Introduction

Baklava is one of the most iconic desserts of Greece, a glorious, sticky-sweet pastry made of crispy layers of golden phyllo, buttery goodness, and a fragrant walnut filling soaked in warm honey syrup.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes an entrance at every celebration: Christmas, Easter, name days, weddings, or anytime yiayia decides to spoil the family. Although it looks impressive, baklava is surprisingly simple when you break it down into steps. Once it comes out of the oven shimmering with syrup, you’ll understand why this dessert has lasted for centuries.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

• • In a bowl, combine walnuts, almonds/pistachios (if using), cinnamon, and cloves.
  • Mix well and set aside.

2. Assemble the Baklava

• • Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
  • Brush the baking dish generously with melted butter.
  • Lay the first sheet of phyllo in the tray and brush with butter.
  • Layer 8–10 sheets, brushing each one with butter.
  • Sprinkle a thin, even layer of nut mixture.
  • Add 3–4 more phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
  • Repeat layering until all the nut mixture is used.
  • Finish with 8–10 phyllo sheets on top.
  • Brush the final layer generously with butter.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes *before baking*.

3. Bake

• • Bake for 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.

4. Make the Syrup

• • In a saucepan combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon stick, lemon peel, and lemon juice.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and discard cinnamon stick and peels.

5. Combine Syrup + Baklava

• • IMPORTANT: Syrup must be cold and baklava must be hot.
  • Pour the cold syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
  • Allow to soak for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Tips

• Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
• Add orange peel into the syrup for an extra aromatic touch.
• Swap walnuts for pistachios for a more Middle Eastern-style baklava.
• For extra crispness, bake at a slightly lower temperature for longer.
• Great for gifting! Store in an airtight container for up to a week.