Can you freeze baklava? – The best way
Baklava, a delicious dessert with layers of phyllo pastry, nuts and sweet syrup, has gained popularity around the world. If you’re a fan of this delicious treat and find yourself with a surplus, you may be wondering if you can freeze baklava to extend its shelf life. The good news is that freezing baklava is possible and can be done with great success. In this article, we’ll look at the best way to freeze baklava, whether it’s baked or unbaked, and give you step-by-step instructions to ensure the best results.
Freezing Unbaked Baklava
If you have prepared or purchased unbaked baklava and would like to freeze it for later enjoyment, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the baklava: Start by lining your baking tin with parchment paper. Then assemble the layers of phyllo pastry and nuts to make the baklava.
- Freeze without sealing: Place the unbaked baklava in the freezer without sealing or covering. Allow to freeze completely for a few hours.
- Choose your freezing method: Once the baklava is frozen, there are two ways to wrap it. Option 1 is to wrap the entire baklava in at least four layers of foil or cling film. If you choose this method, return the baklava to the pan and place it back in the freezer. Option 2 is to place the unbaked baklava in an airtight container or freezer bag. If using a container, separate each layer of baklava and wrap them individually in foil or greaseproof paper before placing them in the container.
- Freezing time: Whichever method you use, the baklava will keep in the freezer for up to 5 months.
- Defrosting and baking: When you’re ready to bake the frozen, unbaked baklava, first defrost it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Then follow the original baking instructions for a perfect baked result.
Freezing baked baklava
If you’ve already made a batch of baklava and want to freeze the leftovers, here’s what you need to do:
- Allow to cool completely: Allow the baked baklava to cool to room temperature after removing from the oven.
- Divide and pack: Divide the baked baklava into portions before freezing. You can use freezer bags or small airtight containers. Wrapping each portion in at least four layers of parchment paper or heavy-duty foil will help keep it fresh.
- Freezing time: Baked baklava can be stored in the freezer for more than three months without significant loss of quality.
- Thawing and reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen baked baklava, remove a portion from the freezer and defrost in the refrigerator. Once it has reached fridge temperature, you can enjoy it cold or bring it to room temperature. For a warm treat, reheat the baklava in the oven on a low heat, making sure it doesn’t dry out.
Tips for storing and enjoying baklava
To make the most of your frozen baklava and ensure its quality, here are some additional tips:
- Shelf life: Baklava, frozen or not, has a longer shelf life than many other desserts. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored correctly.
- Refrigerator vs. pantry: Depending on the season and the temperature in your home, you can store baklava either in the fridge or at room temperature. However, keeping it in an airtight container is crucial to maintaining its crispness.
- Baklava texture: While refrigeration can make baklava chewier and harder, proper preparation and storage can help retain some of its crispness.
- Origin and history: Baklava has a rich history and its exact place of origin remains a mystery. It is thought to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, but there is evidence that similar desserts existed in the Arab world, Mongolia, the Roman Empire and ancient Greece.
In conclusion, freezing baklava is a great way to preserve this delicious dessert for later enjoyment. Whether you have unbaked or baked baklava, following the correct freezing and thawing methods will help to preserve its flavour and texture. So go ahead, indulge in this sweet treat and enjoy the flavours of baklava whenever you like, even months after it was first made.
FAQS
Can I freeze baklava?
Yes, you can freeze baklava. Both baked and unbaked baklava can be successfully frozen to extend its shelf life.
How long can I freeze baklava?
Baklava can be kept in the freezer for up to 5 months if unbaked, and more than 3 months if baked.
What is the best way to freeze unbaked baklava?
To freeze unbaked baklava, line your baking tin with parchment paper, assemble the layers of phyllo pastry and nuts and place the tin in the freezer without sealing it. Once frozen, the baklava can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, or stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How do I defrost frozen baklava?
To defrost frozen baklava, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and leave to defrost for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can bake it according to the original instructions.
Can I freeze baked baklava?
Yes, you can freeze baked baklava. Allow the baked baklava to cool completely, divide into portions and wrap each portion in parchment paper or cling film before placing in freezer bags or airtight containers.
How should I store baklava once it has been frozen?
Once frozen, baklava can be kept for a long time in the freezer. If you have leftovers that have been defrosted and not eaten, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks to keep them fresh.