Turkish Baklava Recipe (Authentic & Homemade)

Turkish Baklava is one of the most famous desserts of the Middle East and Central Asia. With its golden, flaky pastry layers filled with nuts and soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup, baklava is a dessert that symbolizes celebration and hospitality. It’s traditionally served during holidays like Eid, weddings, and family gatherings.

📜 History of Baklava

Baklava has a long history that goes back to the Ottoman Empire. The Turks refined the recipe using ultra-thin phyllo dough and pistachios, making it a dessert associated with royalty. Even today, the best baklava in the world comes from Gaziantep, Turkey, where pistachio baklava is a culinary treasure.

🥘 Ingredients

• 500g phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
• 300g walnuts or pistachios (finely chopped)
• 250g unsalted butter (melted)
• 200g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

🍯 For the Syrup

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup honey
• Juice of ½ lemon

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Boil for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool completely. The syrup must be cool when poured on hot baklava.

Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling

Chop walnuts or pistachios finely and mix with sugar and cinnamon. This gives a crunchy, flavorful middle layer.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough

Grease a rectangular baking tray with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo, brush with butter, and repeat for 10 sheets. Spread a layer of nuts, then continue layering with buttered phyllo sheets until you reach 20–25 layers.

Step 4: Cut and Bake

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares before baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Add the Syrup

Immediately after removing the baklava from the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over it. Allow to rest for at least 3–4 hours so the layers soak up the syrup.

🍴 Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with Turkish tea or strong coffee.
• Add a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a modern twist.
• Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for extra flavor and presentation.

🔥 Variations

• Greek Baklava: Often uses honey and spices like cloves and cinnamon.
• Pistachio Baklava: The Turkish favorite, made with Antep pistachios.
• Chocolate Baklava: A modern version with chocolate drizzle.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Piece)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Carbs: 32 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 16 g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can baklava be stored?
Yes, it stays fresh at room temperature for 3–4 days. Refrigerated, it lasts up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I freeze baklava?
Yes, unbaked baklava can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.

Q: Why is my baklava soggy?
Always pour cooled syrup over hot baklava to avoid sogginess.

✅ Conclusion

This homemade Turkish baklava recipe captures the traditional flavors of Turkey in every bite. Crispy, nutty, and sweet, it’s the perfect dessert for festive occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought baklava!