Traditional Baklava – A Sweet and Nutty Delight
Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert made from layers of crispy phyllo dough, filled with a spiced nut mixture, and drenched in a honey-sugar syrup. This Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classic is perfect for special occasions and will impress guests with its flaky texture and indulgent flavors. While it might seem complex, with some patience, you can easily prepare this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients
-
For the Baklava
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
For the Syrup
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Prepare the Nut Filling. In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Set aside.
Layer the Phyllo Dough. Unroll the phyllo dough, covering it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Place a sheet of dough in the greased baking pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process with about 10 sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
Add the Nut Mixture. Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo layers.
Continue Layering. Add 5 more layers of phyllo dough, again brushing each layer with butter, followed by another sprinkling of the nut mixture. Repeat this process, ending with a final layer of 10 phyllo sheets.
Cut Before Baking. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking.
Bake. Place the baklava in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Syrup. While the baklava bakes, make the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
Pour Syrup Over the Baklava. Once the baklava is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot baklava, ensuring it seeps into every cut.
Cool and Serve. Let the baklava cool completely before serving to allow the syrup to absorb. This can take a few hours, but it’s worth the wait!
Recipe tips
Work quickly with phyllo dough and always keep it covered with a damp cloth to avoid it drying out. Toast the nuts lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor. For added flavor, you can sprinkle orange blossom water or rose water into the syrup. Let the baklava sit overnight for the flavors to meld together even better.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor with a light, fluffy texture and a slight crunch from the poppy seeds. These muffins make a refreshing breakfast or snack, providing a delicious burst of citrus with every bite. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone excited for a treat!
These Coffee Cake Muffins are the perfect blend of a moist, tender cake and a sweet, crumbly topping. They're ideal for a quick breakfast treat, snack, or even a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. The brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making these muffins a comforting and flavorful indulgence.
These Nutella Pastry Twists are a quick, delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with flaky puff pastry and rich, creamy Nutella, they offer the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these twists are sure to satisfy any craving. The golden-brown pastry and decadent filling make them a hit at any time of day, and they are especially fun to make for holidays or special occasions.
Chocolate éclairs are a classic French pastry with a light, airy shell, creamy vanilla custard filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to bring the taste of a bakery into your home kitchen. Making éclairs takes a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the effort.
These tender and buttery Vanilla Bean Scones are perfect for breakfast or a snack with tea. The rich, creamy flavor of real vanilla bean pairs wonderfully with the light sweetness of the glaze. With their crumbly yet soft texture, these scones are easy to make and irresistible to enjoy fresh out of the oven.
If you're craving a classic French pastry that’s crisp on the outside, light and airy on the inside, filled with smooth pastry cream, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, look no further than éclairs. Making éclairs at home might seem intimidating, but with a little care and patience, you’ll find it’s easier than it looks. These delicate pastries are perfect for a special occasion or simply when you want to impress yourself or loved ones with something truly delicious.
These warm, fluffy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are packed with cozy fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made with real pumpkin puree, these muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. They’re easy to prepare and bring the comforting aroma of autumn into your kitchen. Whether you're serving them for a family brunch or grabbing one on the go, these muffins will satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings.
Chocolate Babka is a rich, sweet bread with a swirl of chocolate filling. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the chocolate creates a decadent, dessert-like flavor. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Though it looks intricate, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make, leaving you with an irresistible loaf full of chocolatey goodness.
Almond croissants are a decadent French pastry, perfect for breakfast or a luxurious snack. These flaky, buttery croissants are filled with a sweet almond paste and topped with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Whether you’re using day-old croissants or making them from scratch, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. Serve them warm with coffee or tea, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Parisian café.
A Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that pairs a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, creamy cheese filling. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. While it may seem like a treat you'd only buy from a bakery, this recipe will show you how easy it is to make your own at home. You’ll impress your family and friends with this light, flaky pastry filled with a rich cream cheese filling.
These delicious apple turnovers are perfect for when you want a warm, sweet treat. The flaky pastry filled with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples is a comfort food favorite. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just indulging yourself, these turnovers are surprisingly easy to make. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a snack later.
Deliciously buttery, flaky, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready in under an hour, making it a delightful option for anyone craving a quick pastry without all the fuss!
This refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crisp. Fresh greens, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds come together in a light, homemade citrus vinaigrette for an easy and vibrant dish. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad adds a burst of sunshine to any plate and is ideal for spring or summer gatherings.
