Baklava Recipe

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Nuts

In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and pistachios until coarsely chopped. Combine them in a bowl with sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to combine.

Melt the Butter

Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Make sure to keep it warm while you assemble the baklava.

Layer the Phyllo Dough

Brush the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it lightly with butter. Repeat this step, layering 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with melted butter.

Add Nut Filling

Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo layers. Continue layering phyllo sheets and nut filling until you have used all the nuts, finishing with 8 sheets of phyllo on top, each brushed with butter.

Cut the Baklava

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut through all layers.

Bake the Baklava

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Prepare the Honey Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine honey, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Soak the Baklava

Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled honey syrup over it. Allow it to soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.