Baklava Focaccia

Tap an ingredient or step to check it off.

1. 1Step 1: Mix the yeast, honey (or maple syrup), and water together in a large bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture gets foamy and yeasty.
2. 2Step 2: Add the flour and salt to the bowl, and mix everything with a large spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough may seem wet, but it should still hold together.
3. 3Step 3: Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil on top of the dough, and gently turn the dough in the oil so it's coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight, at least 8 hours (or, simply let the dough rise on the counter for about 4 hours instead). The dough will double in size.
4. 4Step 4: The next day, drizzle an additional 1 tbsp of olive oil on the dough and give the dough a quick knead to deflate it in the bowl.
5. 5Step 5: Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter (sub: vegan butter, if vegan), and transfer the dough to the baking pan. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place, uncovered, for about 2 hours. The dough will slowly spread to fit the pan, and double in size.
6. 6Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 F degrees.
7. 7Step 7: As the oven is preheating, mix the chopped nuts and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
8. 8Step 8: Once the focaccia dough is doubled in size, liberally sprinkle the nuts on top of the dough.
9. 9Step 9: Oil your hands and poke deep holes all over the top of the focaccia. Don't be shy - you want there to be lots of holes that touch the bottom of the pan!
10. 10Step 10: Bake the focaccia in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown on the edges and the top of the dough is firm to the touch.
11. 11Step 11: While the bread is baking, prepare the simple syrup sauce. Boil the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add the honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla, and simmer on low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is thickened.
12. 12Step 12: Remove the focaccia from the oven and immediately pour the sauce on top. Allow to cool before slicing and enjoying!