Bird Nest Baklava with Pistachio: A Middle Eastern Delight You Can Enjoy at Home

Baklava has been a symbol of celebration and hospitality across the Middle East and Mediterranean for centuries. Among its many variations, the Bird Nest Baklava with Pistachio stands out for its beautiful shape, nutty richness, and delicate sweetness.

If you love the nutty, honeyed layers of traditional baklava, you’ll fall in love with this charming version. Today, we’re showing you how to create a dessert that feels straight out of a Middle Eastern sweet shop, like the exquisite offerings from Al-Hamdani Sweets.

What is Bird Nest Baklava?

Bird Nest Baklava, also known as “Kadayif Nests” or “Kataifi,” gets its name from its charming shape—delicate strands of dough shaped into little nests filled with pistachios or other nuts. Each bite offers a perfect balance between crunchy textures and syrupy sweetness.

It’s a beautiful treat for festive occasions, tea time, or simply to spoil yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pack Kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ½ cups whole pistachios (unsalted)

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup water

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional for traditional flavor)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.

2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Bring it to a gentle boil, then add lemon juice.

4. Let it simmer for about 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add rose water if using, and remove from heat. Let it cool.

Step 2: Shaping the Bird Nests

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Gently pull apart the kataifi dough, ensuring it’s loose and fluffy.

3. Take a small bundle (about the size of a golf ball) and wrap it into a circular nest shape.

4. Place each nest onto a greased baking tray.

Step 3: Adding Pistachios

1. Press a few whole pistachios into the center of each nest.

2. Make sure they sit snugly and don’t fall out during baking.

Step 4: Buttering

1. Generously drizzle melted butter over each nest.

2. Use a pastry brush to ensure every strand of dough is coated.

Step 5: Baking

1. Bake the nests in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even color.

Step 6: Sweetening

1. Once baked, remove the nests from the oven.

2. Immediately spoon cooled sugar syrup over the hot nests.

3. Allow them to soak and cool completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your bird nest baklava with strong Arabic coffee or a cup of Turkish tea.

• Garnish with a light sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

• These make excellent gifts packed beautifully in a box lined with parchment paper.

Why We Love Bird Nest Baklava

• Elegant Presentation: They look beautiful on dessert tables.

• Deliciously Nutty: Pistachios offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery strands.

• Cultural Heritage: This treat connects you to centuries of Middle Eastern culinary tradition.

If you want to enjoy authentic ready-made Bird Nest Baklava, don’t miss out on trying it from Al-Hamdani Sweets, where tradition meets craftsmanship!