There’s something magical about the rich, sticky sweetness of baklava that transforms any gathering into a heartfelt celebration. This Honey Walnut Baklava recipe is a time-honored delight, offering layers of flaky phyllo pastry, a generous filling of spiced walnuts, and a pour of golden honey syrup that seeps into every buttery fold. Perfect for holidays or family get-togethers, this elegant dessert brings warmth and joy, drawing everyone to the table to share in its decadence and splendor.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 24 pieces
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it to fit your baking dish. Cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.
- Place two sheets of phyllo in the baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have about 8 sheets layered.
- Evenly spread a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the phyllo layers.
- Continue layering the phyllo sheets, brushing with butter every 2 sheets, until half of the remaining phyllo is used.
- Add another layer of the walnut mixture.
- Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the walnut filling, buttering every 2 sheets, until all sheets are used.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, cutting all the way through to the bottom of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, until the baklava is golden and crisp.
- While the baklava is baking, combine the sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla extract, then remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Baklava can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Nut Variations: Try using pistachios, pecans, or almonds instead of walnuts for a different taste.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute agave syrup for honey for a vegan version.
Pairings
Pair your Honey Walnut Baklava with a warm cup of Turkish coffee or a fragrant chai tea. It also complements a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream beautifully.
Conclusion
Your freshly baked Honey Walnut Baklava is now ready to delight your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your homemade creations using #ZynahzRecipes or by tagging Zynahz on Instagram. We would love to hear your feedback, so please leave a comment on our website Zynahz.com.
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