Baklava Recipe – Turkey's Sweet Delight

Name: Baklava
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Turkey
Ingredients: cinnamon; honey; lemon juice; package phyllo dough; sugar; sugar for syrup; unsalted butter melted; vanilla extract; walnuts; water

Baklava is a beloved Turkish dessert made of layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of finely chopped walnuts and sweetened with a honey-sugar syrup. It's often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations in Turkey, symbolizing hospitality and indulgence. Whether served at weddings or festive gatherings, this sweet treat is an essential part of Turkish culinary culture.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

1 package phyllo dough (16 oz)
2 cups unsalted butter, melted
4 cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup water
1 cup sugar (for syrup)
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts, 1 cup of sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Assemble the Baklava

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.

Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have about 8 layers of dough.

Evenly sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo dough.

Continue layering phyllo dough, buttering each layer, and sprinkling with the walnut mixture until all the walnuts are used.

Finish with about 8 layers of phyllo dough, buttering each layer, including the top layer.

Cut and Bake

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

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

Prepare the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine the water, 1 cup of sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the Syrup

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the top, making sure to cover all the pieces.

Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving, giving it time to absorb the syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baklava?

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Where does Baklava come from?

Baklava has its origins in the Ottoman Empire, which is now modern-day Turkey.

What are the main ingredients in Baklava?

The key ingredients include phyllo dough, unsalted butter, walnuts, sugar, ground cinnamon, water, and honey.

How long does Baklava take to make?

Baklava takes approximately 80-90 minutes to prepare and bake.

What do you serve with Baklava?

Baklava pairs wonderfully with Turkish tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baklava