Baklava, a delightful dessert of the Middle East and Mediterranean, has become an admired treat worldwide. This rich, sweet pastry is crafted from layers of thin, crispy phyllo dough, filled with aromatic walnuts, all sweetened with a sticky, citrus-infused syrup. It's an indulgence that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home, allowing you to bring a taste of worldly cuisine right to your kitchen.
The main ingredients for this recipe are generally available at your local supermarket. However, phyllo dough might be a bit more challenging to find, as it's often tucked away in the frozen food section. Make sure to thaw it properly before using. Walnuts can be found in the nuts section, but feel free to replace them with almonds or pistachios if you prefer. Lemon is used for the syrup, but you can also use orange if it suits better to your taste.
Ingredients for Walnut Baklava
Sugar: Used for both the syrup and the filling, it sweetens and binds the ingredients together.
Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup.
Lemon: Adds a citrusy hint to the syrup, balancing the sweetness.
Walnuts: The main ingredient of the filling, giving the baklava a rich, nutty flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the nutty filling.
Phyllo dough: Thin, flaky pastry used to encase the filling. It bakes up crispy and golden.
Butter: Melted and used to brush the phyllo sheets, it adds richness and helps them turn beautifully golden when baked.
One reader, Aileen Key says:
This walnut baklava recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet syrup is simply divine. The instructions were easy to follow, and the end result was a hit with my family. I can't wait to make it again!
Techniques Required for Perfect Walnut Baklava
How to make the syrup: In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until it is reduced to a syrupy consistency, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
How to make the filling: In a food processor, combine the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Process the mixture until the walnuts are finely ground.
How to assemble the baklava: Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface. Brush it with melted butter and spoon some of the filling along the bottom edge of the phyllo sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch space from the bottom. Roll up the phyllo sheet tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients, fitting about 12 phyllo rolls per baking sheet.
How to bake the baklava: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the tops of the rolls with butter, then use a knife to score the rolls diagonally where you will slice them after baking. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
How to finish the baklava: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the baklava with the prepared syrup. Finish slicing and serve.
How To Make Walnut Baklava
Sweet cinnamon-flavored walnut baklava is a delicious and nutty wonderful snack that originated from the Mediterranean. Get the recipe here!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupsugar
- ¾cupwater
- ½lemon,juiced
- 3cupsWalnuts
- 3tbspsugar
- 2tspground cinnamon
- 1lbphyllo dough,#4 or #7
- 1cupbutter,melted
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Syrup:
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In a small pot over medium high heat, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil.
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Simmer until reduced to a syrupy consistency, for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Filling:
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In a food processor, combine the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Process until very finely ground.
Assemble the Baklava:
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On a flat surface, lay out a sheet of phyllo dough. Brush with melted butter.
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Spoon some of the filling along the bottom edge of the phyllo sheet, leaving 1/2-inch space from the bottom, then roll up as tightly as you can.
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Transfer to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
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You should be about to fit about 12 phyllo rolls per baking sheet.
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Brush the tops of the rolls with butter, then use a knife to score the rolls diagonally where you will slice them after baking.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the baklava with the syrup. Finish slicing, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400.27kcal
- Fat: 21.93g
- Saturated Fat: 12.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.74g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.68g
- Carbohydrates: 48.47g
- Fiber: 1.30g
- Sugar: 23.91g
- Protein: 3.65g
- Cholesterol: 48.81mg
- Sodium: 222.66mg
- Calcium: 18.35mg
- Potassium: 51.02mg
- Iron: 1.57mg
- Vitamin A: 155.39µg
- Vitamin C: 1.57mg
Essential Technique for Crafting Delectable Walnut Baklava
When working with phyllo dough, it's important to keep it covered with a damp cloth when not in use. This prevents it from drying out and becoming brittle. Also, when brushing the dough with butter, make sure to do it gently to avoid tearing the delicate sheets. Lastly, when slicing the baklava after baking, use a sharp knife and a sawing motion to prevent crushing the flaky layers.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Walnut Baklava
Prepare the filling: Use a food processor to quickly and evenly grind the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
Use a baking sheet: Assemble and bake multiple batches of baklava at once to save time.
Phyllo dough handling: Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
Butter shortcut: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish for a quicker and easier way to brush the phyllo sheets.
Precut the baklava: Score the baklava rolls before baking to make slicing easier and faster once they are done.
Efficient syrup application: Use a pastry brush to quickly and evenly coat the baklava with the syrup as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Substitute Ingredients For Walnut Baklava Recipe
walnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds have a similar texture and flavor to walnuts, making them a great substitute in baklava.
phyllo dough - Substitute with puff pastry sheets: Puff pastry sheets can be used as a substitute for phyllo dough, providing a flaky and crispy texture to the baklava.
butter - Substitute with clarified butter: Clarified butter can be used as a substitute for regular butter, providing a rich and nutty flavor to the baklava.
Best Way to Present Walnut Baklava
Elevate the plating: When presenting the walnut baklava, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a clean, white plate to allow the golden brown baklava to stand out. Arrange the baklava in a neat and organized manner, ensuring each piece is presented with precision and care.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the presentation by garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful contrast of colors and textures to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle: Elevate the presentation by incorporating a delicate drizzle of honey over the baklava. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates an artistic and visually appealing element to the dish, showcasing attention to detail.
Accompany with a side: Serve the walnut baklava alongside a quenelle of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This addition provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, elevating the overall dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Baklava with Walnuts
- Small pot: A small cooking vessel used for heating and simmering ingredients, such as making syrup or melting butter.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, or pureeing ingredients, such as grinding the walnuts for the baklava filling.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven, such as for baking the assembled baklava rolls.
- Knife: A sharp utensil used for slicing and scoring the baklava rolls before and after baking.
- Brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used for applying melted butter or syrup onto the baklava rolls before and after baking.
Storing and Freezing Walnut Baklava for Later
- Let the baklava cool completely before storing to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Store the baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep the baklava crisp, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to absorb any excess moisture.
- For longer storage, freeze the baklava for up to 3 months:
- Wrap the baklava tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- To thaw, remove the baklava from the freezer and let it come to room temperature for about 4-5 hours before serving.
- If you prefer your baklava warm, you can reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes after thawing.
- If you notice the baklava losing its crispness over time, you can refresh it by placing it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Baklava
To reheat baklava, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baklava on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method helps restore the crispiness of the phyllo dough while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the baklava on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the desired temperature and crispiness are achieved. This method is quick and efficient, especially for smaller portions.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the baklava on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 10-second intervals until warmed through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may cause the phyllo dough to become slightly soggy, so it's best to consume the reheated baklava immediately.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the baklava in aluminum foil before reheating it in the oven. This will help keep the moisture in, resulting in a softer, chewier texture. Heat the wrapped baklava for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
For a more indulgent treat, serve the reheated baklava with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy baklava and the cool, creamy accompaniment is simply divine.
Interesting Fact About Walnut Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a popular dessert in many countries, including Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East.
Is Making Walnut Baklava at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this walnut baklava recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Walnuts can be relatively expensive, but the remaining ingredients are commonly found in households. The recipe yields a substantial amount of baklava, making it cost-effective for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people would be around $15-$20. Considering the delightful flavors and the quantity produced, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 rating for its cost-effectiveness.
Is Walnut Baklava Healthy or Unhealthy?
The walnut baklava recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar in both the syrup and the filling, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Saturated fat: The use of butter in the recipe adds saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Refined carbohydrates: Phyllo dough is made from refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup and filling, or replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a mixture of whole wheat and regular phyllo dough to increase the fiber content
- Replace some of the butter with heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients, such as dried fruits or seeds, to boost the nutritional value of the baklava
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic dessert while still maintaining its irresistible flavor and texture.
Editor's Opinion on This Walnut Baklava Recipe
The walnut baklava recipe you provided is a classic and delightful treat. The combination of crunchy walnuts, sweet syrup, and flaky phyllo dough creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both experienced and novice bakers. The use of cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic touch to the filling, enhancing the overall sensory experience. This recipe is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to impress their guests with a homemade dessert that is both traditional and indulgent.
Why trust this Walnut Baklava Recipe:
This recipe for walnut baklava is a delightful treat that combines the richness of walnuts and the flakiness of phyllo dough. The syrup, made with sugar and lemon juice, adds a perfect touch of sweetness. The filling, consisting of finely ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon, creates a flavorful and aromatic blend. With clear instructions and traditional ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver an authentic and delicious baklava experience.
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