Ward Esham is a luxurious Middle Eastern dessert that combines the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry with a rich, nutty baklava-inspired filling and a luscious creamy center. Drizzled with golden honey and topped with crushed pistachios, these elegant pastries are the perfect fusion of crisp, creamy, and nutty flavors. Whether served for a special occasion or as an indulgent treat, these baklava cream puffs will impress with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Unique Twist on Baklava – Combines the classic nutty flavors of baklava with airy puff pastry and creamy filling.
- Elegant Yet Easy – Simple ingredients and quick assembly make it an effortless gourmet dessert.
- Perfect Balance of Textures – Crispy pastry, crunchy nuts, and silky cream create an irresistible bite.
- Great for Special Occasions – A visually stunning dessert that’s ideal for gatherings, holidays, or tea time.
- Naturally Sweetened with Honey – A deliciously fragrant finish without being overly sugary.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pastry:
- Puff pastry (thawed)
- Egg (for egg wash)
For the Nut Filling:
- Walnuts (finely chopped)
- Pistachios (finely chopped)
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
For the Cream Filling:
- Heavy cream
- Ricotta cheese or mascarpone
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Crushed pistachios
Directions
Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small circles.
- Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool before slicing in half.
Prepare the Nut Filling:
- In a bowl, mix chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in ricotta (or mascarpone), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Assemble:
- Slice each baked puff pastry circle in half.
- Spoon a layer of the nut filling onto the bottom half, followed by a dollop of the cream mixture.
- Place the top pastry layer over the filling.
Garnish & Serve:
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 pieces
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle – Add a touch of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent finish.
- Rosewater or Orange Blossom – Infuse the cream filling with a teaspoon of rosewater or orange blossom for a floral twist.
- Nut-Free Version – Replace nuts with shredded coconut or crushed sesame seeds for a different texture.
- Extra Crispy Pastry – Bake the puff pastry a few minutes longer for an extra crunchy bite.
- Spiced Honey Glaze – Mix honey with a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: The assembled pastries do not freeze well, but you can freeze the baked puff pastry shells for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling.
- Reheating: If needed, warm the pastries in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
What does “Ward Esham” mean?
Ward Esham roughly translates to “fragrant rose” in Arabic, symbolizing the floral and delicate flavors often found in Middle Eastern sweets.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! For a more traditional baklava texture, layer buttered phyllo sheets and bake until golden before assembling with the filling.
Can I substitute mascarpone for ricotta?
Yes, mascarpone will give the filling a richer, creamier texture, while ricotta offers a light and slightly grainy texture.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the nut and cream fillings and drizzle less honey on top.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Ward Esham is best served fresh and slightly warm, paired with hot tea, Arabic coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes! You can bake the puff pastry and prepare the nut filling a day ahead. Assemble the dessert just before serving for the best texture.
What other nuts can I use?
You can swap walnuts and pistachios for almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans, depending on preference.
How do I keep puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Fill the pastries just before serving and let them cool completely before assembling to maintain crispness.
Is this dessert traditionally served for any occasion?
Yes! Ward Esham is perfect for celebrations like Eid, weddings, and festive gatherings, as it combines elements of traditional baklava with a modern pastry twist.
Can I make a large version instead of individual puffs?
Absolutely! Roll out the puff pastry into a larger rectangle, bake it whole, then slice and layer it with the fillings before serving.
Conclusion
Ward Esham (Baklava Cream Puffs) is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that blends flaky pastry, crunchy nuts, and a creamy filling into an elegant yet simple treat. With its rich layers of flavor and honey drizzle, it’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious snack. Try this unique twist on baklava and enjoy a bite of Middle Eastern indulgence!
