Classic Baklava
This traditional baklava recipe features layers of crisp, buttery phyllo dough filled with a sweet, spiced nut mixture. A fragrant lemon-infused syrup is poured over the warm pastry, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying sweet treat.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 5 hr 45 min
- Serves
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 656 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 450 gphyllo dough, thawed
- 250 gunsalted butter, melted
nut filling
- 300 gwalnut, finely chopped
- 100 gpistachio, finely chopped
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar
- 1 tspcinnamon, ground
syrup
- 2 cupgranulated sugar
- 1 cupwater
- 2 pcslemon, juiced, plus 2-3 slices
- 2 tbsphoney
Equipment
pastry brush · 9x13 inch baking pan · measuring cups · measuring spoons · medium saucepan · mixing bowls · sharp knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the syrup first: combine the granulated sugar, water, and lemon slices in a medium saucepan.
- 2
Bring the syrup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
About 15 min
- 3
Remove the syrup from heat, stir in the lemon juice and honey, then set aside to cool completely.
Cook’s note: The syrup must be cool when poured over the hot baklava to achieve maximum crispness.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
About 15 min
- 5
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the nut filling.
About 5 min
- 6
Brush a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan generously with melted unsalted butter.
About 2 min
- 7
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared pan, allowing excess to hang over the edges if necessary, and brush lightly with melted butter.
Cook’s note: Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
- 8
Repeat with 8-10 more phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter, until you have a base of 9-11 buttered layers.
About 10 min
- 9
Spread about one-third of the nut filling evenly over the phyllo layers.
About 1 min
- 10
Place 4-5 more phyllo sheets on top of the nuts, brushing each generously with butter.
About 5 min
- 11
Spread another third of the nut filling over these phyllo layers.
About 1 min
- 12
Add another 4-5 buttered phyllo sheets, then the remaining nut filling.
About 5 min
- 13
Top with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each one with melted butter. Trim any overhang to fit the pan neatly.
About 5 min
- 14
Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of baklava into diamond or square shapes, cutting all the way through the top layers but not necessarily to the bottom of the pan.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Cut before baking to make it easier to slice after baking.
- 15
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- 16
Immediately upon removing the baklava from the oven, slowly and evenly pour the cooled syrup over the hot pastry.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The sizzling sound is normal! This is what makes the baklava crisp.
- 17
Let the baklava cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the syrup to fully absorb.
About 4 hr
- 18
Once cooled, cut completely through the scored lines and serve.
About 2 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 656.3kcal
- Protein
- 8.4g
- Carbs
- 73.9g
- Fat
- 39.2g
- Fibre
- 3.9g
- Sugar
- 47.5g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store baklava in an airtight container at room temperature.
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