Classic Baklava

SERVES: 24

COOK TIME: 40 Min

If you've ever been to Turkey, then you've heard of baklava. If you haven't, then you're about to find out what all the fuss is about. We stack sweet and nutty layers one by one, then drench them in a sticky honey-butter mixture that makes our Classic Baklava lick-your-fingers delicious. Oh yeah, it's that good.

What You'll Need

3 cups chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 stick (3/4 cup) butter, melted
1/2 of (16 ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Syrup Ingredients:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine walnuts, 1/4 cup sugar, and the cinnamon; set aside. Brush a thin layer of melted butter over the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets onto a flat work surface. Remove one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on the bottom of the baking dish; trimming edges if necessary to fit baking dish. Brush the top of the phyllo lightly with butter. Repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Evenly sprinkle half the nut mixture over the phyllo dough. Place a sheet of phyllo on top of nuts, and lightly brush with butter. Repeat 4 more times. Evenly sprinkle the remaining nut mixture on the phyllo, then repeat layering with 7 more sheets of phyllo and butter.
Using a sharp knife, cut the unbaked baklava on the diagonal in a diamond pattern and bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine syrup ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Carefully pour the mixture evenly over all the baklava. Let sit for 2 to 4 hours or until completely cooled before serving.

Notes

Remember to keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while working with them.

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BlackHorse Lady

Jul 10, 2018

Clarification Do I understand the directions correctly that there are only two layers of the nut mixture? There were so may "repeat sheets" I wasn't sure

Test Kitchen Team

Jul 11, 2018

Hi there! Thank you for reaching out to us. Two layers of nut mixture is correct!

rjduckworth

Sep 22, 2017

I am allergic to walnuts. Is there another nut that can be used like cashews or pecans which I CAN eat.

Test Kitchen Team

Sep 26, 2017

Hello there! Yes, you can use pecans instead of walnuts in this recipe. The Test Kitchen has not tried this recipe with cashews, so we would not recommend. Hope this was helpful!

BaconBombshell

Jun 06, 2016

I think this recipe comes extremely close to some of the Baklava I've had in Turkey and Kuwait. It's delicious and the phyllo dough makes it so much easier to do without compromising on any of the taste. Delish!

lala1941jan 423498 9

Apr 27, 2016

Some work to it but totally worth it. It sooooooo good.

jthelander1231

Dec 04, 2015

I've always wanted to know how to make baklava! How exciting--this actually looks like something I could make

BaconBombshell

Mar 18, 2015

I have had Baklava from all over the Mediterranean and the Middle East, but this recipe deserves an award. It is so authentic in taste and really delicious. I can't wait to eat it again.