The Greek Baklava recipe is a delectable dessert of Greek origin that consists of layers of crispy phyllo dough, honey, and nuts. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and I learned how to make it from a Greek friend who shared this fantastic recipe with me.
Have you ever wanted to make a restaurant-quality Greek baklava recipe at home? Well, it’s easier than you might think! This recipe has received almost 2,000 rave reviews from the Allrecipes community and is perfect for beginner bakers who want to impress their friends and family. So, don’t be intimidated by the idea of making baklava from scratch – with this recipe, you’ll be a pro in no time!
How to Make Greek Baklava Recipe?
What Is Baklava?
Baklava is a sweet and rich traditional pastry with a flaky texture. It typically consists of layers of phyllo (or filo) dough, chopped nuts, spices such as cinnamon, and a sweet syrup made of sugar, water, honey, and sometimes vanilla. The origins of baklava are uncertain, but it is often associated with Greek and Turkish cuisine. It is a popular dessert in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Balkans.
Where Is Baklava From?
Greek Baklava recipe or Baklava is a dessert that is commonly found in Greek restaurants today, but its precise origins remain a mystery. According to food historians, modern baklava was possibly first created in Turkey during the time of the Ottoman Empire and later adapted in Greece. However, the technique of layering unleavened bread with nuts and honey can be traced back as far as the 8th century B.C.E. during the Assyrian Empire.
To make the best baklava, you will need the following ingredients:
- Phyllo Dough: You can make your own phyllo dough or purchase frozen phyllo dough from the store.
- Nuts: Traditionally, chopped walnuts, pistachios, or a combination of both are used. You can also try hazelnuts and pecans.
- Butter: Butter not only adds flavor but also keeps the phyllo sheets moist and helps them stay together.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon provides the warm, signature flavor of baklava.
- Water, Sugar, Vanilla, and Honey: To bring the dessert together, you will need a sweet syrup made from water, sugar, vanilla extract, and honey, which is poured over the baked baklava layers.
How to Make Baklava Recipe
To make the Greek Baklava recipe, start by layering eight sheets of phyllo dough and brushing each layer with butter. Sprinkle a mixture of chopped nuts and cinnamon over the layers. Add two more sheets of phyllo and repeat the nut mixture process several times until the nut mixture is gone. Top with eight more layers of phyllo dough, buttering each layer. Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes and bake until golden and crispy.
Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and make syrup by boiling water and sugar until the sugar is melted. Add vanilla and honey to the syrup. Pour the syrup over the baklava and let it cool before serving.
To store baklava, keep it in an airtight container. It will last for about two weeks. If you like your baklava crispy, keep it in the pantry. If you prefer it chewy, store it in the fridge.
You can freeze baklava by wrapping it in storage wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months and thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tips to make a Baklava Recipe
We are sharing some top tips for making Greek Baklava recipes using the top-rated recipe. Here are some of her recommendations:
Save time by chopping the nuts in a food processor.
To keep the phyllo sheets moist during the layering process, cover the stack with a damp paper towel or cloth.
If you’re worried about tearing the dough when brushing it with butter, Nicole suggests spraying melted butter onto the phyllo dough between layers instead.
If the phyllo dough sticks to your hands, keep a bowl of water next to your prep station and moisten your fingertips to prevent sticking.
When serving or storing the baklava, consider using cupcake liners to avoid sticky fingers.
How to Make Greek Baklava Recipe: An Easy-to-Follow Tips
Description
The Greek Baklava recipe is a delectable dessert of Greek origin that consists of layers of crispy phyllo dough, honey, and nuts. It's incredibly easy to prepare, and I learned how to make it from a Greek friend who shared this fantastic recipe with me.
Greek Baklava Recipe Ingredient
Instructions
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Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for the baklava.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and then butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch pan.
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Chop the nuts and mix them with cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
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Unroll the phyllo dough and cut the whole stack in half so it fits into the pan. Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out as you work. Place two sheets of dough in the pan and thoroughly butter them. Repeat this process until you have eight sheets layered.
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Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top of the phyllo dough. Then, continue layering two sheets of dough at a time, buttering and adding nuts with each layer. Make sure that the top layer consists of 6 to 8 sheets of phyllo dough.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes that reach all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut it into four long rows and then make diagonal cuts. Bake the baklava for about 50 minutes until it turns golden and becomes crisp.
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While the baklava is baking, make the sauce. Boil the sugar and water until the sugar completely dissolves. Add vanilla and honey and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
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Once the baklava is finished baking, remove it from the oven and spoon the sauce over it immediately. Let it cool.
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Serve the baklava on cupcake paper. This dessert can be frozen, but make sure to leave it uncovered as it may become soggy if wrapped up.
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