There is nothing quite as comforting and indulgent as a sweet, crunchy, and sticky slice of baklava, and this Easy Greek Baklava Recipe brings that classic dessert right into your kitchen without any fuss. Layers of delicate phyllo dough brushed with melted butter and packed with a fragrant mix of walnuts and pistachios come together beautifully, all drenched in a luscious honey-sweetened syrup infused with cinnamon and lemon. If you’ve ever been intimidated by baklava, this recipe is a game-changer that makes it approachable, yet irresistibly authentic. Get ready to impress friends and family with a traditional treat that’s actually easy to master and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short list — each ingredient in this Easy Greek Baklava Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flaky, nutty, and sweet layers. These simple pantry staples come together to form the essence of a classic Greek dessert with texture and flavor that truly shine.
- Phyllo dough: The ultra-thin sheets create crisp, delicate layers that form the flaky base and top of the baklava.
- Walnuts: Finely chopped for a rich, slightly earthy crunch that defines the nutty filling.
- Pistachios or almonds (optional): Add extra color, flavor, and texture complexity to the nut mixture.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and depth to the nut filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and generously brushed on every sheet to achieve golden crispness and buttery richness.
- Water, granulated sugar, and honey: Create a silky syrup that soaks through layers, perfectly balancing sweetness.
- Lemon juice and zest: Add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the nuts and butter.
- Cinnamon stick: Infuses the syrup with subtle spicy undertones.
How to Make Easy Greek Baklava Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Nut Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks to those layers of phyllo goodness. While the oven warms, combine the finely chopped walnuts, pistachios or almonds if using, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This nut mixture is what will make your baklava sing with every bite.
Step 2: Layer Phyllo and Butter
Unroll your phyllo dough carefully and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out — dried phyllo is tricky to work with and can crack. Place one sheet of phyllo in your baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this with about eight sheets to form a rich, buttery base that will become golden and crisp in the oven.
Step 3: Add Nut Layers and Repeat
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of your nut mixture over the buttered phyllo. Next, add 4 to 5 layers of phyllo again, brushing each sheet with butter just like before. Add another layer of nuts, then continue layering phyllo and nuts until you’ve used all the nuts. Finish with a final top layer of about eight butter-brushed phyllo sheets for that perfect crunch and sheen.
Step 4: Cut and Bake
Before placing the baklava in the oven, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamonds or squares. This pre-cutting step helps the syrup soak in later and makes serving easier. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching as the layers turn a beautiful golden brown and the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.
Step 5: Make the Syrup and Pour
While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and optional lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, pour the syrup evenly over the hot pastry so it absorbs all that sweet, citrus-spiced goodness.
How to Serve Easy Greek Baklava Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a dusting of cinnamon powder add a beautiful finishing touch that elevates the appearance for serving. A small drizzle of extra honey on the plate can enhance the sweetness and make your baklava look professionally plated.
Side Dishes
Baklava is a rich dessert best enjoyed with something light and refreshing on the side such as Greek yogurt sprinkled with a little cinnamon or fresh fruit like sliced oranges or figs. These accompaniments help balance the sweetness and add contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, try serving individual bite-sized baklava pieces on decorative toothpicks or arrange the diamonds on a colorful platter garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves. This Easy Greek Baklava Recipe is versatile enough for casual family nights or more elegant celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baklava tastes even better the next day as the syrup continues to soak in, deepening flavors and softening textures slightly. Store leftovers at room temperature, loosely covered with foil or a cloth, for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration to keep the phyllo crisp.
Freezing
If you want to prep baklava in advance, you can freeze it either before baking or after it is baked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking (if unbaked) or serving.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked crispness in leftover baklava, warm it in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the top layers regain crunch without drying out the layers beneath.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts and pistachios?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts work beautifully as alternatives or additions to the nut filling. Just be sure to chop them finely so they layer well with the phyllo.
Is it necessary to butter every sheet of phyllo?
Yes, brushing melted butter on each sheet is essential to achieve that signature flaky, golden texture and to prevent the phyllo from sticking together.
Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Yes, the syrup can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before pouring it over the hot baklava for the best absorption.
How long does this Easy Greek Baklava Recipe take to prepare?
The total time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including 30 minutes for prep and 50 minutes for baking. While it takes some layering, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
What is the best way to cut baklava?
Use a sharp knife to cut into diamonds or squares before baking to ensure clean slices and help the syrup soak in evenly after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Greek Baklava Recipe is truly a treasure for any dessert lover looking to enjoy a traditional yet approachable treat. With its crisp layers, flavorful nuts, and that luscious honey syrup, it’s a dessert that brings warmth to any table and smiles to every face. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, becoming a new favorite to share over coffee or celebrations with friends and family.
Print
Easy Greek Baklava Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Greek Baklava Recipe features flaky layers of buttery phyllo dough filled with a fragrant blend of walnuts, pistachios or almonds, and cinnamon, all drenched in a luscious honey-lemon syrup. A classic and indulgent Greek dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, made simpler with straightforward steps to achieve the perfect crispy, sweet, and nutty treat.
Ingredients
Baklava Layers
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough (thawed)
- 2 cups walnuts (finely chopped)
- 1 cup pistachios or almonds (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 strips lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Nut Filling: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, optional pistachios or almonds, and ground cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly mixed for consistent flavor.
- Layer Phyllo Base: Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to keep it from drying. Lay one sheet of phyllo into the baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this step adding about 8 sheets to create a buttery base layer.
- Add Nut Layer and Continue Layering: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo base. Then add 4–5 more buttered phyllo sheets on top, followed again by nuts. Continue alternating layers of nuts and 4–5 buttered phyllo sheets until all the nuts are used. Finish with a top layer of about 8 buttered phyllo sheets.
- Cut Before Baking: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the layered baklava into diamond or square shapes, as this helps the syrup absorb evenly later.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp on top.
- Make Syrup: While baking, combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and optional lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Pour Syrup and Cool: Once the baklava is baked and still hot, immediately pour the slightly cooled syrup evenly over it, allowing it to soak in. Let the baklava cool completely to absorb the syrup thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, make the baklava a day ahead to allow the syrup to fully absorb into the layers.
- Store at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to one week.
- You can substitute pistachios or almonds entirely with walnuts if preferred.
- Use a damp towel to keep the phyllo dough moist and prevent tearing as you work.
