Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup
Layered crisp phyllo pastry filled with spiced walnuts and pistachios, drenched in fragrant honey and rosewater syrup for a classic Syrian dessert. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers sheets phyllo dough sheets, (225 g), 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 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 sheets phyllo dough sheets
- 1 cup (225 g), melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup, finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp rosewater
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
- Step 2: Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted 1 cup unsalted butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Spread half the nut mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 3: Layer 6 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with melted butter. Spread the remaining nut mixture evenly over this layer.
- Step 4: Top with 2-3 phyllo sheets, again brushing with butter between each. Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into 24 diamond or square shapes.
- Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 6: While baking, combine 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp rosewater in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over it. Let cool completely to absorb syrup before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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 Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup?
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 Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup?
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 Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup 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 Phyllo-Wrapped Nutty Baklava with Honey Syrup?
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.
