Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom Syrup

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

Flaky phyllo dough rolls filled with chopped dates, walnuts, and fragrant cardamom, soaked in a honey and rose water syrup. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers phyllo dough sheets, unsalted butter, melted, dates, finely chopped 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 320 calories and feeds 8, 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 8 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped dates, 1 cup chopped walnuts, and 1 tsp ground cardamom.
  2. Step 2: Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean surface and brush with 3 tbsp melted butter. Layer a second sheet on top and brush again. Spread a thin line of the date-walnut mixture along one short edge.
  3. Step 3: Roll the phyllo tightly into a log enclosing the filling. Place seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining sheets and filling, brushing each layer with butter.
  4. Step 4: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Step 5: While baking, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp rose water.
  6. Step 6: Immediately pour warm syrup evenly over hot baklava rolls and let soak for at least 2 hours before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom 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 Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom 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 Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom 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 Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom Syrup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Date and Walnut Baklava Rolls with Cardamom Syrup?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes