Decadent Chocolate Brownie Baklava
Indulge in the exquisite combination of rich brownies and flaky phyllo pastry with this Decadent Chocolate Brownie Baklava. Drew from the intriguing flavors of St. Louis's Top of the Riverfront and celebrated on Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels, this recipe takes the classic dessert experience to new heights. The brownies are baked to perfection with a velvety bittersweet chocolate flavor, layered within crispy, buttery phyllo squares, and drizzled with luxurious caramel and chocolate sauces. Finished with a sprinkle of crunchy pecans, this dessert is truly a showstopper, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home. Plan in advance to allow the brownies to cool for optimal flavor and texture.
N/A
Servings
750
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
1 cup (at room temperature)
Sugar
2 cups
Bittersweet chocolate
4 ounces (melted and cooled)
Large eggs
2
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Praline liqueur
1/4 cup
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup
Unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup
Fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon
Phyllo dough
5 sheets
Clarified butter
1/2 cup
Vanilla ice cream
4 scoops
Caramel sauce
1 cup
Chocolate syrup
1 cup
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour.
2
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, add the softened butter and whisk until pale yellow and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is light and airy.
4
Pour in the melted and cooled bittersweet chocolate and mix until fully incorporated.
5
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended.
6
Stir in the vanilla extract and praline liqueur until smooth.
7
Sift the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt into the batter, then gently fold them in until just combined.
8
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges have puffed slightly and the surface is shiny. The center should remain moist.
9
Allow the brownies to cool at room temperature for 4-6 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor and texture.
10
Once the brownies have cooled, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
11
Brush each sheet of phyllo dough with clarified butter, stacking them as you go. Cut the stacked phyllo into four 6-inch squares.
12
On one side of each square, brush a light layer of caramel sauce and sprinkle half of the chopped pecans evenly on top.
13
Cut the cooled brownies into 3-inch squares. Position one brownie piece on each phyllo square.
14
Fold the phyllo over the brownie like an envelope, ensuring all sides are wrapped snugly. Brush the top with more clarified butter and arrange them seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
15
Bake the phyllo-wrapped brownies for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisped.
16
Serve each baklava on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle generously with caramel and chocolate sauces, and top with the remaining chopped pecans.
Nutrition Information
52.5g
Fat
87.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Brownie Baklava?
It is an exquisite dessert combining rich, velvety bittersweet chocolate brownies with flaky, buttery phyllo pastry layers, inspired by flavors from St. Louis's Top of the Riverfront.
What are the primary ingredients for the brownie base?
The brownie base includes unsalted butter, sugar, bittersweet chocolate, eggs, vanilla extract, praline liqueur, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa, and fine sea salt.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
The brownies should be baked at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes until the edges are puffed and the surface is shiny.
What temperature should the oven be for the brownie phase?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the brownie batter.
Why is cooling the brownies important?
Cooling the brownies for 4-6 hours or overnight is essential for achieving the optimal flavor and texture before assembly.
How many sheets of phyllo dough are required?
The recipe calls for 5 sheets of phyllo dough.
What type of butter is used to brush the phyllo dough?
Clarified butter is used to brush each sheet of phyllo dough to create crispy, golden layers.
What size should the phyllo squares be cut into?
The stacked phyllo sheets should be cut into four 6-inch squares.
How large should the brownie pieces be for assembly?
The cooled brownies should be cut into 3-inch squares before being wrapped in phyllo.
What is used inside the phyllo wrap along with the brownie?
A light layer of caramel sauce and half of the chopped pecans are sprinkled on the phyllo before adding the brownie.
How is the baklava assembled?
A 3-inch brownie square is placed on a 6-inch phyllo square, then the phyllo is folded over like an envelope and placed seam-side down.
What is the baking temperature for the assembled baklava?
The assembled baklava is baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to bake the wrapped brownies?
The phyllo-wrapped brownies bake for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
How should this dessert be served?
Serve each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a generous drizzle of caramel and chocolate sauces, and a topping of remaining pecans.
How many calories are in a serving?
One serving contains approximately 750 calories.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
This recipe contains 52.5g of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 87.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, each serving provides 6.25g of protein.
What kind of chocolate is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 4 ounces of melted and cooled bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor profile.
What size baking pan is needed for the brownies?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is required.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
The pan should be greased with butter and dusted with flour to prevent the brownies from sticking.
What is the purpose of the praline liqueur?
The praline liqueur adds a unique nutty sweetness and depth of flavor to the brownie batter.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the batter?
The flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt should be sifted and then gently folded into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Can I use regular salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter at room temperature for the brownie base and clarified butter for the phyllo.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped pecans.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, eggs should be added one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure proper blending.
What is the appearance of the brownie batter when ready for the oven?
The batter should be smooth and poured into the pan with the top smoothed by a spatula.
How much sugar is required for the brownies?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the description notes it is a showstopper perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt.