Indulge in the rich and sweet sensation of Homemade Walnut Baklava, a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any festive occasion. Made with layers of thin pastry, filled with crunchy walnuts, and soaked in a sweet syrup, this baklava recipe turns your kitchen into the heart of celebration. Its simplicity, combined with the luxurious taste of clarified butter and the crunch of fresh walnuts, makes for a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This: This Homemade Walnut Baklava is a testament to the beauty of traditional desserts. Its flaky layers, rich walnut filling, and perfectly sweetened syrup offer a balance of textures and flavors that are bound to impress. The process of making baklava at home brings a sense of accomplishment and joy, making each bite even more rewarding. It’s a delightful way to celebrate tradition and enjoy homemade sweetness.
Perfect Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a special family gathering, or simply a moment to indulge in something sweet, this Homemade Walnut Baklava is the perfect centerpiece. It’s particularly suited for celebrations where you want to offer something special and homemade, demonstrating your culinary skills and the warmth of your hospitality.
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 finely chopped pistachios after soaking in syrup. Serving it on a decorative platter, alongside fresh mint leaves or edible flowers, adds a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 21 ounces of baklava pastry sheets
- Walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 8.8 ounces of clarified butter (from melting and skimming 250g of unsalted butter)
For the Syrup:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- A few drops of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and add lemon juice. Simmer for 25 minutes on low heat. The syrup must be cool when poured over the hot baklava.
- Assemble the Baklava:
- Trim the pastry sheets to fit your baking tray. Reserve 12-15 sheets for the top layers. Wrap the remaining sheets in a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Grease the bottom of the tray with 2 tablespoons of clarified butter. Layer 5 sheets of pastry, brushing each with butter and sprinkling with walnuts. Repeat this process, finishing with a stack of 12-15 sheets on top, buttering each sheet lightly.
- Cut the baklava into diamonds and drizzle the remaining butter over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300-320°F (150-160°C) for about 1.5 hours, until golden and crisp.
- Finish with Syrup:
- Remove the baklava from the oven, let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then evenly pour the cool syrup over the hot baklava. Do not cover; let it cool to absorb the syrup fully.
Enjoy this Homemade Walnut Baklava the next day for its best flavor, a testament to patience and the joys of homemade desserts. Happy baking!
