How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Can I substitute phyllo dough with another type of pastry?

Puff pastry could work, but note the texture will differ.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispness.

Are there any dietary tweaks I can make?

You can use a vegan butter substitute to make the dish dairy-free.

Glazed Bulgarian Banitsa with Apple Spice Filling

Name: Glazed Bulgarian Banitsa with Apple Spice Filling
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Apples; Granulated Sugar; Walnuts; Ground Cinnamon; Ground Cloves; Lemon Juice; Phyllo Dough; Unsalted Butter; Powdered Sugar; Milk; Vanilla Extract

A Traditional Eastern European Delicacy Meets a Sweet Twist

Savory banitsa gets a delicious dessert makeover with a spiced apple filling and a sugary glaze.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Apple Spice Filling

Apples

4 large, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Granulated Sugar

1/3 cup

Walnuts

1/2 cup, chopped

Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp

Ground Cloves

1/4 tsp

Lemon Juice

1 tbsp

For the Phyllo Layer

Phyllo Dough

1 package (16 oz), thawed

Unsalted Butter

1/2 cup, melted

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar

1 cup

Milk

2 tbsp

Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp

Preparation

Preparing the Apple Spice Filling

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice.

Mix Filling

Mix until the apple slices are well-coated.

Rest the Filling

Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Preparing the Phyllo Layer

Layer Phyllo

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush with melted butter.

Be gentle with phyllo dough to avoid tearing.

Repeat Layering

Repeat the process, layering and buttering six sheets.

Prevent Drying

Keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Chill the rolled phyllo layers briefly before baking for a crisper texture.

Cooking Process

Assemble the Banitsa

Place the apple spice filling evenly along the long edge of the phyllo stack and roll into a tight log.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the roll for 40 minutes until golden brown.

Apply the Glaze

Once the banitsa is baked, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and drizzle over the warm banitsa.

Plating & Serving