Shrimp tacos are an easy, flavorful, and quick meal that delivers a burst of fresh ingredients with every bite. Tender, seasoned shrimp tucked into soft tortillas and topped with a zesty slaw and creamy sauce create a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and coolness. This recipe is great for taco nights, or anytime you're craving a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Who can resist a juicy, flavorful pulled pork sandwich? Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender pork is shredded and piled high on soft buns with your favorite barbecue sauce. It's perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or game day, and it's easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pulled pork recipe is sure to impress with its smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Tres Leches Cake is a classic Latin American dessert that's wonderfully moist and rich. The name “Tres Leches” translates to “three milks,” referring to the three types of milk used to soak the cake: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. This light, spongy cake absorbs the creamy mixture, resulting in a delightful texture that’s both soft and decadent, yet not too sweet. It’s often topped with whipped cream, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or a delicious dessert to enjoy any time.
If you're craving a fresh and flavorful salad that's packed with Italian charm, this Antipasto Salad is your go-to recipe. It’s an effortless blend of savory meats, creamy cheeses, crisp vegetables, and tangy olives, all brought together with a simple vinaigrette. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a light meal, this salad delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. Perfect for those who love to prepare their own food, this salad is easy to customize and makes a great addition to any meal.
Grilled salmon is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick meal. This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a citrusy marinade to enhance its natural taste. Cooking the salmon on the grill gives it a light smokiness, while keeping the fish moist and tender. It's a great dish for busy weeknights or summer BBQs and pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables or a side of rice.
This rich and savory country ham gravy is a true Southern classic, perfect for adding a comforting touch to your breakfast. Made with flavorful country ham and a simple roux, this gravy pairs wonderfully with freshly baked biscuits. The salty, smoky ham infuses the creamy gravy with irresistible flavor, making it a staple on any Southern breakfast table. Whether you're hosting brunch or simply want a cozy meal, this easy-to-make gravy is sure to satisfy.
Minestrone soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with vibrant vegetables and beans. This Italian classic is perfect for a cozy meal and is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables. Each spoonful is a celebration of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, filling dish. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this minestrone soup will hit the spot. The best part? It’s even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Tomato Basil Soup. With the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil, this soup is a timeless classic that’s both simple and delicious. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade meals, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, this Tomato Basil Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Pad Thai is a flavorful, stir-fried noodle dish that brings the taste of Thailand right to your kitchen. It's made with chewy rice noodles, tangy tamarind sauce, crunchy peanuts, and a mix of vegetables and proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. The combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors creates a dish that's both light and satisfying, perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe is easy to follow, and you'll have a delicious homemade Pad Thai in no time!
A refreshing Mojito is the perfect drink to cool you down on a hot day. With its crisp combination of fresh mint, tangy lime, and a touch of sweetness, this classic Cuban cocktail will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. Whether you're hosting a summer party or simply enjoying a relaxing evening, a homemade Mojito is always a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients!
French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful classic that’s perfect for chilly days. The rich, caramelized onions meld beautifully with the savory beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese for a truly satisfying experience. This soup is both hearty and elegant, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a little patience, you’ll create a dish that is both simple and deeply flavorful.
Cajun Jambalaya is a flavorful, one-pot dish that's packed with bold spices, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and shrimp. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying meal with a little kick of heat. This dish, rooted in Louisiana cuisine, combines rich flavors and the comfort of rice, making it ideal for a family dinner or a festive gathering.
Mulligatawny Soup is a fragrant and flavorful dish with Indian origins. This soup blends spices like curry powder with the richness of coconut milk and the heartiness of lentils, vegetables, and chicken. It's a warming, comforting meal that's perfect for a chilly day. Traditionally served with rice, this soup can be easily customized to suit your preferences, whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover.
A Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its bold mix of flavors and strength. Despite its name, it doesn't contain any tea—just a blend of spirits, sweeteners, and a splash of cola to give it that tea-like color. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink with a touch of sweetness and tanginess from the lemon. It’s a party favorite and a great drink to enjoy with friends!
Molten Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert with a gooey, melted center that oozes out when you cut into it. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. This is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The outside is soft and cakey, while the inside remains molten and warm, creating the ultimate chocolate experience.
A Bloody Mary is the perfect drink for those who love bold, savory flavors with a touch of spice. This classic cocktail combines tomato juice, vodka, and a mix of seasonings to create a zesty, satisfying beverage. It’s versatile enough for brunch but also a great pick-me-up for any time of day. Garnish it with celery, pickles, or olives to add extra flavor and make it your own.
French Macarons are delicate, light, and crisp on the outside, with a soft and chewy center. These little sandwich cookies are made from almond flour and meringue, filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam. Though they require some precision, their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors make them worth every effort.
The Blue Lagoon is a refreshing, vibrant cocktail that combines the tangy flavors of vodka and blue curaçao with the sweetness of lemonade. Its stunning blue color makes it a showstopper at parties, ideal for summer gatherings or special occasions. This easy-to-make drink brings a tropical touch to any event and is perfect for those who enjoy light, fruity cocktails.
Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. This Italian classic combines tender ground beef with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. It’s an easy recipe that you can tweak to your taste, making it ideal for a homemade meal. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Bolognese sauce will be a hit.