Hidden Layer Baklava with Pistachio and Honey Syrup

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-08 · Updated 2026-08-08

A decadent multi-layered baklava with finely chopped pistachios enveloped in flaky phyllo sheets and drenched in rich honey syrup. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, layers phyllo dough sheets, unsalted butter, pistachios 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

• 12 phyllo dough sheets
• 1 cup (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter
• 2 cups, finely chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 2 cups finely chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Brush the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough one at a time, brushing each sheet lightly with melted butter (about 2 tbsp per sheet).
3. Step 3: Evenly spread half of the pistachio mixture over the layered phyllo.
4. Step 4: Layer 3 more sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with melted butter as before.
5. Step 5: Spread the remaining pistachio mixture over this layer, then top with the last 3 phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter.
6. Step 6: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond shapes all the way through to the bottom of the pan.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
8. Step 8: While baking, combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Step 9: Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava, ensuring it seeps into all cuts.
10. Step 10: Allow baklava to cool completely and absorb the syrup for at least 4 hours before serving.