Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Pistachio & Rosewater Baklava Christmas Tree
DessertsMedium

Pistachio & Rosewater Baklava Christmas Tree

Recipe by Chef zouheir

From the Blog Author

This Pistachio & Rosewater Baklava Christmas Tree is one of my favorite holiday treats because it turns a simple kitchen space into a tiny, aromatic wonderland of memories. I first baked it for my neighbor’s 30‑year anniversary, and the scent of rosewater and toasted nuts made everyone feel like we were sitting on a warm, sweet cloud. What I love most is how the crisp layers of flaky phyllo sheet meet the nutty, slightly earthy flavor of bright green pistachios. The rosewater trick, added just after the syrup so the butter‑buttery sheets can soak it in, gives the whole thing an unexpected floral note that feels festive without being overpowering. A crunchy topping of crushed pistachios soaks in the syrup, giving beautiful texture, while a drizzle of honey on the finished cake unlocks a soft, caramel shine that catches the holiday lights just right. A little tip from my experience: before you start assembling, soak the phyllo sheets in cold water for a few minutes to make them more pliable; this reduces tearing when you cut your Christmas‑tree shapes. Also, let the baklava rest at least 30 minutes after turning on the oven so the syrup can draw into each bite. If you try this, I’d love to hear about it—drop me a quick note with your sweet adventure and any tweaks you made. Happy baking!
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 package phyllo pastry sheets
  • 150 grams unsalted butter
  • 250 grams pistachios
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Dried rose petals

Directions

1

Cut phyllo sheets into triangles.

2

Stack the phyllo triangles into a Christmas tree shape on a parchment-lined baking tray.

3

Brush every few layers of phyllo with melted butter and sprinkle with the nut mixture.

4

Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.

5

While the baklava bakes, simmer the syrup ingredients; stir in the rosewater once removed from the heat.

6

Pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot, baked baklava.

7

Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals for decoration.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
Check Price on Amazon
2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
Check Price on Amazon
3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
Check Price on Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you for your support!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store my Pistachio & Rosewater Baklava Christmas Tree to keep it fresh?

Store the cooled baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the phyllo to become soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze assembled, un-soaked baklava for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the rosewater in this baklava recipe?

While rosewater is key to the flavor profile, you can substitute it with an equal amount of orange blossom water for a similar floral hint. Alternatively, a splash of fresh lemon juice can brighten the syrup flavor if you prefer to omit the floral notes entirely.

What is the best way to reheat the Baklava Christmas Tree before serving?

For the best texture, briefly warm individual servings in a toaster oven or standard oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps crisp up the phyllo layers that might have softened slightly during storage.