08/28/2026
Ashta-Filled Baklava Rolls
Authentic Middle Eastern Baklava Rolls with Creamy Ashta, Crisp Phyllo, Pistachios & Fragrant Syrup
Servings
12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Ashta Filling
500 ml whole milk
60 g cornstarch
50 g granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon orange blossom water
1 teaspoon rose water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
100 ml heavy cream
100 g mascarpone or thick cream, optional
For the Baklava Rolls
12 sheets phyllo pastry
150 g unsalted butter, melted
100 g finely chopped pistachios or walnuts
1 tablespoon semolina, optional
For the Syrup
200 g granulated sugar
150 ml water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
1 teaspoon rose water
For Garnish
Chopped pistachios or walnuts
Dried rose petals, optional
Extra orange blossom water, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ashta
In a saucepan, whisk together:
Whole milk
Cornstarch
Sugar
Flour
Whisk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Cook while whisking constantly for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in:
Orange blossom water
Rose water
Vanilla
Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Finish the Cream Filling
Whip the heavy cream until lightly thickened.
Gently fold it into the cooled milk mixture.
If using mascarpone, fold it in as well.
The finished filling should be:
Thick
Smooth
Creamy
Easy to pipe or spoon
Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Syrup
Combine in a small saucepan:
Sugar
Water
Lemon juice
Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer for approximately 7–8 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in:
Orange blossom water
Rose water
Allow the syrup to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Phyllo
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the phyllo sheets on a clean work surface.
Keep them covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while working so they don't dry out.
Take one sheet of phyllo.
Brush lightly with melted butter.
Place another sheet on top.
Brush again with butter.
Depending on the thickness of your phyllo, use 2 sheets per roll.
5. Add the Nut Layer
Sprinkle a thin line of finely chopped pistachios or walnuts along the lower third of the phyllo.
Add a small amount of semolina if desired.
The nuts provide a lovely contrast to the creamy filling and crisp pastry.
6. Add the Ashta
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of chilled ashta near the lower edge of the pastry.
Don't overfill the rolls.
Too much filling can cause them to split during baking.
7. Roll the Baklava
Fold the sides of the phyllo inward.
Carefully roll the pastry forward into a firm cylinder.
Place the finished roll seam-side down in a buttered baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining phyllo and filling.
Leave a small amount of space between the rolls.
8. Butter the Rolls
Brush the tops generously with melted butter.
Make sure the edges and corners are lightly coated as well.
This creates the beautiful golden, crisp finish characteristic of baklava.
9. Bake
Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, until the rolls are:
Deep golden brown
Crisp
Lightly blistered
Fragrant
Keep an eye on them during the final minutes because phyllo can brown quickly.
10. Add the Syrup
Remove the baklava rolls from the oven.
Slowly drizzle the cool syrup over the hot rolls.
Allow the pastry to absorb the syrup for approximately 20 minutes.
Don't flood the rolls with syrup; they should remain crisp rather than becoming soggy.
11. Cool
Allow the rolls to cool completely.
For the best texture, refrigerate them for approximately 1 hour before serving.
The chilled cream filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry.
12. Garnish & Serve
Arrange the Ashta-Filled Baklava Rolls on a serving platter.
Garnish generously with:
Chopped pistachios or walnuts
Dried rose petals, optional
A tiny drizzle of orange blossom water, optional
Serve chilled or slightly cool.