Description
This classic baklava features buttery layers of flaky phyllo, finely chopped walnuts, and a lemon-honey syrup that soaks in perfectly. A rich, golden, sweet dessert that’s worth every step.
Ingredients
For the Baklava Layers:
16 oz phyllo dough, thawed per package instructions
1 ¼ cups (10 oz or 2 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 lb walnuts, finely chopped (about 4 ¼ cups unprocessed)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Honey Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon)
¾ cup water
½ cup honey
Optional Garnish:
Melted chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Prep and Syrup:
Thaw and bring phyllo to room temperature.
Trim sheets to fit a 13×9 pan. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Grease pan with butter.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, honey, lemon juice, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 4 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Nut Filling:
Pulse walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.
Mix with ground cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Assemble Baklava:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Layer 10 phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
Add ¾ cup nut mixture.
Repeat layering: 5 buttered sheets, ¾ cup nuts (x4).
Finish with 10 buttered phyllo sheets. Brush top with butter.
Cut into 1½-inch strips, then diagonally into diamond shapes.
4. Bake and Syrup:
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes at 325°F until golden.
Immediately pour cooled syrup over hot baklava. Let cool at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow syrup to soak in.
5. Garnish and Store:
Garnish with chopped nuts or melted chocolate if desired.
Store covered with a tea towel at room temperature for 1 week.
Notes
Always cover unused phyllo with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
For best flavor, let baklava sit overnight to soak.
Storage:
Room temp (1 week, covered with tea towel)
Fridge (2 weeks in airtight container—texture may soften)
Freezer (up to 4 months, thaw before serving, reheat if desired for crispness)
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Greek, Turkish
