
1 large egg
180 ml (¾ cup) milk
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp of the syrup
30 g (1oz) finely chopped pistachios
30 g (1oz) finely chopped walnuts
30 g (1oz) finely chopped almonds
extra chopped nuts, pomegranate and yoghurt to serve

Instructions

Start by making the syrup. Place the sugar, honey, water and lemon juice in a small pan over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved then bring up to a simmer and cook for about five minutes until reduced and thickened slightly.
Remove from the heat and stir in the orange blossom water and rosewater (if using). Set aside to cool.
To make the pancakes, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon and cardamom in a large bowl.
In a jug, whisk together the yogurt, egg, milk, olive oil and syrup. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry then mix in the chopped nuts.
Place a frying pan over a low heat and grease with a little bit of butter. Dollop a couple of heaped spoonfuls (I use a trigger ice cream scoop) of the batter into the pan and gently level it slightly (the batter is quite thick). Cook until bubbles appear on the surface then carefully flip the pancake over and cook for a couple more minutes on the other side, until golden.
Remove to a plate and repeat with the rest of the batter, greasing the pan as needed.
Serve the pancakes topped with a dollop of yoghurt, plenty of chopped nuts, a scattering of pomegranate arils and a generous drizzle of the syrup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These Baklava Pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, but if you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated. Allow any remaining pancakes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to enjoy again, you can gently reheat them in a toaster, a dry frying pan over low heat, or even a microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. The syrup can be stored separately in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and can be gently warmed before serving.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a brunch, or simply craving something a little extraordinary for breakfast, these Baklava Pancakes are sure to impress. They offer a delightful journey of flavors and textures, blending the comforting familiarity of pancakes with the exotic allure of Middle Eastern sweets. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite pancake creation!