Description
A crisp and golden simple baklava made with delicate layers of buttery phyllo dough, finely chopped walnuts, warm cinnamon, and a rich honey syrup that seeps into every bite. Perfectly sweet, flaky, and comforting, this classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 ounces), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the prepared baking dish and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 8 sheets, brushing each sheet with butter.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo. Add two buttered sheets, then another layer of nuts. Continue layering, finishing with 6 to 8 buttered sheets on top.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond shapes before baking.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- While baking, combine water, remaining sugar, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava once removed from the oven.
- Allow to rest for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure the syrup fully absorbs.
Notes
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a lightly damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
- Always pour cooled syrup over hot baklava for the best texture contrast.
- For deeper flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before chopping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: simple baklava, homemade baklava, easy baklava recipe, honey walnut dessert, layered phyllo pastry