This Classic Baklava is a traditional dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, enriched with nuts and sweetened with a fragrant syrup. This recipe features a generous filling of chopped walnuts between buttery, crisp phyllo sheets, all topped with a homemade syrup that soaks into the layers, creating a rich, indulgent treat. Baklava is renowned for its combination of textures and flavors that make it irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This: Baklava is a perfect blend of crunchy and sweet, with each layer of pastry offering a satisfying texture that complements the soft, flavorful filling of nuts. The syrup infuses the dish with a depth of flavor that is not overly sweet, but just right to enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients. This dessert is not only a joy to eat but also a pleasure to prepare, as the process is as rewarding as the final result.
Perfect Occasion: Baklava is ideal for festive occasions, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. It’s a popular choice for special events like weddings and religious feasts. This dessert can also be a luxurious treat for weekend gatherings or as a special dessert to finish a meal with friends.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, cut the baklava into diamond shapes before baking and garnish each piece with a whole clove or sprinkle with ground pistachios or walnuts after baking. Drizzle lightly with honey right before serving to add a glossy, appetizing finish.
Ingredients:
- 1kg walnuts, finely chopped
- 1kg phyllo dough
- 250g butter
- 200ml oil
- 1kg sugar
- Water (enough to cover the sugar by 1cm in the pot)
- Prepare the Phyllo Layers:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Melt butter and mix it with oil. Use this mixture to grease a baking dish and to brush each phyllo sheet.
- Lay three sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the dish, brushing each with the butter and oil mixture.
- Continue layering two sheets at a time, sprinkling finely chopped walnuts between every two sheets. Finish with three sheets on top.
- Bake:
- Before baking, cut the baklava into desired shapes.
- Pour the remaining butter and oil mixture over the cut dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 150°C (302°F) and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- While the baklava bakes, combine sugar and water (water should be about 1cm above the sugar) in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for exactly 20 minutes.
- Let the syrup cool slightly after cooking.
- Finish:
- Once the baklava is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slowly pour half of the syrup over the warm baklava, allowing it to absorb fully. Then, pour over the rest of the syrup.
Enjoy this luscious and crispy baklava, a sweet symphony of textures and flavors that’s sure to delight any dessert lover and become a favorite at any gathering!
