Grandma’s Secret Old Fashioned Baklava Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet layers of buttery phyllo dance with fragrant nuts in this classic baklava recipe that whispers stories of ancient kitchens.

Generations have cherished this delicate Mediterranean dessert, perfecting its crisp texture and honeyed warmth.

Sticky syrup seeps between golden sheets, creating a symphony of crunch and sweetness that melts on your tongue.

Each bite carries the rich traditions of Greek and Turkish culinary heritage.

Delicate nuts provide a robust counterpoint to the sugary glaze, creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Pure honey and carefully layered pastry promise a sublime experience that connects you to centuries of baking magic.

Grab your ingredients and let the aroma of this timeless treat transport you to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 85 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Traditional Old Fashioned Baklava

• Filo Pastry: Delicate, paper-thin sheets that create irresistible crispy layers, choose fresh and pliable dough without tears.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create golden, flaky texture, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

• Walnuts: Provides nutty crunch and depth, select fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the nuts perfectly, use freshly ground for most intense flavor.

• Sugar: Creates sweet binding syrup, opt for granulated white sugar for smooth consistency.
• Honey: Adds complex sweetness and gorgeous glossy finish, choose pure, high-quality local honey.
• Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness and helps prevent crystallization, fresh squeezed works best.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create syrup consistency, use filtered water for clean taste.

Tools to Master the Layers of Old Fashioned Baklava

• Baking Dish (13×9 inch): Essential for layering and baking the baklava.
• Food Processor: Perfect for finely chopping walnuts quickly and evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: Key for preparing the sweet honey syrup.
• Pastry Brush: Crucial for brushing each filo sheet with melted butter.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing walnuts and cinnamon.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut baklava into precise diamond shapes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Assemble and Bake Old Fashioned Baklava

• Oven Preparation Warm your kitchen with a gentle 325°F heat, creating the perfect environment for baking.
• Pastry Foundation Carefully layer delicate filo sheets into a spacious baking dish, keeping them moist and pliable with a damp cloth.
• Butter Bath Generously brush each gossamer-thin pastry sheet with golden melted butter, creating a rich, glossy landscape.
• Nutty Mixture Pulse walnuts into a fine, aromatic blend with a whisper of cinnamon, ready to transform the pastry.
• Architectural Layering Alternate between buttery filo sheets and nutty sprinkles, building a delectable tower of flavors and textures.
• Diamond Design Slice the golden masterpiece into elegant diamond shapes, revealing the intricate layers within.
• Golden Transformation Bake until the pastry turns a mesmerizing amber color, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
• Sweet Finale Drench the hot pastry with a silky honey syrup, allowing it to seep into every delicate crevice.
• Patience Reward Let the pastry cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Old Fashioned Baklava

• Replace walnuts with pistachios, almonds, or pecans for a unique flavor profile that keeps your taste buds guessing.
• Enhance the cinnamon with ground cardamom, cloves, or orange zest to create a more complex and aromatic dessert that'll surprise your guests.
• Prepare baklava a day before serving to allow flavors to meld and syrup to fully penetrate the layers, resulting in an even more decadent treat.
• Keep baklava at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring the crispy layers stay perfectly textured and delicious.

Serving Old Fashioned Baklava the Elegant Way

• Pair with Sweet Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of thick Greek yogurt to balance the rich, nutty flavors of baklava.
• Create a Coffee Moment: Enjoy with a strong espresso or traditional Turkish coffee to complement the dessert's sweet and syrupy texture.
• Garnish with Elegance: Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top for an extra layer of visual appeal and flavor depth.
• Share as a Social Treat: Present on a beautiful platter during gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy small diamond-shaped pieces that highlight the delicate layers and craftsmanship of this classic dessert.

Best Way to Store and Keep Baklava Crisp

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store baklava in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping the delicate layers crisp and sweet syrup intact.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Room Temperature Tip: Keep baklava at room temperature for 2-3 days if serving soon, placing it in a covered container to maintain its delightful crunchiness.
• Revive Freshness: Gently warm refrigerated or frozen baklava in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its original crispy texture and enhance the rich, honeyed flavor.

Authentic Baklava Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic Greek baklava blends honey-soaked phyllo layers with crushed nuts for a rich dessert experience. Crisp pastry and sweet syrup create an irresistible Mediterranean treat you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 16 oz (454 g) package filo pastry dough, thawed
• 4 cups walnuts, chopped finely
• 13 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup pure honey
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Select a 13×9 inch baking dish and protect filo pastry sheets with a damp cloth to maintain moisture while preparing for assembly.
2. Base Layer: Generously brush the baking dish with melted butter, creating a non-stick foundation for the delicate pastry layers. Process walnuts into fine, uniform fragments and combine with ground cinnamon.
3. Syrup Creation: In a medium saucepan, merge granulated sugar, lemon juice, water, and honey. Bring to a vigorous boil, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes, then remove and allow natural cooling to room temperature.
4. Layering Technique: Carefully construct the pastry base by placing 10 filo sheets, meticulously brushing each with melted butter. Distribute walnut-cinnamon mixture evenly, alternating between buttered filo sheets and nut layers. Repeat the process, ensuring consistent coverage and incorporating all walnut mixture.
5. Final Assembly: Top the creation with a final 10 filo sheets, brushing each with butter. Using a sharp knife, slice the unbaked pastry into elegant diamond shapes, creating a visually appealing pattern.
6. Baking Process: Position the prepared baklava in the preheated oven and bake for 85 minutes. Monitor closely until the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown landscape with a crisp, delicate texture.
7. Finishing Touch: Immediately after removing from the oven, cascade the cooled honey syrup across the hot pastry. Allow complete absorption and let the baklava cool entirely at room temperature, enabling flavors to harmonize and texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Keep filo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying and cracking during preparation.
• Precision Cutting: Use a sharp knife and steady hand when slicing baklava to create uniform, elegant diamond shapes for even cooking and professional presentation.
• Syrup Absorption Technique: Pour cooled syrup over hot baklava immediately after baking to ensure maximum flavor penetration and perfect texture.
• Cooling Patience: Allow baklava to cool completely at room temperature, which helps stabilize layers and intensify the complex flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg