This Baklava Ice Cream Sundae is my shortcut way to enjoy all the flavors of homemade baklava in just 10 minutes. I layer crispy fried phyllo with creamy vanilla ice cream, spiced nuts, and a drizzle of warm honey for a dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe gives me the rich taste of baklava without the long process of layering and baking pastry. The crunch of fried phyllo pairs beautifully with smooth vanilla ice cream, while cinnamon-scented walnuts and pistachios add warmth and nuttiness. The drizzle of honey ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness. I also enjoy how versatile it is—I can set up a sundae bar for guests or quickly assemble it for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• extra-virgin olive oil

• phyllo dough sheets, torn into pieces

• walnuts

• pistachios

• ground cinnamon

• brown sugar

• vanilla ice cream

• honey, warmed

Directions

1. Fry the phyllo pieces in olive oil until golden and crispy, then set them on paper towels to drain.

2. Mix together the crushed walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

3. In small serving cups, layer crispy phyllo, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the nut mixture, and a drizzle of honey. Repeat the layers and finish with more honey.

4. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare, 5 minutes to cook, and is ready in 10 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap the vanilla ice cream for pistachio or honey ice cream for even deeper flavors. If I want a lighter option, I replace ice cream with Greek yogurt. For the nuts, hazelnuts or even candied pecans work beautifully. When I’m serving a crowd, I like to set everything out sundae-bar style so everyone can build their own.

Storage/Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, since the phyllo loses its crispness quickly once layered with ice cream and honey. If I fry extra phyllo ahead of time, I store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The nut mixture can be prepared a couple of days in advance and kept in a sealed jar.

FAQs

Can I bake or air fry the phyllo instead of frying it?

Yes, I can bake or air fry the phyllo pieces until golden and crisp for a lighter version.

Can I make the phyllo in advance?

I often fry the phyllo the night before and store it in a container. It stays crunchy enough for serving the next day.

What ice cream flavors work best besides vanilla?

I like pistachio, honey, or even cinnamon ice cream for extra depth, though vanilla keeps it classic.

Can I use just one type of nut?

Yes, I sometimes use only walnuts or pistachios depending on what I have on hand. The flavor is still delicious.

How can I keep the honey easy to drizzle?

I warm the honey by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water until it loosens, making it perfect for drizzling.

Conclusion

This Baklava Ice Cream Sundae is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a classic Mediterranean dessert with hardly any effort. I get the satisfying crunch, the spiced nutty sweetness, and the golden drizzle of honey, all layered with cool, creamy ice cream. It’s quick, impressive, and always a hit at my table.