Baklava Focaccia Honey Nut (Print-Friendly Version)

Golden focaccia layered with spiced nuts and a fragrant honey syrup, combining comforting textures and tastes.

# Ingredients List:

→ Dough

01 - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
02 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
03 - 310 milliliters warm water
04 - 315 grams all-purpose flour
05 - 2 teaspoons sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
07 - Butter (for greasing) or vegan butter

→ Topping

08 - 140 grams chopped mixed nuts (pistachios and walnuts recommended)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Simple Syrup

10 - 120 milliliters water
11 - 100 grams white sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 85 milliliters honey or maple syrup

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the active dry yeast, honey or maple syrup, and warm water. Allow the mixture to stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add the all-purpose flour and sea salt to the bowl. Mix with a large spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms; the dough will appear wet but should hold together.
03 - Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, coating it thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours, or proof on the counter for approximately 4 hours until doubled in size.
04 - The following day, pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the dough. Briefly knead to deflate.
05 - Grease an 8x8-centimeter baking pan with butter or vegan butter. Transfer the dough to the pan and let rise in a warm place, uncovered, for around 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
06 - Preheat the oven to 220°C. While heating, combine chopped nuts and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
07 - Sprinkle the nut mixture liberally atop the risen dough. Oil your hands and press deep dimples throughout the dough to the bottom of the pan.
08 - Bake the focaccia for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is firm to the touch.
09 - While the focaccia bakes, bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves. Stir in honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
10 - Remove focaccia from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the bread. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use a combination of pistachios and walnuts for best flavor, but any preferred nuts can be substituted.
02 - Chop the nuts using a food processor to save time and achieve an even texture.
03 - Dough proofing time varies with room temperature; allow longer for cooler environments.