Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts
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.
Ingredients
- 16 sheets phyllo dough sheets
- 1 cup (225g), melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups (200g), coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 3/4 cup (180ml) honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Evenly sprinkle half of the bourbon walnut mixture over the layered phyllo.
- Step 5: Layer and butter 4 more phyllo sheets, then spread the remaining walnut mixture.
- Step 6: Finish with the remaining 4 phyllo sheets, buttering each layer thoroughly.
- Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamonds or squares.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (25 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 Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts?
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 Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts?
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 Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts 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 Bourbon-Infused Baklava with Toasted Walnuts?
Middle Eastern 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.
