Discover how to make Baklava, a classic sweet pastry featuring crispy layers of phyllo dough, a rich nut filling, and a sweet honey syrup. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat any time. Follow our step-by-step recipe for a traditional and irresistible dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

 - 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed

 - 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), finely chopped

 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Syrup:

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 cup water

 - 1/2 cup honey

 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the Nuts:

  - In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Assemble the Baklava:

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

  - Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.

  - Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.

  - Evenly spread a layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.

  - Continue layering, alternating with the nut mixture, until all the nuts are used up. Finish with 8 more layers of phyllo dough, each brushed with melted butter.

Cut and Bake:

  - Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Make the Syrup:

  - While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

  - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool.

Add Syrup to Baklava:

  - Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

  - Let it cool completely before serving to allow the syrup to soak in and the layers to become crisp and sweet.

Enjoy your homemade Baklava as a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional values

1 Package (16 oz) Phyllo Dough, Thawed

  - Calories: Approximately 130 kcal per 1 oz (28g)

  - Fat: 7g

  - Carbohydrates: 15g

  - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

  - Low in fat compared to puff pastry, making it a lighter option.

  - Provides a crispy texture and base for layering in desserts.

2 Cups Mixed Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, and Pistachios), Finely Chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per 1/4 cup of mixed nuts

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 18g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

  - Rich in healthy fats that support heart health.

  - Provides protein, which supports muscle health and satiety.

  - High in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.

1 Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted

  - Calories: 810 kcal per cup

  - Fat: 92g

  - Saturated Fat: 58g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the Baklava.

  - Helps achieve the desired flaky and crispy texture.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

  - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

  - May aid in regulating blood sugar levels.

1 Cup Granulated Sugar

  - Calories: 774 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 200g

Benefits:

  - Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the richness of the Baklava.

1 Cup Water

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - No significant nutrients

Benefits:

  - Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrup consistency.

1/2 Cup Honey

  - Calories: 515 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: 140g

  - Natural Sugars: Includes fructose and glucose

Benefits:

  - Offers a complex flavor and additional nutrients compared to refined sugar.

  - Contains antioxidants that can benefit health.

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

  - Calories: 12 kcal per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

  - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the syrup.

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

  - Calories: 4 kcal per tablespoon

  - Vitamin C: High content

Benefits:

  - Adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the syrup.

  - Supports immune health and enhances overall flavor.

These ingredients work together to create a rich, flavorful Baklava with a sweet, nutty filling and a well-balanced syrup.