Baklava Recipe

Baklava is one of the most loved desserts in the world. It is rich, flaky, sweet, and full of nutty flavor.

Made with layers of thin phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, butter, and sweet syrup, baklava is a special treat often served at festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Even though it looks fancy, baklava is actually very easy to make at home if you follow the steps carefully.

Baklava Recipe

Baklava is a layered pastry dessert made with crisp phyllo sheets, finely chopped nuts, melted butter, and a sweet syrup flavored with lemon and sometimes rose or orange blossom water.

The top becomes golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and nutty.

When the hot baklava is soaked with cool syrup, it absorbs just enough sweetness without becoming soggy.

The result is a perfect balance of crispy, rich, and sweet in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Baklava Layers

• 1 pack phyllo pastry (about 400–450g)
• 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or mix)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Nuts
   Finely chop the nuts using a knife or food processor. Mix them with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
3. Layer the Phyllo Sheets
   Place one sheet of phyllo in the dish and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat this for 8–10 sheets, buttering each layer.
4. Add Nut Layer
   Spread a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo.
5. Continue Layering
   Add 5–6 more buttered phyllo sheets, then another nut layer. Repeat until all nuts are used.
6. Finish with Phyllo
   End with 8–10 buttered phyllo sheets on top. Brush the top generously with butter.
7. Cut Before Baking
   Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes. This makes serving easier later.
8. Bake Until Golden
   Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
9. Make the Syrup
   While baklava is baking, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add rose water if using.
10. Pour Syrup Over Hot Baklava
    As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, slowly pour the cool syrup over the hot pastry. It will sizzle and soak in.
11. Let It Rest
    Let the baklava sit for at least 3–4 hours or overnight. This allows the syrup to fully absorb.
12. Serve
    Once set, remove pieces carefully and serve.

Different Variations

• Pistachio Baklava – Use only pistachios for a traditional green-colored filling.
• Walnut Baklava – Rich and slightly bitter, perfect for less sweet lovers.
• Chocolate Baklava – Add small chocolate chips to the nut mixture.
• Honey-Only Syrup – Replace sugar with honey for a deeper flavor.
• Vegan Baklava – Use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.

Tips for Perfect Baklava

• Always keep phyllo covered with a damp cloth while working
• Use melted butter, not soft butter
• Cut baklava before baking, not after
• Pour cold syrup on hot baklava for the best texture
• Let it rest properly before serving

These tips help avoid soggy, dry, or broken baklava.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baklava can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered well. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

The flavor actually improves after the first day as the syrup settles.

Avoid covering baklava while it is still warm, as steam can make it soggy.

Always let it cool completely before storing. Reheating is not recommended as it can soften the crispy layers.

Popular Nuts Used in Baklava

Nut Type	Flavor Profile	Best For
Walnuts	Rich, slightly bitter	Classic baklava
Pistachios	Sweet, mild, colorful	Turkish-style baklava
Almonds	Light, crunchy	Lighter texture
Mixed Nuts	Balanced flavor	Variety lovers
Hazelnuts	Deep, nutty	European style

Conclusion

Baklava may look complicated, but once you try it, you’ll see how simple and satisfying it really is. With crisp layers, sweet syrup, and rich nuts, it is a dessert that always impresses.

Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this baklava recipe will give you perfect results every time