Old Fashioned Baklava

Old Fashioned Baklava is a delightful dessert that brings the wonderful flavors of the Middle East right to your kitchen. It’s made with layers of crispy filo pastry, nuts, and a sweet syrup that makes every bite a true treat. This dessert is not only delicious, but it’s also a fun recipe to make, especially if you enjoy working with layers and textures.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Old Fashioned Baklava is worthwhile because it is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or holidays. The mix of crunchy nuts, flaky dough, and sweet syrup creates a satisfying taste that everyone loves. Plus, homemade baklava is often fresher and tastier than store-bought versions!

How to Make Old Fashioned Baklava

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. package filo pastry dough, thawed
13 tbsp. melted unsalted butter (divided)
4 cups walnuts (chopped finely)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup white sugar
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup pure honey

Directions:

Trim the filo pastry dough to a size of 13 x 9 inches and cover it with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.
Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, lemon juice, water, and honey over medium-high heat. Bring the mix to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for another 4 minutes without stirring. Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool down.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until they are chopped finely. Combine the chopped walnuts and cinnamon in a medium bowl and stir well.
Lay down 10 sheets of filo dough one at a time in the greased baking dish. Brush each sheet with melted butter before adding the next one.
Spread 3/4 cup of the walnut mixture evenly on top of the filo layers.
Add another 5 sheets of filo dough on top of the walnut mixture, brushing with melted butter in between. Then, top it with another 3/4 cup of walnut mixture.
Repeat the layering process until you’ve used all the walnut mixture, finishing with 10 sheets of buttered filo dough on the top.
Brush the top layer with more butter and slice the pastry into 1 1/2 inch strips. Cut diagonally in both directions to create diamond shapes.
Bake uncovered for 85 minutes or until the pastry turns a golden color.
As soon as you take it out of the oven, drizzle the cooled honey syrup evenly over the baklava.
Let it cool completely and then serve. Enjoy your homemade baklava!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Baklava

Serve Old Fashioned Baklava at room temperature. You can cut it into diamond shapes and place them on a nice plate for an attractive dessert display. It goes well with tea or coffee, which compliments its sweetness beautifully.

How to Store Old Fashioned Baklava

Baklava can be stored covered at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Tips to Make Old Fashioned Baklava

Keep the filo pastry covered while working to avoid drying out.
Make sure to brush each layer with melted butter to ensure crispiness.
For different flavors, you can mix other nuts like pistachios or almonds into the walnut filling.

Variation (If Any)

You can try adding orange zest or a splash of rose water to the syrup for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. Also, you can use different nuts or even add a layer of chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.

FAQs

Can I make baklava ahead of time?
Yes! Baklava can be made ahead and stored for several days. The flavors develop even more after a day.
What if I can’t find filo pastry?
If you can’t find filo pastry, you can use puff pastry as an alternative, but the texture will be different.
How do I know when baklava is done baking?
Baklava is done when it is golden brown on top and feels crispy to the touch. Always watch it closely toward the end of baking!

Enjoy making your Old Fashioned Baklava – it’s easier than you think and worth every effort!