You won't believe it's sugar-free: Sugar-free homemade baklava recipe from an expert dietitian

The recipe that will add both flavor and health to your Eid al-Adha tables comes from Expert Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun. This homemade baklava, which contains no refined sugar, is made with whole wheat flour, and is sweetened with natural date syrup, offers a light and balanced alternative to traditional desserts. Dursun stated, “No one will realize it is sugar-free. We have reinterpreted the traditional baklava flavor with healthy and balanced ingredients.”

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You won't believe it's sugar-free: Sugar-free homemade baklava recipe from an expert dietitian

Baklava, one of the first delicacies that comes to mind when talking about holiday desserts, is now here in a healthier form. With only a few days left until Eid al-Adha, Expert Dietitian Elif Melek Avcı Dursun is drawing attention with her sugar-free homemade baklava, prepared without compromising the traditional recipe. Sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar, this special recipe helps balance blood sugar thanks to whole wheat flour and healthy fats, without sacrificing the joy of the holiday. This recipe, which you won't even realize is sugar-free, is an ideal option for those who want to maintain their figure, diabetic patients, or those who prefer conscious nutrition.

Unlike classic baklava, this special recipe, prepared without white flour or sugar, highlights whole wheat flour and natural date syrup. Both healthy and delicious, this recipe offers a light yet satisfying alternative for holiday tables.

SUGAR-FREE HOMEMADE BAKLAVA RECIPE

Dough Ingredients

2 eggs

1 tea glass of yogurt

1 tea glass of olive oil or avocado oil

1 teaspoon of baking soda (activated with a few drops of lemon)

1 teaspoon of vinegar

2.5–3 cups of whole wheat flour (add gradually)

A pinch of salt

Filling

1 cup of finely ground walnuts or hazelnuts

1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)

For the Topping

2 tablespoons of butter + 2 tablespoons of olive oil (melted)

Sugar-Free Syrup

1.5 cups of water

8–10 pitted dates

1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Preparation Steps

Mix all dough ingredients to knead a soft, non-sticky dough and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

Divide the dough into 12–16 balls and roll each ball out thinly with the help of starch.

Place 6–8 layers of phyllo dough into the tray, brushing a little oil between each layer.

Spread the walnut filling and layer the remaining phyllo dough in the same way.

Cut into baklava slices and drizzle the melted oil over the top.

Bake in a preheated 170°C oven for 30–35 minutes.

After softening the dates in hot water, process them in a blender, then boil with lemon juice and cinnamon to prepare the syrup.

Pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava fresh from the oven to complete the dessert.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECIPE

Refined sugar-free: Only dried date puree and an optional small amount of honey are used as sweeteners.

Low glycemic load: By choosing whole wheat flour instead of white flour, an ingredient profile that has less impact on blood sugar is created.

Heart-friendly fats: A balanced fat profile is achieved by using olive oil or avocado oil along with butter.

Natural and traditional: Traditional aromas are preserved with cinnamon and walnuts/hazelnuts, while avoiding processed products.

Each slice is only 120–130 calories

In this recipe, which yields approximately 20 slices, each slice is on average 120–130 kcal. It offers an ideal option for those who want to keep their dessert consumption under control during the holiday. With measured portions, both the need for dessert is satisfied and a healthy lifestyle is supported.

Prepared with expert advice

News Source: 12punto