Baklava, a layered pastry of filo dough, nuts, and honey, is a beloved dessert in Turkey and across the Eastern Mediterranean. Our version features a nutty, fragrant filling of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, a slightly syrupy texture, and a touch of orange blossom water for extra depth of flavor. It's a decadent treat that's easy to make and always impresses.
Baklava has a long and rich history, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It is believed to have originated in the kitchens of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, where it was made for sultans and their guests. The pastry quickly became popular throughout the empire, and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, baklava is a beloved dessert in many cultures, and there are many different regional variations. Our version is inspired by the classic Turkish recipe, with a few modern twists. We use a combination of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios for a nutty filling, and we add a touch of orange blossom water for extra depth of flavor. The result is a sweet, satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 12
Ingredients
1 (1-pound) package filo dough, thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Lay one sheet of filo dough in the bottom of the prepared pan. Brush with melted butter.
Repeat layers of filo dough and butter until you have used half of the filo dough.
In a medium bowl, combine the nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the filo dough.
Top with the remaining filo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why It Works
The combination of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios gives the filling a complex and nutty flavor.
The addition of orange blossom water adds a subtle floral note that complements the nuts.
The slightly syrupy texture keeps the baklava moist and flavorful.
The use of filo dough creates a delicate and flaky pastry.