Description
A rich and flaky Mediterranean dessert made with layers of buttery phyllo dough, spiced nuts, and a fragrant honey syrup. Greek Baklava is a classic treat perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 package phyllo dough, thawed (16 oz)
2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup almonds, finely chopped
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the syrup:
1 cup honey
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
2–3 strips lemon peel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the walnuts, almonds, 1/2 cup sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.
- Continue layering phyllo and nut mixture, brushing each sheet with butter, until all nuts are used. Finish with 8 layers of phyllo on top, each brushed with butter.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
- While baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining honey, water, 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
- Immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to let the syrup soak in.
Notes
Use a mix of pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavor profiles.
Swap lemon peel for orange peel in the syrup for a citrusy twist.
To keep phyllo from drying out while working, cover it with a damp towel.
Baklava tastes better the next day as the syrup soaks in fully.
Store at room temperature for best texture; refrigerate if storing longer than 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
