An Easy Classic Turkish Baklava Recipe To Level Up Your Dessert Game

By Rajlakshmi

January 14, 2026

With layers of delicate phyllo dough, a sweet nut filling, and a fragrant syrup, baklava is a cherished treat in Turkish cuisine. Explore this beloved dessert and try this recipe to recreate its indulgence in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

1 pack of phyllo dough, thawed 1 ½ cups of unsalted butter, melted 2 cups of finely ground pistachios 2 cups of finely chopped walnuts 1 cup of granulated sugar 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1 cup of water 1 cup of honey 1 tablespoon of lemon juice A few drops of rosewater, optional

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the finely ground nuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.

Step 3

Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Take a sheet of phyllo dough and place it in the greased baking dish.

Step 4

Brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have about 8–10 layers.

Step 5

Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers. Repeat the layering process.

Step 6

Remember to brush each layer with melted butter. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square pieces.

Step 7

Bake the baklava for 45–50 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crisp. Prepare the syrup with water, honey, lemon juice, and optional rosewater.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately.