Turkish Baklava
Description
This classic Turkish Baklava is the ultimate celebration of layers, crunch, and sweetness. Made with delicate filo sheets brushed generously with melted butter and filled with a fragrant mixture of chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and cloves, it bakes into a golden, flaky masterpiece. The true magic happens when the hot, spiced sugar syrup is poured over the warm pastry, soaking in to create a sticky, glossy finish that contrasts beautifully with the crisp texture. It is a labor of love that rewards you with an indulgent, rich dessert perfect for holidays, tea time, or special gatherings.Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Brush the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with melted butter.
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Unroll the filo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Cut each sheet in half lengthwise so they fit the baking dish.
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Place one half-sheet of filo in the dish, brushing it with melted butter. Repeat with 6 to 8 more sheets, buttering each one.
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Sprinkle one-third of the chopped walnuts evenly over the buttered layers.
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Continue layering filo sheets, buttering each one, until you have used about half of the dough. Add another third of the walnuts.
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Finish with the remaining filo sheets, buttering each layer, and sprinkle the last third of walnuts on top.
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Pour any remaining melted butter over the top layer.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond shapes before baking.
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Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
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While baklava bakes, make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and the cinnamon stick.
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Bring syrup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove cinnamon stick and let syrup cool completely.
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Once baklava is done, remove from oven and immediately pour the cool syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
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Allow baklava to cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the syrup to be fully absorbed.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1 pie
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2377.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 165.8g256%
- Saturated Fat 64.8g324%
- Cholesterol 244.5mg82%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 257.7g86%
- Dietary Fiber 8.4g34%
- Sugars 183.1g
- Protein 18.5g37%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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