Greek Baklava Recipe

Greek Baklava is a sweet and decadent dessert made with layers of buttery phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a spiced honey syrup. This classic Mediterranean treat is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a delicious meal. While making baklava can seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple with a few tips and tricks. Follow this recipe to create a batch of homemade baklava that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Greek Baklava:

• 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Greek Baklava:

1. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the thawed phyllo dough between two damp towels to prevent it from drying out while you work.
2. Make the Nut Mixture: In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well and set aside.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough: Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering the phyllo sheets, until you have used about half of the phyllo dough.
4. Add the Nut Mixture: Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
5. Continue Layering: Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough sheets, buttering each sheet, and then adding the remaining nut mixture.
6. Finish with Phyllo Dough: Layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top, buttering each sheet as before.
7. Cut into Diamonds: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces, being careful not to press down too hard and squash the layers.
8. Bake: Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
9. Make the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, combine the sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Pour the Syrup: Once the baklava is done baking, immediately pour the hot syrup over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely before serving.
11. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the baklava with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of flavor.

About the Main Ingredients:

• Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough is a thin pastry dough that is used to create the flaky layers in baklava. It is important to keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
• Nuts: A combination of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds, is used in baklava to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and cloves are commonly used to flavor the nut mixture in baklava, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
• Sugar Syrup: A sweet syrup made from sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract is poured over the hot baklava after it is baked. This syrup soaks into the layers, adding sweetness and moisture to the dessert.

This Greek Baklava recipe is a delightful treat that is sure to impress. With its crispy layers of phyllo dough, crunchy nuts, and sweet honey syrup, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.