If you adore the rich, nutty flavors and warm spices of traditional baklava but want a simpler, handheld treat, this Baklava Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden muffins capture all the delightful layers of chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and honey in a soft, moist package that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. The magic happens as the walnut filling melds inside the tender muffin, and a generous honey drizzle on top adds that irresistible sweet finish. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary muffins!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Baklava Muffins Recipe is that it relies on straightforward, familiar ingredients that come together in a flash to make something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or moisture.
- Chopped walnuts: Bring that signature baklava crunch and earthy flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the filling and batter for a balanced taste.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a fragrant spice that brightens the muffins.
- Melted butter: Incorporates richness and keeps everything moist.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the fluffy muffin structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully.
- Baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and tenderness to the crumb.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds fluffiness.
- Buttermilk: Offers a slight tang and tender texture.
- Honey: The perfect natural drizzle to echo baklava’s traditional syrupy topping.
How to Make Baklava Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly if you prefer not to use liners. This simple prep step ensures your muffins release easily and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Walnut Filling
In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the ingredients form a wet, crumbly mixture that will burst with flavor when baked. Set this aside while you prepare the muffin batter—this filling is where the baklava magic happens!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. These dry ingredients create the foundation of your muffins and ensure they’re light and fluffy with just the right texture.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the egg, melted butter, and buttermilk until everything’s fully blended. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps create tender, moist muffins that will balance the sweet filling beautifully.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently stir just until combined—the batter will be lumpy, and that’s exactly how you want it. Overmixing can make muffins dense, so take care here.
Step 6: Layer the Muffins
Fill each prepared muffin cup about one-third full with batter. Then, spoon a scant tablespoon of the walnut filling into the center of each; this is the surprise inside every bite. Cover the filling with more batter until each cup is roughly two-thirds full. Finish by sprinkling any remaining walnut filling on top for a crunchy topping.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The muffins should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean. This quick bake time means you’ll be treating yourself very soon!
Step 8: Drizzle Honey for the Finish
As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, transfer them to a wire rack while still in their cups. Generously drizzle each warm muffin with honey, adding that sticky-sweet touch that beautifully mimics traditional baklava syrup. This finishing step truly elevates the whole muffin.
Step 9: Ready to Enjoy
Let your Baklava Muffins cool just slightly before serving—they’re perfect warm or at room temperature. Each bite brings a wonderful harmony of moist muffin, crunchy nuts, fragrant spices, and honeyed sweetness. You’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Baklava Muffins Recipe

Garnishes
For a lovely touch, sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or a pinch of ground cinnamon on top right before drizzling the honey. Fresh mint leaves can add a subtle pop of color and herbaceous note that complements the sweet and nutty flavors.
Side Dishes
Baklava muffins pair beautifully with strong, spiced coffees or fragrant black teas, making for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack combo. You can also serve them alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a more decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine placing these muffins on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of honey, chopped nuts, and cinnamon sticks for a rustic and inviting spread. They’re also wonderful served alongside fresh fruit like figs or pomegranate seeds to echo the Mediterranean inspiration behind baklava’s flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Baklava Muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, making sure they’re well covered to prevent drying out. They actually stay moist and delicious thanks to the nuts and honey.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully and make a convenient grab-and-go treat. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. When you want one, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently.
Reheating
To enjoy your muffins fresh-baked warm aroma again, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outside crisp and preserve that lovely honey glaze texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or pistachios work wonderfully as an alternative and bring their own unique taste and crunch to your Baklava Muffins Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute like almond milk with a splash of vinegar. The texture will still be fantastic.
How long do Baklava Muffins stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, they’re best enjoyed within two days, but refrigeration extends freshness up to a week.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly but will still taste amazing.
What is the best way to drizzle honey evenly?
Use a spoon or a small squeeze bottle to drizzle honey in a thin, steady stream over each warm muffin. Drizzling while warm helps the honey soak in beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Baklava Muffins Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, blending the familiar comforts of classic muffins with the exotic warmth of baklava’s spices and nuts. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a personal indulgence. I encourage you to try these muffins soon—you might just find your new favorite treat!
Print
Baklava Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baklava Muffins combine the beloved flavors of classic baklava—cinnamon, walnuts, honey, and butter—in a soft, moist muffin form. Sweetened with a touch of sugar and enriched with buttermilk, these muffins are an easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Walnut Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Muffin Batter
- 1 cup + 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Topping
- 1/2 cup honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease if not using liners to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the egg, melted unsalted butter, and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and gently fold together until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy to ensure tender muffins; avoid overmixing which can make muffins dense.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup filling about one-third full. Add a scant tablespoon of the walnut filling on top of the batter. Cover the filling with more batter until the cups are about two-thirds full. Sprinkle any remaining walnut filling on top of the batter.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Muffins are done when golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Drizzle with Honey: Remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack, keeping them in the paper liners. While still warm, generously drizzle each muffin with honey for that signature baklava sweetness.
- Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. These Baklava Muffins are delicious enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it as a substitute.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat muffins gently before serving for best flavor and texture.

