Pistachio Honey Baklava Layers

Experience the luxurious flavors of the Middle East with this Pistachio & Honey Baklava. This classic dessert is a masterpiece of textures, combining tissue-thin layers of buttery phyllo pastry with a crunchy, spiced nut filling and a fragrant citrus-infused honey syrup. Whether you are serving it for a special holiday or as a sweet weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers a professional-quality result that is sure to impress.

Save

With a preparation time of 30 minutes and a cook time of 40 minutes, creating baklava is a rewarding culinary project. The secret to its success lies in the patient layering of the dough and the meticulous preparation of the syrup, ensuring every bite is perfectly saturated and sweet.

Ingredients

• Pastry: 16 oz (450 g) phyllo dough, thawed; 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
• Nut Filling: 2 cups (250 g) shelled pistachios, finely chopped; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Honey Syrup: 1 cup (340 g) honey; 3/4 cup (180 ml) water; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3

Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the baking dish, brushing each with melted butter as you go.

Step 4

Sprinkle 1/3 of the pistachio mixture evenly over the phyllo.

Step 5

Layer 4 more phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter. Add another 1/3 of the nut mixture.

Step 6

Repeat with 4 more sheets and the remaining nuts. Finish with the last 8 sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter.

Step 7

Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamonds or squares.

Step 8

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 9

While baklava bakes, combine honey, water, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Stir in orange blossom water if using.

Step 10

Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the pastry. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Always keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from becoming brittle. Note that this recipe contains tree nuts, gluten, and dairy; be sure to check ingredient labels if you have specific dietary concerns.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute the pistachios for walnuts or a mix of nuts if preferred. For an extra boost of flavor, consider garnishing the finished dish with extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of ground cardamom.

Serviervorschläge

For the best experience, serve your baklava at room temperature once the syrup has been fully absorbed. It pairs exceptionally well with a cup of strong coffee or traditional mint tea.

Save

This Pistachio & Honey Baklava is a timeless treat that brings a touch of elegance to any dessert table. Each piece offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of honey-infused flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ What nuts are used in this dish?

Finely chopped pistachios form the main nut filling, with options to substitute walnuts or a nut mix.

→ How is the syrup flavored?

The syrup combines honey, sugar, lemon juice, and can include orange blossom water for a fragrant finish.

→ What type of dough is used for the layers?

Thin sheets of phyllo dough are layered and brushed with melted butter for crispiness.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the layers can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving for optimal crispness.

→ Are there alternative nut options?

Yes, pistachios can be replaced or combined with walnuts or other tree nuts to vary flavors.