Authentic Greek Walnut Baklava Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of this Authentic Greek Walnut Baklava Delight, a timeless dessert that beautifully marries layers of crispy phyllo pastry with a sweet and aromatic nut filling. Traditionally served at celebrations and gatherings, this baklava features a heavenly combination of walnuts, cinnamon, and honey, all bathed in a luscious syrup that adds the perfect sweetness. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe guides you through creating an irresistible dessert that will impress anyone at your table.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
phyllo pastry
1 lb (thawed if frozen)
butter
1 cup (melted at room temperature)
sugar
3/4 cup (divided)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for nut mixture)
chopped walnuts
2 cups (finely chopped)
water
1/2 cup (for syrup)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed for syrup)
honey
1/4 cup (for syrup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a greased 11x7x2 inch baking pan.
2
Unroll the phyllo pastry, ensuring to keep unused sheets covered with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
3
Layer half of the phyllo sheets into the prepared baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. If necessary, fold the ends of the sheets over to fit the pan.
4
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar with ground cinnamon, and then mix in the chopped walnuts until well blended. Sprinkle this nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers in the pan.
5
Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the nut mixture, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Take care to cover the nuts completely.
6
Once all layers are in place, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava diagonally into diamond or square shapes, ensuring you cut all the way through the layers.
7
Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until it is crisp and golden brown.
8
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, water, lemon juice, and honey. Cook and stir over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for a couple of minutes.
9
Once the baklava is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the baklava. Allow it to soak in.
10
Let the baklava rest loosely covered for about 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek Walnut Baklava Delight?
It is a traditional dessert featuring layers of crispy phyllo pastry, a sweet and aromatic walnut filling, and a honey-based syrup.
What are the primary ingredients for this baklava recipe?
The main ingredients include phyllo pastry, butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped walnuts, water, lemon juice, and honey.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
How long should the baklava bake?
The baklava should be baked for approximately 1 hour or until it reaches a crisp and golden brown color.
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a greased 11x7x2 inch baking pan for this recipe.
How do I keep the phyllo pastry from drying out during assembly?
You should keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with plastic wrap while you work to prevent them from drying out.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, which should be melted and at room temperature.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in the syrup?
Lemon juice is used in the syrup for flavor and to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
While this is a walnut baklava, you can traditionally use pistachios or almonds as substitutes.
How should I cut the baklava before putting it in the oven?
Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry diagonally into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut through all the layers.
What ingredients make up the nut filling?
The filling is a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 cups of finely chopped walnuts.
Why is it important to brush every phyllo layer with butter?
Brushing each layer with butter ensures the pastry becomes flaky and crisp rather than tough.
How long does the baklava need to rest after the syrup is added?
For the best flavor and texture, let the baklava rest loosely covered for about 8 hours or overnight.
Should the syrup be hot when poured over the baklava?
Yes, the hot syrup should be poured evenly over the baklava immediately after it is removed from the oven.
Is honey included in the syrup?
Yes, 1/4 cup of honey is included in the syrup to add sweetness and aroma.
How do I prepare the syrup for the baklava?
Combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and honey in a saucepan, dissolve the sugar over low heat, bring to a boil, and simmer for a few minutes.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be finely chopped before being mixed with the sugar and cinnamon.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, baklava is a great make-ahead dessert because it needs several hours for the syrup to fully soak into the layers.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is classified as a Dessert.
How many phyllo sheets should be placed at the bottom of the pan?
The recipe instructs to layer half of the phyllo sheets in the pan before adding the nut mixture.
What flavors define this Greek baklava?
The flavor profile is defined by the combination of walnuts, warm cinnamon, honey, and a hint of lemon.
Can I freeze the baklava once it is finished?
Yes, baklava can be frozen in an airtight container, though the texture of the phyllo may change slightly.
What should the texture of the finished baklava be?
The finished baklava should have crispy top layers and a moist, syrup-soaked bottom and center.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the nut mixture filling.
What should I do if the phyllo sheets are too large for my pan?
You can simply fold the ends of the phyllo sheets over to fit them within the 11x7x2 inch pan.
Should the baklava be covered while it rests?
Yes, it should be loosely covered while resting for 8 hours or overnight.
How much water is needed for the syrup?
The syrup requires 1/2 cup of water.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The butter should be completely melted before brushing it onto the phyllo sheets.
How is the sugar divided in this recipe?
1/4 cup of sugar is used in the walnut mixture, while the remaining 1/2 cup is used to create the syrup.