Dessert · Middle Eastern ·

Turkish Walnut and Honey Delight Baklava

Dive into layers of flaky pastry, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey syrup with this classic Turkish dessert.

4.6(383 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Turkish Walnut and Honey Delight Baklava — Dessert served and photographed from above
Prep
1 h
Cook
3 h
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Walnut Filling

  1. 1

    Chop the walnuts

    Finely chop the walnuts until they resemble coarse sand.

    Tip: For even more flavor, toast walnuts briefly before chopping.

  2. 2

    Combine ingredients

    Mix with ground cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Set aside

    Set aside the walnut mixture for layering.

Preparing the Honey Syrup

  1. 1

    Boil sugar and water

    In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil.

  2. 2

    Add honey and lemon

    Add honey and lemon juice, reduce heat, and simmer.

  3. 3

    Add vanilla and cool

    Stir in vanilla extract and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

    Tip: Do not pour hot syrup over hot baklava; both should be at room temperature.

How to Make Turkish Walnut and Honey Delight Baklava

Total time: 4 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Layer the Baklava

    Carefully layer phyllo sheets in a buttered pan, brushing each sheet with melted butter, and add walnut mixture every third layer.

  2. 2

    Cut the Pastries

    Before baking, cut the assembled baklava into diamond shapes for easier serving later.

  3. 3

    Bake the Baklava

    Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50 minutes until golden brown.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

    Can I make this ahead?

    Yes, you can prepare the syrup and walnut filling a day in advance.

    What can I substitute for walnuts?

    Pecans or pistachios are excellent alternatives to walnuts.

    How can I ensure my phyllo dough doesn't dry out?

    Keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth while assembling.

    Is there a gluten-free alternative for phyllo dough?

    Yes, some specialty stores carry gluten-free phyllo dough, or you can make a gluten-free dough from scratch.

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