Honey-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with spiced walnuts and drenched in a fragrant honey syrup infused with cinnamon and clove. 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, mixing thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of the 1 cup melted butter. Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter before adding the next.
  3. Step 3: Evenly spread the walnut and spice mixture over the phyllo layers. Top with the remaining 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter as before.
  4. Step 4: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered baklava into diamond-shaped pieces before baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crisp.
  5. Step 5: While baking, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 3/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the cut pieces. Let cool completely to allow syrup absorption before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove 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 Honey-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove?

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-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove?

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-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove 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-Walnut Baklava with Cinnamon and Clove?

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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