The Perfect Old Fashioned Baklava Recipe: Sweet, Flaky Delight

Sweet, sticky baklava represents a delectable Mediterranean dessert that weaves together layers of delicate pastry and rich, nutty filling.

Ancient culinary traditions have refineed this treat into a beloved delicacy cherished across multiple cultures.

Generations of skilled bakers have perfected the intricate technique of creating paper-thin sheets that crumble and melt with each heavenly bite.

Buttery, crisp layers intertwine with fragrant spices and ground nuts, creating a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Honey-infused syrup refines the golden pastry into a glistening masterpiece that promises pure indulgence.

Crafting this dessert requires patience, precision, and a deep appreciation for time-honored baking methods.

You’ll find the process both meditative and rewarding, connecting you to centuries of culinary artistry.

Old Fashioned Baklava Essentials

• Filo Pastry: Delicate, thin sheets that create the signature flaky layers of baklava.
• Butter: Unsalted butter helps create golden, crispy texture and adds rich flavor.

• Walnuts: Hearty, classic nut with deep flavor that provides rich texture to baklava.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the nutty flavor and adds aromatic depth.

• Sugar: Creates sweet base for the syrup that soaks into the pastry.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds complex flavor and glossy finish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the syrup and balances the sweetness.
• Water: Helps create the right syrup consistency.

Directions to Make Old Fashioned Baklava

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 325°F. Grab your 13×9 inch baking dish and get ready for some delicious baking.

Step 2: Manage the Filo Dough

Carefully trim the filo pastry to fit your baking dish. Keep the delicate sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

Step 3: Grease the Baking Dish

Brush the baking dish with of melted butter, creating a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Create the Sweet Syrup

• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Honey

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let it cool down.

Step 5: Prepare the Nut Filling

• Chopped walnuts
• Cinnamon

Step 6: Layer the First Base

Place 10 filo sheets in the baking dish. Brush each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Spread of walnut mixture evenly on top.

Step 7: Continue Layering

Add 5 more filo sheets, brushing each with butter. Top with another of walnut mixture. Repeat this process until all walnut mixture is used, finishing with 10 buttered filo sheets on top.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Brush the top layer with melted butter. Carefully cut the pastry into 1 1/2 inch strips, then make diagonal cuts to create diamond shapes.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 85 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 10: Add the Sweet Finish

As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, drizzle the cooled honey syrup evenly over the hot pastry.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the baklava cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the syrup to soak in perfectly.

Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Baklava!

Key Tips When Making Old Fashioned Baklava

• Choose Fresh Filo: Select high-quality, thin filo dough from a reputable store to ensure delicate, crispy layers.
• Protect Pastry Sheets: Keep unused filo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking during preparation.
• Butter Generously: Brush each filo sheet thoroughly with melted butter for a rich, golden, and crisp texture.
• Chop Nuts Precisely: Pulse walnuts in a food processor to create a fine, even consistency for uniform flavor distribution.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the baklava rest completely after adding syrup to allow it to absorb the sweet liquid and develop deep, rich flavors.

Storing and Reheating Old Fashioned Baklava

• Refrigerate baklava in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Cover the pastry loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption. Store at room temperature for 2-3 days if you prefer crisp texture. Reheat gently in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the delicate layers. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and compromise the delightful crunch. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture, allowing the honey syrup to soften the layers just perfectly.

Favorite Pairings with Old Fashioned Baklava

• Sip Sweet Turkish Coffee: Pair this rich, nutty baklava with a small cup of traditional Turkish coffee. Its intense, bold flavor perfectly complements the dessert's sweetness and cuts through the buttery layers.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a moscato or riesling with slight sweetness that echoes the honey syrup. These light wines balance the dense, rich texture of baklava without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Elevate with Cardamom Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic cardamom tea that enhances the cinnamon and walnut notes. The spicy undertones create a harmonious taste experience that feels like a culinary journey through the Middle East.
• Refresh with Mint Lemonade: Cool down the sweet, dense pastry with a zesty mint lemonade. Its bright, tangy profile provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, syrupy baklava, cleansing the palate between bites.

Versions of Old Fashioned Baklava You’ll Enjoy

• Pistachio Paradise: Replace walnuts with roasted pistachios for a vibrant green color and nutty flavor that adds elegance to the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Citrus Charm: Incorporate orange zest and orange blossom water into the syrup for a refreshing, fragrant Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Chocolate Nutty Fusion: Mix cocoa powder with chopped nuts and add a layer of dark chocolate between filo sheets for a rich, decadent transformation.
• Almond Spice Sensation: Swap walnuts for almonds and enhance the filling with cardamom and ground cloves, creating a warm, aromatic baklava experience.

Why Old Fashioned Baklava Still Wins Hearts

• Savor Layered Luxury: This baklava delivers a decadent experience with its delicate, crispy filo pastry and rich walnut filling, creating a mouthwatering dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Master Complex Techniques Easily: The recipe breaks down intricate layering and buttering process into simple steps, making this traditionally challenging dessert approachable for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Cultural Sweetness: Each bite connects you to centuries-old Mediterranean baking traditions, offering a delightful dessert that's perfect for special gatherings, holidays, or a luxurious treat with afternoon tea.

Old Fashioned Baklava Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Greek baklava weaves layers of buttery phyllo and chopped nuts into a sweet, honeyed masterpiece. Crisp pastry sheets and rich nutty filling create a delectable dessert that delights senses with Mediterranean charm you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups walnuts, chopped finely
• 1 16 ounces (454 grams) package filo pastry dough, thawed
• 13 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Spice and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Syrup Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup pure honey

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by cutting filo pastry to fit precisely, keeping sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent moisture loss.
2. Generously coat the baking dish with one tablespoon of melted butter to ensure smooth release and golden edges.
3. Create a sweet syrup by combining granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, water, and pure honey in a medium saucepan, bringing to a rolling boil while stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
4. Reduce syrup to a gentle simmer for exactly 4 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat and allow to cool naturally to room temperature.
5. Transform walnuts into fine, uniform pieces using a food processor, then blend with ground cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.
6. Construct the first pastry layer by carefully placing 10 filo sheets into the prepared dish, meticulously brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.
7. Evenly distribute three-quarters cup of walnut-cinnamon mixture across the buttered layers, ensuring consistent coverage.
8. Continue layering with 5 additional buttered filo sheets and another three-quarters cup of walnut mixture, repeating the process until all walnut mixture is incorporated.
9. Complete the pastry construction with a final layer of 10 buttered filo sheets, creating a crisp, golden top.
10. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the unbaked pastry into 1 1/2 inch strips, then create diagonal cuts to form elegant diamond shapes.
11. Bake for 85 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a rich, golden-brown color and crisp texture.
12. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently drizzle the cooled honey syrup evenly across the hot pastry, allowing it to absorb completely.
13. Permit the baklava to cool entirely at room temperature before serving, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by trimming filo sheets precisely to fit your baking dish, ensuring each layer is uniform and perfect.
• Protect delicate filo dough from drying out by covering it with a damp towel during assembly, maintaining its delicate texture.
• Create a rich, glossy syrup by simmering sugar, honey, and lemon juice without stirring, which helps develop a deep, complex flavor.
• Pulse walnuts carefully to achieve a fine, consistent texture that blends seamlessly with cinnamon for a harmonious filling.
• Layer filo sheets meticulously, brushing each with butter to create those signature crispy, golden-brown, flaky layers.
• Allow baklava to cool completely after drizzling with syrup, letting it absorb the sweet liquid and develop its signature sticky, decadent texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg