Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with Walnuts
Layers of crisp phyllo pastry and spiced walnuts baked and soaked in a fragrant honey syrup infused with cinnamon and lemon. This greek-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers sheets, thawed phyllo dough sheets, (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter, finely chopped 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 400 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, thawed phyllo dough sheets
- 1 cup (2 sticks), melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups, finely chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- Step 2: Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Layer 8 phyllo sheets one by one, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter.
- Step 3: Evenly sprinkle half the walnut mixture over the phyllo layers. Spread 1/2 cup Greek yogurt evenly on top of the walnuts.
- Step 4: Layer the remaining 8 phyllo sheets over the yogurt, brushing each with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining walnut mixture on top and finish with a final phyllo sheet brushed with butter.
- Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Step 6: Bake for 50-55 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7: While baking, combine 1/2 cup water, 3/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over it, letting it soak in. Cool completely before serving to let syrup absorb.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with 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 Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with 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 Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with 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 Honey-Glazed Greek Yogurt Baklava with Walnuts?
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.