Oh, baklava! This nutty, syrupy, flaky pastry is a taste of Mediterranean heaven, with each bite taking you on a culinary journey to sunny shores and bustling markets. It’s for everyone who loves a sweet treat that’s not just delicious, but also steeped in history.
Whether you’re a confident baker or newly venturing into the world of layered desserts, this baklava recipe is surprisingly straightforward. As someone who loves exploring traditional recipes with modern twists, I found that mastering baklava was not just rewarding but also a way to connect with a rich cultural tradition. Let’s embark on this sweet adventure together!
- 1 package phyllo dough,
- 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds),
- 1 cup melted butter,
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,
- 1 cup water,
- 1 cup granulated sugar,
- 1/2 cup honey,
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest,
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13 inch baking pan with melted butter. Lay two sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.
Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped nuts over the buttered phyllo dough. Layer 2 more sheets on top, butter, and add nuts. Continue until all nuts are used, ending with about 6-8 sheets of phyllo.
Using a sharp knife, cut the layered dough into diamond or square shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
While baklava is baking, combine water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Once baklava is baked and still warm, pour the cooled syrup over it. Allow it to soak in and set for several hours or overnight for best results.
Final words
Voila! You’ve just created a scrumptious baklava that’s guaranteed to impress. This recipe not only brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine into your home but also shows that making sophisticated desserts can be quite accessible. Thank you for following along, and I hope your baklava turns out as delightfully sweet and crunchy as you imagined. Don’t forget to explore other recipes on my site for more culinary adventures. Happy baking!
Tags
baklava recipe, Mediterranean dessert, sweet pastry, homemade baklava, traditional baklava
