Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A rich, layered baklava enhanced with a subtle bourbon aroma and crunchy toasted walnuts, blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a spirited twist. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, layers phyllo dough sheets, unsalted butter, walnuts 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: 25 min Cook: 50 min Serves 12 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir in 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey to infuse the nut mixture.
  3. Step 3: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush generously with melted butter (approx. 2 tbsp). Repeat layering and buttering with 8 sheets.
  4. Step 4: Evenly sprinkle half of the bourbon walnut mixture over the layered phyllo.
  5. Step 5: Layer and butter 4 more phyllo sheets, then spread the remaining walnut mixture.
  6. Step 6: Finish with the remaining 4 phyllo sheets, buttering each layer thoroughly.
  7. Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamonds or squares.
  8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Step 9: While baking, combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup honey, and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
  10. Step 10: Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the warm honey-bourbon syrup evenly over it, allowing it to soak in as it cools to room temperature before serving.

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