Baklava Recipe - How to Make Baklava (2024)

Learn how to make baklava with this easy twist on a classic Greek baklava recipe! Layers of flakey phyllo dough combine with a crunchy nut filling and a sweet sugar topping for a dessert that will knock your socks off.

What Is Baklava?

Baklava is a type of sweet, flakey pastry made with phyllo (or filo) dough and nuts soaked in syrup or honey. It is a popular dessert enjoyed throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean regions of the world and is often enjoyed for special celebrations like weddings and graduation parties.

What Is Authentic Baklava Made Of?

Traditional Turkish baklava, also sometimes known as fistikli baklava or pistachio baklava, is made with phyllo dough, pistachios, butter, and simple syrup.

That said, there are many variations of the dish with some versions adding rosewater for flavoring and others, like Greek baklava which typically uses walnuts and cinnamon.

This recipe resembles Greek baklava most closely but features our own twists, just like Momma used to make!

How to Make Baklava

As mentioned, this baklava recipe is not completely traditional or authentic, but it is how we grew up eating it and how we still make it to this day!

Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar – Used to sweeten the syrup.
• Water – Forms the base of the liquid, combining the ingredients.
• Corn Syrup – A sweet thickener that creates the thick consistency and sticky texture of the syrup, taking the place of honey in traditional recipes.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
• Sea Salt – Adjust to taste.
• Walnuts – Feel free to use pistachios instead.
• Phyllo Dough – Find this in the frozen or refrigerated section of your local grocery store.
• Melted Ghee – Use unsalted butter, and clarify it yourself, if preferred.

Instructions

1. Prepare the simple syrup. Combine all the ingredients for the syrup in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Then, bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until it thickens. Remove the mixture from the heat, and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Chop. Use a sharp knife to cut the nuts into fine pieces, or pulse them in the food processor a few times.
3. Prepare. Preheat the oven, and coat a baking dish with the ghee.
4. Layer the phyllo. Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, and coat it with the melted ghee. Repeat this process, layering ten sheets.
5. Add the filling. Sprinkle part of the chopped nuts on top. Then, add the remaining phyllo sheets, buttering each piece in between.
6. Slice. Carefully cut the baklava into diamond shapes or squares.
7. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, and bake just until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
8. Coat. Immediately pour the simple syrup on top, coating the baklava recipe evenly.

Tips for Success

• Thaw the dough. If your dough is frozen, transfer it to the fridge a day in advance. Otherwise, it’s nearly impossible to work with.
• Keep the dough covered. Prevent the dough from drying out by storing the sheets between damp paper towels while you work.
• Don’t chop the nuts too finely. You want the nuts to be finely chopped but still have some texture and crunch. They should not be fine like flour or sand!
• Wet your hands. If your dough starts sticking to your fingers while you work, keep a bowl of water next to your workstation, and dip your fingertips in after layering each piece.
• Be sure to slice the baklava dessert before baking! This is crucial for serving because the dough becomes flakey and not very pliable once baked. As a result, trying to slice your baklava recipe after removing it from the oven will cause it to fall apart.

Common Questions About This Baklava Recipe

More Baklava-Inspired Recipes

• Baklava Skillet Pancake
• Baklava French Toast
• Easy Baklava Granola Recipe
• Baklava Cinnamon Rolls