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

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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.

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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