Baklava is a delicious and flaky dessert that is popular in many cultures around the world. It is made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and sweet syrup. It can be made with a variety of different nuts, but the most common are walnuts and pistachios.
This recipe is for a classic Turkish baklava. It is easy to follow and produces a delicious and flaky dessert. This recipe does not require any special skills or equipment.
What Makes a Perfect Baklava?
Here are the ingredients that make this delicious dessert so special.
Phyllo Dough:
Phyllo dough, a paper-thin pastry, serves as the delicate and flaky layers that define baklava. Comprising flour, water, and a touch of oil, this dough is a versatile canvas for the rich flavors it envelops. Thawed according to package instructions, it effortlessly contributes a crisp texture and a golden-brown finish to the dessert, creating the perfect base for the layers of nuts and sweetness.
Walnuts:
Ground walnuts, weighing in at a pound, bring a robust and earthy flavor to the baklava. Beyond their delectable taste, they offer a satisfying crunch, adding a textural contrast to the layers of phyllo. These nuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients, infuse the dessert with depth and nuttiness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Cinnamon:
A teaspoon of ground cinnamon introduces warmth and aromatic spice to the baklava. This classic spice not only enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet and woody notes but also complements the earthiness of the walnuts. Its presence in the nut mixture adds a harmonious layer of complexity to the dessert.
Butter:
Half a cup of melted butter contributes richness and indulgence to the baklava. Brushed between each layer of phyllo dough, it ensures a buttery, golden exterior that is both crisp and tender. The butter plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors, elevating the dessert to a sumptuous treat.
Sugar, Honey, Lemon Juice, and Water (Syrup):
The syrup, a sweet elixir for the baklava, is a blend of 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of water. This luscious combination brings a sticky sweetness that binds the layers together and imparts a glossy sheen to the finished dessert. The honey and sugar create a luxurious sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a hint of citrusy brightness, balancing the richness of the nuts and butter.
Baklava Recipe
Ingredients
- 453.59 grams 16 ounces phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
- 296 milliliters 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, melted
- 453.59 grams 1 pound walnuts, finely chopped
- 5 grams 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 236.59 milliliters 1 cup granulated sugar
- 30 milliliters 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon)
- 177.44 milliliters 3/4 cup water
- 118.29 milliliters 1/2 cup honey
Garnish (optional):
- Melted chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts
Instructions
Thaw the phyllo dough.
- Place the phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the phyllo dough from the refrigerator 1 hour before starting the recipe.
- Let the phyllo dough come to room temperature on the counter.
Trim the phyllo dough.
- If your baking dish is 13×9 inches, trim the phyllo dough slightly so that it fits snugly.
- Keep the remaining phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
Butter the baking dish.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a 13×9 inch non-stick baking pan.
Make the honey sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, lemon juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 4 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool.
Preheat the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Grind the walnuts.
- Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they are coarsely ground.
Make the nut mixture.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the walnuts and cinnamon.
Assemble the baklava.
- Place 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared baking pan, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next.
- Spread 1/5 of the nut mixture (about 3/4 cup) over the phyllo dough.
- Add 5 buttered sheets of phyllo dough.
- Spread another layer of nuts over the phyllo dough.
- Repeat this process 4 more times.
- Finish with 10 layers of buttered phyllo dough.
- Brush the very top with butter.
Cut the baklava.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into 1 1/2-inch wide strips.
- Cut diagonally to form diamond shapes.
Bake the baklava.
- Bake the baklava for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Pour the honey sauce over the baklava.
- Immediately spoon the cooled honey sauce evenly over the hot baklava.
Let the baklava cool.
- Let the baklava cool completely, uncovered, at room temperature.
- For best results, let the baklava sit for 4-6 hours, or overnight so that the syrup can penetrate and soften the layers.
Serve the baklava.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or melted chocolate, if desired.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips
For best results, use thawed phyllo dough. Phyllo dough can be dried out quickly, so it is important to keep it covered with a damp towel while you are working with it.
If you are using a food processor to grind the walnuts, be careful not to over-process them. You want the walnuts to be coarsely ground, not a fine powder.
When assembling the baklava, be sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter. This will help to create a flaky and delicious dessert.
Be careful not to overbake it. You want it to be golden brown and flaky, but not dry.
Let it cool completely before serving. This will allow the syrup to soak into the layers of phyllo dough.
FAQ
What kind of nuts can I use in baklava?
You can use a variety of different nuts, but the most common are walnuts and pistachios. Other popular nuts include almonds, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Can I make baklava ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Once it is cooked and cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
How do I cut baklava?
To cut the baklava, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond shapes. You can also use a pizza cutter to cut the it into squares or rectangles.
Conclusion
Baklava is a delicious and flaky dessert that is easy to make. This recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level, as it does not require any special skills or equipment. With a little practice, you will be making delicious baklava in no time!
And when you are done with this recipe, here is another to keep your taste buds happy; Chicken Enchilada Recipe.
