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English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe

I’m so excited to share this English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe with you because it’s a total game-changer for a quick, delicious treat that feels fancy but comes together in no time. If you’re craving that classic sweet-and-nutty baklava vibe without the hours of phyllo dough fuss, you’ll love how these toasted English muffins get transformed with a luscious nut mixture, melty mascarpone, and drizzled honey. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
  • No Phyllo Dough Drama: Uses English muffins as a super convenient alternative that still gives you that toasty crunch.
  • Flavor Bomb: The combo of toasted nuts, brown sugar butter, honey, and mascarpone makes every bite irresistibly rich and layered.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this — it’s been a staple whenever I want dessert or a special breakfast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything works in harmony here—from the earthy crunchiness of the nuts to the sweet butter mixture and the soft mascarpone. When choosing nuts, fresh pistachios and walnuts really make the difference because they add both color and texture.

Flat lay of a fresh English muffin, split open to show its airy texture, a small handful of whole shelled pistachios, a small handful of whole walnuts, a few tablespoons of softened golden butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with rich golden honey, a dollop of creamy white mascarpone cheese on a simple white plate, and a sprinkle of brown sugar crystals loosely scattered, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey, baklava-inspired breakfast, quick nutty dessert, easy baklava alternative, honey and nut snack
  • Walnuts: Pick fresh, unsalted for the best crunch and taste; I like to pulse them lightly so you still get some texture.
  • Pistachios: Shelled and unsalted, these bring a lovely color and buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar.
  • Butter: Use softened or melted unsalted butter—it helps the nuts stick and caramelize beautifully under the broiler.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses sweetness that enhances the nuttiness and gives a slight caramelized finish.
  • English Muffins: I prefer whole wheat or classic, whichever you enjoy—toast them until golden for the best base.
  • Honey: Use a good-quality raw honey for drizzling—it seals in that authentic baklava sweetness.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy touch melts perfectly and balances the sweetness with its subtle tang.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe is! I often switch up the nuts or add spices depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

  • Nut Variations: Try pecans instead of walnuts or add almonds for extra crunch—I’ve found a combo of pistachios and pecans deliciously unique.
  • Spiced Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the nut mixture to bring a warm, exotic flair; this became a huge hit during holiday mornings.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Skip the mascarpone and top your baklava muffins with coconut cream or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt—I’ve done this for friends with allergies and it works beautifully!
  • Extra Sweetness: Drizzle some maple syrup alongside or in place of honey for a deeper sweetness; just watch it under the broiler as it caramelizes.

How to Make English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your English Muffins Until Golden

Start by preheating your broiler on low. Then slice your English muffins in half horizontally and place them cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pop them under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until they get beautifully toasted and golden. Keep a close eye here—every oven is different, and you want just the right crunch without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Nutty Butter Mixture

While your English muffins toast, pulse pistachios and walnuts briefly in a food processor until finely chopped but not powdery—texture is key! Then, in a small bowl, mix most of the nuts with softened or melted butter and brown sugar until everything is well combined and sticky. Set aside a few spoonfuls of chopped nuts for topping later.

Step 3: Spread and Broil to Perfection

Once the muffins are toasted, spread a generous layer of the nutty butter mixture onto each piece. Return the tray to the oven, placing it a few inches below the broiler, and broil for about 1 minute or until the topping bubbles and caramelizes slightly. This step makes that irresistible sticky, crunchy topping that mimics baklava’s signature texture.

Step 4: Add Mascarpone and Finish with Honey

Remove the muffins from the oven and scoop a small dollop of mascarpone cheese onto each one. Use the warmth to gently swoop and slightly melt the cheese into the nutty topping—this adds a creamy, tangy contrast that’s so delightful. Top with the reserved chopped nuts and drizzle liberally with honey. Pour yourself a cup of coffee because, honestly, you deserve it.

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Pro Tips for Making English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe

  • Watch the Broiler Closely: Every second counts here—too much and you’ll burn the nuts, too little and you miss that perfect caramelization. I stand by the oven during broiling!
  • Keep Nut Texture: Don’t over-process the nuts; I learned that buttery bits with some chunk make a delightful crunch, enhancing the baklava feel.
  • Use Good Quality Honey: The honey drizzle is the final magic touch, so I always use a fragrant, flavorful honey—it totally elevates the end result.
  • Let It Cool Slightly: Let the muffins sit for a minute after broiling before adding mascarpone and honey to avoid melting everything away too fast.

How to Serve English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe

The image shows two halves of a toasted English muffin on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each half has a golden-brown, slightly crispy edge and is topped with a layer of melted butter that is partly soaking into the muffin. The butter is mixed with small pieces of chopped nuts, mainly walnut and pistachio, which add a rough, crunchy texture. The nuts are spread in an uneven layer over the butter, giving the topping a speckled look with light brown, darker brown, and green bits. There are a few small crumbs scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey, baklava-inspired breakfast, quick nutty dessert, easy baklava alternative, honey and nut snack

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top for the pop of green and texture. Sometimes I add a few edible rose petals for an extra-special touch—makes it look like you spent hours crafting a dessert, even when you didn’t!

Side Dishes

Pairing this with a cup of strong coffee or a fragrant chai is my go-to because the spices and bitterness balance the sweetness so beautifully. It’s also amazing alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these English Muffin Baklava slices on a wooden board lined with parchment and add little jars of honey and mascarpone for guests to customize. You can also make smaller, bite-sized versions using mini English muffins—perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The topping can soften a bit, but reheating under the broiler for a minute or two crisps it back up nicely.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing these with the mascarpone on top, but if you freeze the nut mixture and English muffins separately, you can toast and assemble fresh when you want them. That way, you retain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the muffins on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes to revive the crunch and warm the nutty topping. Add fresh mascarpone and a drizzle of honey after reheating to keep that creamy, fresh finish.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread instead of English muffins?

    Yes, you can experiment with other breads like thick-sliced brioche or even bagels, but English muffins give the best texture with their nooks and crannies that hold the nut mixture and melted mascarpone beautifully.

  2. Is mascarpone necessary in this recipe?

    Mascarpone adds a lovely creamy tang that balances the sweet nuts and honey, but if you want to skip it, cream cheese or Greek yogurt can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind it changes the flavor profile slightly.

  3. How long does the nut mixture keep?

    If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the nut butter mixture stays good for up to 3 days. I usually make a small batch fresh each time to ensure the best flavor and texture.

  4. Can I make this gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free English muffins or bread. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

This English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite quick treats because it hits all those crave-worthy notes without a ton of fuss. I love how it brings something special to the table with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings or impressing guests with something unique. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s an easy way to make everyday moments a little sweeter and a lot more memorable.

Print
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English Muffin Baklava with Nuts and Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

A quick and delicious dessert twist on classic baklava using toasted English muffins topped with a buttery nut mixture, creamy mascarpone cheese, and sweet honey. Perfect for a satisfying snack or an impressive treat with coffee.


Ingredients

Scale

Pistachio Walnut Mixture:

  • 1/3 cup walnuts
  • 1/3 cup pistachios
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened or melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Other:

  • English muffins
  • Honey, to taste
  • Mascarpone cheese, small dollops

Instructions

  1. Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler using the “Low Broil” setting to ensure gentle, even toasting without burning. Adjust according to your oven’s performance.
  2. Prepare Nut Mixture: Pulse walnuts and pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped, reserving a few spoonfuls for topping. In a small bowl, mix the chopped nuts with softened or melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
  3. Toast English Muffins: Place English muffin halves on a foil-lined baking sheet and toast under the broiler for about 3 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
  4. Add Nut Butter Mixture: Spread the prepared nut butter mixture evenly over the toasted English muffins. Return them to the oven positioned a few inches away from the broiler for about 1 minute until the topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  5. Finish With Mascarpone and Honey: Place a small dollop of mascarpone cheese atop each muffin and gently swirl it to melt slightly. Sprinkle the reserved chopped nuts over the top and drizzle with honey to taste. Serve immediately alongside a cup of coffee for the perfect indulgence.

Notes

  • Use the “Low Broil” setting to avoid burning the nuts and muffin tops.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
  • Use fresh pistachios and walnuts for the best flavor and texture.
  • Mascarpone can be substituted with cream cheese if unavailable, though flavor will differ slightly.
  • This recipe makes enough nut mixture for 2-3 servings; adjust ingredient quantities accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 English muffin half with topping
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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