Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spiced walnuts and soaked in a fragrant honey syrup for a classic Greek dessert. This greek-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers sheets phyllo dough sheets, unsalted butter, melted, walnuts, finely chopped into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 50 min Serves 12 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.
  2. Step 2: Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with about 2 tbsp melted butter before adding the next.
  3. Step 3: Spread half of the walnut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo. Add 6 more sheets of phyllo on top, again brushing each with 2 tbsp melted butter.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle remaining walnut mixture evenly on top, then cover with 6 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter as before. Trim edges if necessary.
  5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into diamond shapes or squares before baking.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: While baking, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 3/4 cup honey in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  8. Step 8: When baklava is done, immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the warm pastry. Let cool completely to absorb syrup before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (30 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baklava with Honey-Walnut Syrup?

Greek desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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