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Baklava copycat Recipe

Baklava Recipe

Baklava is a layered pastry dessert made with thin sheets of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a sweet syrup.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 302kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Baklava Nut Mixture

  • 16 oz package of phyllo pastry sheets thawed
  • 6 oz toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 to 2 sticks unsalted butter melted
  • 6 oz shelled pistachio nuts roughly chopped
  • 1 to 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 oz walnuts roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • A generous pinch of ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Honey Glaze Syrup

  • 1 cup cold water
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 cup raw wildflower honey
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling

  • In a large bowl, mix together the roughly chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, and sugar. Add the ground cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract.
  • Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The nuts should be evenly coated in the spices and sugar.

Step 2: Layer the Phyllo

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish with some of the melted butter. Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets.
  • They can be delicate, so handle them gently. Place the first sheet in the dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering about 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.

Step 3: Add the Nut Filling

  • Evenly spread out your nut mixture over the layered phyllo. Ensure that it’s consistent across the surface for even cooking.

Step 4: More Phyllo Layers

  • Continue layering phyllo sheets on top of the nut mixture. Brush each layer with melted butter. Repeat this until you’ve used about 8 more sheets.

Step 5: Cut the Baklava

  • Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Make sure to cut all the way down to the bottom. This step is crucial as it allows the syrup to soak in later.

Step 6: Bake

  • Place the baklava in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and flaky.

Step 7: Make the Syrup

  • While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cloves, and lemon juice.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in honey and orange blossom water. This syrup needs to cool slightly.

Step 8: Pour the Syrup

  • Once the baklava is done baking, take it out of the oven. Immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava. Let it soak for several hours or overnight for the best results.

Notes

  • Keep the Phyllo Covered: As you work, always keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  • Use Quality Nuts: Fresh, high-quality nuts make a big difference. Toasting them at home can add an additional layer of flavor.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to match your preference. Some people enjoy adding more cinnamon or cardamom.
  • Don't Skimp on Butter: Each layer needs an ample amount of melted butter to achieve that flaky texture. Don’t hesitate to brush enough on each one.
  • Cut Before Baking: Always cut before baking. This prevents the layers from separating when it's cooked.
Keyword: Baklava Recipe