Layers of syrup soaked phyllo dough meet honey, nuts and warming spices in this traditional baklava recipe.

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Have I ever mentioned that I’m a baklava addict?

Last year I bought a 30-serving pan of the stuff, intent on bringing it to work to share.

Slices of Baklava Topped with Crushed Pistachios

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Four hours later the entire pan was gone and I was a sticky mess.

As such, it was only a matter of time before I learned to make my own.

The Origin of Baklava

Baklava is a delicious phyllo pastry popular in Middle Eastern countries.

Slices of Baklava on a Small Plate with a Fork

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

What’s in Baklava?

Ingredients for Baklava

Can You Use Other Nuts?

This recipe calls for walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, all of which are traditional.

Slice of Baklava Raised from Casserole Dish (with More Baklava) Using a Spoon

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Feel free to select just one nut or use a combination.

It will become chewier before it starts to dry out.

Once it starts to dry out, it is near the end of its freshness.

Phyllo Dough Thawed in a Baking Pan Covered with a Wet Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

If you have leftover, use it to make aTomato Ricotta Tart.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan.

Pistachios in a Food Processor for Baklava Recipe

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

In a food processor, pulse the nuts until they are finely chopped.

Combine with the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.

In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.

One Slice of Phyllo Dough in a Casserole Dish Brushed with Melted Butter

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Roll out the phyllo sheets and cut in half so the sheets will fit in the pan.

Simple Tip!

Cover the phyllo with a damp towel to keep from drying out.

Eight Layers of Phyllo Dough in a Casserole Dish Brushed with Melted Butter

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the pan.

Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter.

Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture.

First Layer of Phyllo Dough Covered with Baklava Filling

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each one with butter.

The top layer should be 8 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered.

Do not worry if the sheets crinkle up a bit, it will just add more texture.

Phyllo Dough Covering Filling Layers and Scored into Individual Pieces for Baklava Recipe

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Score into 24 equal sized squares using a sharp knife.

Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.

While baking, make the syrup.

Honey Syrup Spooned over Baked Baklava

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Combine the cinnamon stick, sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water in a saucepan.

Remove the cinnamon stick and allow to cool.

Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool, uncovered, for at least 4 hours.

Baklava Cut into Slices and Topped with Crushed Pistachios

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

Garnish with some finely crushed pistachios of desired.

Did you love the recipe?

Let us know with a rating and review!

Slices of Baklava on a Small Plate with a Fork

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker