Baklava is a rich and decadent Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of flaky phyllo dough, spiced nuts, and golden syrup. This easy recipe guides you through making authentic baklava at home, with tips for achieving perfect crispiness and that signature sticky-sweet finish.
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Restaurant-quality with step-by-step guidance
✔ Make-ahead friendly (stays crisp for weeks)
✔ 3 nut options (walnuts, pistachios, or pecans)
✔ Flaky, buttery perfection in every bite
Yields: Approximately 36 pieces
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pound mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Nuts
- Finely chop the mixed nuts. In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or the microwave.
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough
- Grease the bottom and sides of the 9×13-inch baking pan. Unroll the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter.
Step 4: Add the Nut Mixture
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers.
Step 5: Continue Layering
- Place 6 more sheets of phyllo over the nuts, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.
Step 6: Finish with Phyllo
- Top with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with melted butter.
Step 7: Cut the Baklava
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Cut through the layers.
Step 8: Bake the Baklava
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour any remaining melted butter over the top of the cut baklava. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Prepare the Syrup
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and orange blossom water (if using). Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 10: Pour Syrup Over Baklava
- Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the slightly warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the syrup to soak in completely.
Step 11: Serve
- Serve the baklava at room temperature.
📊 Nutrition (Per Piece)
- Calories 220
- Protein 3g
- Carbs 22g
- Fiber 1g
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Phyllo hack: Keep covered with a damp towel to prevent drying
✅ Extra crisp: Brush top layers generously with butter
✅ Storage: Keep at room temp up to 2 weeks
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Turkish Style
- Garnish with ground pistachios
- Gift Packaging
- Stack in cellophane boxes with ribbon
- Dessert Platter
- Serve with Turkish coffee
Enjoy your delicious homemade Baklava!
THANK YOU for Visiting Savory Life Recipes!
👉 If you loved this recipe, please share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram!
