Sarah here. I still remember the first time I made baklava. My kitchen looked like a flaky, buttery explosion. My kids, however, declared it “the best thing ever.” Now, I love taking that classic and twisting it. This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe is my new go-to. It feels fancy, but it’s so simple.
You get all the sticky, crunchy layers we love. Plus, that rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavor? Pure magic. I promise, this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe will impress everyone.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BAKLAVA RECIPE
You will adore this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe for so many reasons. First, it tastes incredible. Second, it’s surprisingly easy.
Third, it makes a beautiful dessert. This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe uses simple ingredients. It creates a rich, satisfying treat.
Your family will ask for this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe again and again. It’s a perfect project for a weekend. You will feel so proud serving this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
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chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe
- Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
A twist on classic baklava, this chocolate hazelnut version combines flaky phyllo, a rich chocolate-hazelnut filling, and a honey-vanilla syrup for a decadent, easy dessert.
Ingredients
1 box (16 oz) Frozen phyllo dough
1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter
2 cups Hazelnuts
1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Granulated sugar
1 cup Water
0.5 cup Honey
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Pulse hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped (not pasty). Mix with chopped chocolate chips in a bowl
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in honey, vanilla, and salt. Let syrup cool completely
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Unroll phyllo and cover with a damp towel
- Lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish; brush with melted butter. Repeat for 8 sheets. Spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut mixture over the phyllo
- Add 3 more buttered phyllo sheets, then another nut layer. Repeat until filling is used. Top with 8 more buttered phyllo sheets (brushing each)
- Use a sharp knife to cut baklava into diamond or square pieces, cutting all the way through. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brow
- Pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight
Notes
Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Pour syrup while baklava is hot for best absorption.
Use good quality chocolate for richer flavor.
Cut baklava before baking to avoid breaking layers.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. Do not refrigerate.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: chocolate, hazelnut, baklava, phyllo
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gather these items for your chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe. They are all easy to find.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen phyllo dough | 1 box (16 oz) | Thaw it overnight in the fridge. |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Melt it completely. |
| Hazelnuts | 2 cups | Toast them for the best flavor. |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup | Chop them finely. |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Water | 1 cup | |
| Honey | 1/2 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Pinch of salt | Optional | Balances the sweetness. |

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can easily adapt this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe. Use pecans or walnuts instead of hazelnuts. Try dark chocolate chips for a less sweet chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the nut mixture. This adds warmth to your chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter. Always thaw phyllo properly for the best results in any chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
For more chocolate treats, try these Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies. They offer a chewy, crispy texture that complements the flaky baklava.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these steps for the perfect chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
Prepare the nut filling
First, pulse the hazelnuts in a food processor. Chop them until fine, but not pasty. Next, mix the chopped hazelnuts with the chocolate chips. Set this bowl aside.
Make the syrup
Now, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the honey, vanilla, and salt. Let the syrup cool completely.
Assemble the baklava
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Unroll the phyllo dough. Cover it with a damp towel. Lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish. Brush it with melted butter.
Repeat this for 8 sheets. Then, spread a thin layer of the chocolate hazelnut mixture. Add 3 more buttered phyllo sheets. Add another nut layer. Repeat until you use all the filling. Finally, top with 8 more buttered phyllo sheets.
Cut and bake
Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square pieces. Cut all the way through. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden brown. This step is crucial for a successful chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
Add the syrup
Pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it sit for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best for this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Use these tips for your chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
- First, always keep the phyllo covered. It dries out very fast.
- Second, pour the syrup while the baklava is hot. This is key in every chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
- Third, use good quality chocolate. It makes the chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe taste richer.
- Fourth, cut the baklava before baking. This prevents breaking the layers.
If you love rich chocolate desserts, check out this Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Chocolate Butter Cake. It’s a gooey, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
- Store your chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to a week.
- Do not refrigerate it. Refrigeration makes the baklava soggy. You do not need to reheat this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe.
- It tastes perfect at room temperature. You can also freeze the finished chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe for up to two months.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe is wonderful on its own. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream is also lovely.
A strong cup of coffee pairs perfectly. A glass of cold milk works great for the kids. This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe makes a fantastic dessert for any celebration.
For a sophisticated pairing, consider these Black Garlic and Dark Chocolate Truffles. The savory-sweet combination elevates any dessert table.
FAQs
Can I make this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. It tastes even better the next day. The syrup absorbs fully. Make your chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe a day before serving.
Is this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe gluten-free?
Standard phyllo dough contains gluten. Look for a gluten-free phyllo brand. Many stores carry it now.
Why did my baklava get soggy?
You may have used too much syrup. Or, the syrup was too thin. This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe works best with thicker syrup.
Can I use a different nut in this chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe?
Absolutely. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work very well. This chocolate hazelnut baklava recipe is very adaptable.
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. The addition of chocolate and hazelnut creates a modern twist on this classic dessert.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This is an estimate. Values change based on ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 5g |