This traditional Walnut and Cinnamon Baklava combines the crispy, buttery layers of filo dough with a rich filling of finely chopped walnuts and aromatic cinnamon. The dessert is sweetened with a homemade lemon-infused sugar syrup that soaks into the flaky layers, creating a delightful texture contrast. This baklava is baked to a golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite, and is finished with a sprinkle of ground pistachios for an extra touch of nutty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This: Baklava is a beloved dessert for its complex textures and deep flavors. The combination of walnuts and cinnamon offers a warm, spicy note that complements the sweet, sticky syrup. The filo dough layers are meticulously prepared to achieve the perfect crispness, making this dessert not only delicious but also a joy to eat. Each piece is a perfect blend of crunch and sweetness, ideal for those who appreciate a well-crafted pastry.
Perfect Occasion: This baklava is perfect for festive occasions, including holiday gatherings, celebrations, or as a special treat to conclude a family dinner. It’s also a great choice for cultural festivals or as a luxurious sweet treat to pair with coffee or tea during afternoon gatherings.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle finely ground pistachios over the top of the baklava after drizzling with syrup. The green color of the pistachios adds a vibrant contrast to the golden brown pastry. If serving at a special event, consider adding edible gold leaf on top for an extra luxurious touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 250 g sugar
- 3 tsp lemon juice
- For the Baklava:
- 200 g butter, melted and clarified
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 200 g walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 packs of filo dough/yufka dough (14 sheets total)
- A few ground pistachios for garnish
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Baklava:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Prepare a round 28 cm oven dish by greasing it lightly.
- Combine melted butter and sunflower oil in a bowl. Remove any foam from the butter with a spoon.
- In another bowl, mix the chopped walnuts with cinnamon.
- Assemble the Baklava:
- Lay out the filo dough sheets. Place the oven dish in the middle of the dough and cut around to fit the dish, keeping the edges.
- Brush each sheet with the butter-oil mixture, sprinkle some of the trimmed edges onto the dough, then add some of the walnut-cinnamon mixture.
- Layer the filo sheets in the dish, alternating with the walnut mixture, and finish with a layer of filo on top, ensuring to butter each sheet.
- Before baking, cut the layered dough into 16 pieces.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven on the bottom rack and bake for 60 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish with Syrup:
- Immediately after baking, evenly pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava.
- Sprinkle with ground pistachios.
Enjoy this exquisitely layered Walnut and Cinnamon Baklava, a sweet and crunchy treat that is sure to delight your taste buds!
