Best Baklava Recipe

4.57 from 22 votes

Discover the best baklava recipe! This classic Middle Eastern dessert features flaky phyllo dough, a rich nutty filling, and sweet syrup for a delicious homemade treat.

homemade baklava

As someone who admires Middle Eastern desserts, I can confidently say that an authentic baklava recipe is one of the best Middle Eastern desserts. Alongside other desserts like Basbousa, Malabi, and knafeh, which you absolutely MUST try!


Video Recipe 📹

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best baklava. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.

YouTube video

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box👇


Why You’ll Love This Baklava Recipe ❤️

crispy baklava with pistachio filling
  • Foolproof recipe tested by thousands! This step-by-step baklava guide is featured in a video with 400K+ views on my YouTube channel.
  • A classic baklava dessert with perfectly flaky layers, rich nuts, and aromatic syrup.
  • Quick and satisfying – an easy dessert recipe with phyllo dough.Perfect for holiday dessert ideas or special occasions.
  • Made with a blend of walnuts and pistachios, delivering the best flavors.

What Is Baklava? 🥮

Baklava is a rich and flaky Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with a nutty mixture, and soaked in a sweet syrup. Known for its crispy texture and irresistible sweetness, baklava is a cherished treat in countries like Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. An authentic baklava recipe typically includes nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and its origins date back centuries to Ottoman cuisine.

How to Make the Best Baklava 👩‍🍳

  1. Prepare the nut mixture: Blend walnuts and pistachios with cinnamon.
  2. Layer the phyllo dough: Brush each sheet with butter, alternating layers with the nut filling.
  3. Cut and bake: Slice into diamond shapes and bake until golden.
  4. Add the syrup: Pour the syrup over the hot baklava for maximum absorption.

Yep, it’s that easy. For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe box 👇

autenthic baklava

Best Nuts for Baklava 🥜

  1. Pistachios: A classic choice for a pistachio baklava recipe, adding vibrant color and rich flavor.
  2. Walnuts: Common in a traditional baklava recipe, offering a slightly earthy taste.
  3. Almonds: A milder option with a subtle crunch.
  4. Hazelnuts: Add a nutty depth to the filling for unique variations.🌰

Baklava Variations 🌟

  1. Pistachio Baklava: Loaded with vibrant green pistachios.
  2. Walnut Baklava: A classic twist with walnuts as the main nut.
  3. Chocolate Baklava: A modern version with a layer of melted chocolate. 🍫
  4. Rose Water Baklava: Enhanced with floral notes in the syrup. 🌹
  5. Vegan Baklava: Made with dairy-free butter and syrup.
A glass baking dish filled with sliced pieces of golden-brown baklava sits on a wooden table. A triangular piece of baklava, garnished with crushed nuts, is served on a white plate in the foreground, accompanied by a small gold fork.

Substitutes for Ingredients

  1. Phyllo Dough: Use puff pastry for a quicker easy dessert recipe with phyllo dough.
  2. Nuts: Replace with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
  3. Honey: Swap with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
  4. Rose Water: Try orange blossom water for a citrusy floral note. 🍊

How to Store Baklava 🥶

Store leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Common Questions

Can I make baklava ahead of time?

Yes! Baklava tastes even better after the syrup has soaked in overnight. Prepare it a day or two ahead for the best flavor.

How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out?

Cover the unused sheets with a damp towel while layering. This keeps the dough pliable and prevents it from cracking.

What’s the origin of baklava?

Baklava is a Middle Eastern dessert with roots in Ottoman cuisine, popular in Turkey, Greece, and surrounding regions.

What is the best type of nuts for baklava?

The most common choices are pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. Pistachios are ideal for a pistachio baklava recipe, while walnuts are classic for traditional baklava recipes.

More Middle Eastern Desserts

If you enjoyed this delicious baklava recipe, you might also like these middle eastern dessert recipes:

A glass baking dish filled with sliced pieces of golden-brown baklava sits on a wooden table. A triangular piece of baklava, garnished with crushed nuts, is served on a white plate in the foreground, accompanied by a small gold fork.

The Best Baklava Recipe (Easy)

Discover the best baklava recipe! This classic Middle Eastern dessert features flaky phyllo dough, a rich nutty filling, and sweet syrup for a delicious homemade treat.
4.57 from 22 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Baking time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
DIFFICULTY Medium
Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle eastern
Servings 16 yields
Calories 352 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the filling:

  • 24 Phyllo sheets
  • 8 oz (225 g) Walnuts
  • 8 oz (225 g) Pistachios
  • ¾ cup +2 tablespoons (200 g) Mutter melted
  • teaspoon Cinnamon

For the syrup:

  • cups (250 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (90 g) Honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Fresh lemon juice
  • teaspoon Rose water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Water

Instructions
 

  • Make the filling: Place walnuts, pistachios and cinnamon into a food processor and process until coarsely ground. Set aside.
  • Make the syrup: in a small saucepan combine all the syrup ingredients and bring to boil. wait until the sugar is dissolves and simmer 4-5 minutes more. Let cool while you are making the baklava.
  • Preheat oven to 175C (350F).
  • Assembling the baklava: Unroll phyllo dough and trim the sheets to fit your baking dish. cover with a damp towel to keep from drying out as you work.
  • Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with some melted butter. Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next (keep the remaining dough covered with a damp towel). Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the dough. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter before adding the next. sprinkle with the remaining half of the nut mixture. Layer the remaining 8 sheets of phyllo on top of the nut mixture, brushing each with butter. brush the top sheet with extra butter.
  • Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan.
  • Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until baklava is golden and crisp.
  • Immediately pour the syrup over the hot baklava, let soak at least 6 hours or overnight at room temperature. Garnish with grated pistachios (optional).

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
  • FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located above the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 235mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 122IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Keyword phyllo

3 Comments

  1. Lorenna N says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved the taste, texture, smell and the shape of the baklava in this recipe. Since my last visit to Grand Turkish Bazaar on 2019 before covid times, I was buying my baklava from grandturkishbazaar.com But after that recipe, I see that how easy to make it at home on my own. Thank you!! 🙂

    October 8, 2020
  2. 5 stars
    so good

    November 26, 2024
  3. 5 stars
    Just made this baklava after seeing your post on FB.
    Absolutely delicious

    November 26, 2024
4.57 from 22 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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