Description
A deliciously rich dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, walnuts, and honey syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz)
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll the phyllo dough carefully. Cut the sheets to fit the size of your baking pan. Cover with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out.
- Assemble the Baklava: Brush the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo in the pan, and brush it with butter. Repeat this process with about 8 sheets. Spread a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo. Add 4 more sheets of phyllo, buttering each one. Repeat the layering with walnuts and phyllo until the nuts are all used. Top with about 8-10 buttered phyllo sheets. Cut into squares or diamond shapes.
- Bake the Baklava: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved. Add the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the Syrup: Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it. Allow the baklava to cool completely at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup is hot when you pour it over the baklava to ensure maximum absorption.
- Store leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pistachios or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Let the baklava sit for a few hours or overnight to fully absorb the syrup for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece