Name: Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Burmese
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup water; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons orange blossom water; 4 cups walnuts, finely chopped; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ pound phyllo dough (9″x14″ sheets, about 20 sheets, room temperature); ¾ cup ghee, melted (plus more as needed); 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you have a passion for desserts that combine crisp texture with fragrant sweetness, then you are going to absolutely adore this Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe. These delicate rolls bring an exciting twist to the classic baklava by wrapping a rich walnut and cinnamon filling inside crisp phyllo dough logs, all kissed with luscious ghee and drenched in a syrup infused with lemon and orange blossom water. Every bite is a perfect harmony of crunch, spice, and floral notes that feels like a warm hug from a close friend during festive gatherings or an indulgent treat any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. There is a large bowl filled with broken walnuts placed in the middle, surrounded by smaller bowls with green pistachios, white sugar, a small amount of clear liquid, cinnamon powder, and golden honey. On the right side, there is a white oval plate holding two sheets of rolled phyllo dough covered with clear plastic wrap. The overall look is neat and clean, with a light and soft color scheme. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients ready is straightforward but crucial to creating the irresistible layers and flavors of this Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s giving crunch, sweetness, moisture, or that extra aromatic flair that makes this dessert unforgettable.

½ cup granulated sugar: Essential for making the syrup that sweetens every bite perfectly without overpowering.
⅓ cup water: Balances the syrup’s consistency to soak the baklava rolls just right.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a fresh tang that cuts through the sweetness for depth and balance.
2 teaspoons orange blossom water: Brings a subtle floral aroma elevating the overall experience.
4 cups walnuts (finely chopped): The nutty backbone of the filling, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the walnut and cinnamon mixture beautifully, melding with the spices.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the nuts and syrup perfectly.
½ pound box of phyllo dough (9″x14″ sheets, room temperature; about 20 sheets): Provides the delicate, crisp layers that wrap all the delicious filling.
¾ cup ghee (melted, plus more if needed): Imparts a rich, buttery flavor while helping the layers crisp up to golden perfection.
2 tablespoons crushed pistachios: Sprinkled atop for a pop of color, texture, and a touch of nutty sweetness.

How to Make Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

Start by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan, bringing it to a gentle boil to create the syrup base. Reducing the heat and simmering ensures it thickens just right. Adding lemon juice and orange blossom water at the end gives the syrup its signature bright and floral notes. Let it cool completely so it’s ready to soak through the warm, crispy rolls later.

Step 2: Mix the Walnut Filling

While the syrup cools, toss together the finely chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This mixture balances sweetness and spice, creating the irresistible filling that will shine through each crisp layer of phyllo dough.

Step 3: Get Your Baking Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F and brush a 9×13 inch pan generously with melted ghee. This melted ghee not only prevents sticking but also adds that golden, buttery taste that’s essential for perfect Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Unroll the phyllo sheets carefully, covering with a damp towel to keep them from drying out. Lay one sheet flat and brush lightly with ghee. Sprinkle approximately three tablespoons of the walnut filling evenly, leaving room at the edges for rolling. Fold and roll tightly into a log, then place seam-side down in the pan. Repeat this process for all sheets, creating two rows of ten rolls crinkled to fit snugly in the pan. This step forms the signature elegant shape of the rolls.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Brush all rolls with melted ghee again before baking to achieve that perfect golden crispness. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the rolls turn deeply golden and the aromas start filling your kitchen, promising the deliciousness that’s about to hit your taste buds.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once baked, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava rolls so that it seeps into every crack and crease. Sprinkle crushed pistachios down the center to add a burst of color and extra crunch. Let the dish rest for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the syrup to fully soak in and create that melt-in-your-mouth texture Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe is loved for.

How to Serve Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe

A white bowl with a black rim is filled with three visible layers, arranged in a circular fashion. The outer layer is a ring of chopped walnuts with a rough, chunky texture in light and medium brown colors. Inside this ring is a layer of white granulated sugar, showing a fine, grainy texture. On top of the sugar, there is a scattering of ground cinnamon, a warm brown powder that is unevenly spread in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, add a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios or even a dusting of cinnamon for a visually stunning and flavorful presentation. Fresh mint leaves can also be a delightful unexpected touch, adding vibrant green contrast and a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to add creaminess and contrast the crisp texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baklava rolls on a beautiful platter lined with colorful edible flowers to impress guests visually. For parties, place individual rolls in decorative paper cups and drizzle extra syrup atop just before serving to keep each portion moist and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and syrup-soaked, store leftover Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to three days, allowing the rolls to retain their crisp texture and that luscious syrupy sweetness.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls before adding syrup for up to two months. Wrap the assembled, unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, brush with ghee, and proceed with baking and syrup as usual.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp edges without drying out the rolls. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts for the filling?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and offer a rich flavor, you can substitute or mix in pistachios, almonds, or pecans, adjusting the texture and taste to your liking.

Is orange blossom water necessary?

Orange blossom water adds a lovely floral note that’s central to the identity of this recipe. If unavailable, rose water can be a good alternative, but plain vanilla extract will not provide the same aromatic depth.

How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out during assembly?

Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a lightly damp towel whenever they’re not being used. This prevents them from drying and breaking, which is key to getting those beautiful, crisp layers.

Can I make Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe vegan?

Substituting ghee with melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well, but the flavor will slightly differ. The texture, however, remains deliciously crispy and satisfying.

How long should the baklava rest after adding syrup?

For the best texture and flavor, allow the rolls to rest for 1 to 2 hours so the syrup fully absorbs. This step ensures a moist, melt-in-your-mouth experience without sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Making this Burma Baklava (Baklava Rolls) Recipe is truly a rewarding experience that fills your home with incredible aromas and results in a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or treating yourself, these rolls will quickly become a beloved recipe to return to again and again. Don’t hesitate—roll up your sleeves and dive into this spectacle of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds!