Name: Traditional Homemade Greek Baklava with Walnuts and Pistachios
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 150 g walnuts, finely chopped; 150 g pistachios, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 450 g phyllo dough (16-18 sheets), thawed; 200 g unsalted butter, melted; 240 ml water; 200 g granulated sugar; 180 ml honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Extra crushed pistachios, for garnish

Sweet, flaky, and beautifully nutty, this Delicious Recipe for traditional homemade Greek baklava brings together layers of tender phyllo, golden butter, and a fragrant filling of walnuts and pistachios, all soaked in an aromatic honey-lemon syrup. The result is a spectacular dessert—crisp and crunchy on top, perfectly chewy in the center, and dripping with citrus-kissed sweetness. If you’re looking to wow family or friends with a tried-and-true classic, nothing compares to the decadent charm of this Delicious Recipe.

Traditional Homemade Greek Baklava with Walnuts and Pistachios - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of baklava lies in its celebration of a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, contributing to the dish’s crisp bite, vibrant flavor, or irresistible aroma. Take a moment to read through each—they’re the building blocks of this Delicious Recipe.

Walnuts: Chopped finely, they offer a toasty, mildly bitter note that balances the syrup’s sweetness.
Pistachios: Bright green and slightly sweet, these add color as well as a unique richness to the nut mixture.
Granulated Sugar (filling): A touch mixed with the nuts draws out their natural oils and crunch.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon infuses the nuts with warmth and classic Mediterranean flair.
Phyllo Dough: These fragile paper-thin sheets bake up into golden, buttery layers—the backbone of this Delicious Recipe.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed between the sheets, it delivers flavor and creates that craveable crunch.
Water (syrup): The base for the syrup that brings everything together in every bite.
Granulated Sugar (syrup): Melts with honey and water to soak the baklava in sweetness.
Honey: Essential for authentic Greek baklava, honey offers floral notes and luscious texture in the syrup.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash keeps the syrup from being too sweet and adds brightness to the dessert.
Extra Crushed Pistachios (optional): Sprinkle on top for a gorgeous finish and extra crunch.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling

Start by pulsing your walnuts and pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pasty—you want some texture. Transfer to a bowl and toss with sugar and cinnamon. Set this aromatic mixture aside; it’s the crunchy, flavorful heart of the Delicious Recipe.

Step 2: Set Up Your Phyllo

Unroll the thawed phyllo dough gently and cover it with a damp towel. This quick step is key—phyllo dries out fast. While you work, keep it covered to prevent cracking. Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F), and generously brush your 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter, preparing it for layers of goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Base

Begin building your Delicious Recipe by laying 8 to 10 phyllo sheets in the buttered dish, one at a time. After each sheet, brush lightly with melted butter. Work briskly but gently; if a sheet tears, don’t sweat it! The magic of baklava is in its forgiving layers. When you reach the tenth sheet, you’ll have a perfect base for your nuts.

Step 4: Add the Nut Mixture

Sprinkle a third of the nut filling evenly across the phyllo base. Don’t tamp it down—let it settle naturally for rustic layers and flavor pockets in this Delicious Recipe.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Add five more sheets of phyllo, buttering each before adding the second third of the nut mixture. Repeat for the final third, finishing with a top layer of 10 to 12 buttered sheets. The alternating layers ensure every bite has the right mix of flaky pastry and rich, nutty filling.

Step 6: Cut Before Baking

Use a sharp knife to trim rough edges, if needed. Then, carefully cut the unbaked baklava into diamond or square pieces—this lets the syrup soak in beautifully later. Don’t skip this step; it’s what gives the Delicious Recipe its classic look.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake, uncovered, for 60 to 70 minutes. The top should turn deep golden brown, and your kitchen will fill with irresistible scents. Watch closely near the end; every oven is a little different.

Step 8: Make and Cool the Syrup

While the baklava bakes, combine the water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool just slightly. This step adds citrus brightness and gooey sweetness—hallmarks of a Delicious Recipe.

Step 9: Syrup Time!

The moment baklava comes from the oven and is still hot, pour the warm syrup evenly over every cut and edge. You’ll hear an enthusiastic sizzle as the syrup soaks in. This is what makes each layer sticky, chewy, and outrageously delicious.

Step 10: Let it Rest (and Resist!)

Be patient—allow the baklava to rest at room temperature for at least four hours. This crucial waiting period lets the syrup soak all the way through, making every bite of your Delicious Recipe perfect from top to bottom.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, feel free to sprinkle with extra crushed pistachios for color and texture. Now, slice through those pre-cut lines and serve up one of the best homemade desserts you’ll ever taste!

How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

Baklava shines brightest with a simple but elegant topping. Dust each piece with extra chopped pistachios for vibrant color and a touch of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a scattering of edible rose petals or a drizzle of extra honey can transform your Delicious Recipe into a centerpiece worthy of celebration.

Side Dishes

This indulgent dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong Greek coffee or a glass of black tea. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which cuts the sweetness of the syrup and brings a cool, creamy contrast to your Delicious Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by arranging the baklava diamonds in a circular fan on a platter, or stack pieces in a tidy tower for dramatic height. For extra flair, place each slice in a decorative cupcake liner and dust lightly with powdered sugar for that bakery-fresh look—making your Delicious Recipe ready for any special gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Baklava keeps wonderfully! Store any leftover Delicious Recipe, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors deepen over time, and the syrup continues to infuse every layer. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the pastry soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baklava cool completely, then wrap each piece in parchment or wax paper and place in an airtight container. The Delicious Recipe can be frozen for up to two months; just thaw overnight at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

While baklava is typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently rewarm it in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 5-10 minutes if you prefer. This refreshes the phyllo’s crispness and brings back out all the aromatic notes of your Delicious Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use only walnuts or only pistachios instead of both?

Absolutely! While the combination of walnuts and pistachios in this Delicious Recipe creates a lovely balance of color and flavor, you can use just one type of nut if that’s what you have on hand. The results will still be delicious.

Is homemade baklava difficult for beginners?

Not at all! It may seem intimidating, but this Delicious Recipe is quite forgiving. As long as you keep your phyllo covered, use plenty of butter, and don’t rush the layering, even first-timers can achieve lovely, crisp baklava from scratch.

How do I prevent phyllo dough from tearing?

Phyllo can be delicate, but don’t worry if it tears—once baked and soaked in syrup, imperfections disappear. To minimize tearing, thaw the dough slowly, keep it covered with a damp towel, and handle gently during layering.

Why do I need to cut baklava before baking?

Cutting before baking is key for this Delicious Recipe. It lets the syrup soak evenly into every slice after baking and ensures that you have neat, crisp edges that won’t shatter when served.

Can I make baklava gluten free?

Yes! There are gluten-free phyllo options available in some specialty stores. Substitute these for regular phyllo to create a gluten-free version of this Delicious Recipe. The filling and syrup do not need to change.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Delicious Recipe in your own kitchen. Every bite bursts with glistening layers, buttery crunch, and just the right amount of honeyed sweetness. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—or for your secret recipe! Give it a try, and let the sweet tradition become your favorite, too.