Description
Baklava is a rich and sweet Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert made of layers of flaky phyllo dough, filled with finely chopped nuts, and sweetened with a fragrant syrup.
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Walnuts (finely chopped)
- Pistachios (optional, finely chopped)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves (optional)
- Honey
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture.
- Add 4 more phyllo sheets, each brushed with butter, then another layer of nuts.
- Repeat until all nuts are used, ending with 8 more buttered phyllo sheets on top.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square pieces.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup by simmering water, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla for 10 minutes.
- Pour the hot syrup evenly over the baked baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Allow it to soak and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pistachios for variation.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or rosewater to the syrup for floral notes.
- Top with powdered sugar or extra chopped nuts before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg