Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of homemade Greek Baklava, a classic dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends! This delicious pastry, made with layers of flaky phyllo dough and a spiced nut filling, is drizzled with a sweet syrup made from honey, sugar, and lemon zest. It’s the perfect treat to serve at gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you crave something sweet! 🎉
Making baklava may seem like a labor of love, but with just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that’s both beautiful and delectable. The combination of textures—the crispy layers of phyllo, the crunch of mixed nuts, and the sticky sweetness of the syrup—will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🍂
Enjoy this delightful Greek Baklava at room temperature or chilled, and watch as it becomes a cherished recipe in your home. Let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious treat! 🌟
🎄 Greek Baklava Recipe 🥮🍯
Servings: 24
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 338 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Nuts and Cinnamon: In a bowl, toss together the chopped mixed nuts and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Layer the Phyllo Dough: Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have 8 layers of dough.
- Add Nut Mixture: Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top of the layered phyllo. Add two more sheets of dough, brush with butter, and sprinkle with nuts. Continue layering, finishing with 6–8 sheets of phyllo on top.
- Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the Baklava: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden and crisp.
- Make the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil until the sugar is melted. Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Spoon Syrup Over Baklava: Once the baklava is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over the hot baklava. Allow it to soak in and cool.
- Serve: Let the baklava cool completely before serving. You can serve it in cupcake papers for an elegant touch. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled!
🎅 Notes & Variations
- Nut Variations: Feel free to use your favorite nuts or a combination of nuts for a unique flavor.
- Storage: Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat!
This Greek Baklava is sure to delight your taste buds and impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy this sweet, sticky, nutty goodness! 🍯🌟