Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Phyllo dough filled with a fragrant mixture of chopped dates, walnuts, and cardamom, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with honey syrup. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers sheets phyllo dough sheets, (melted) unsalted butter, (pitted and chopped) dates into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup chopped dates, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, mixing well.
  2. Step 2: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush again; repeat layering 3 sheets total.
  3. Step 3: Spread one-third of the date and walnut mixture evenly along one edge of the layered phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border.
  4. Step 4: Carefully roll the phyllo dough over the filling into a tight log, then cut into 3 equal pieces.
  5. Step 5: Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Repeat the layering, filling, rolling, and slicing process for the remaining sheets and filling.
  6. Step 6: Brush the tops of all rolls generously with the remaining melted butter.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  8. Step 8: While baking, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Step 9: Remove the baklava rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm honey syrup evenly over the hot rolls.
  10. Step 10: Let cool completely to allow the syrup to soak in before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom-Spiced Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls?

Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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