Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup
Layers of delicate phyllo filled with crushed pistachios and cinnamon, soaked in a floral syrup for a classic Middle Eastern dessert. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers phyllo sheets, unsalted butter, pistachios 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 12 sheets phyllo sheets
- 1/2 cup, melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup, finely ground pistachios
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp melted butter. Place 6 phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each with melted butter, and layer them evenly.
- Step 2: Mix ground pistachios, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the phyllo layer, then top with 6 more buttered phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
- Step 3: Cut into 1-inch squares and place in the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crisp. While baking, combine water, orange blossom water, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until syrupy. Pour over hot phyllo squares immediately after baking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Phyllo Pastry with Orange Blossom Syrup?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The orange blossom syrup was divine! My family devoured this dessert at our holiday gathering.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! The cinnamon-spiced filling was rich and the syrup made it feel luxurious.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the phyllo sheets were a bit tricky to handle.
