Turkish Baklava Recipe From Scratch

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Turkey with this exquisite recipe for homemade Baklava. Known for its delicate layers of phyllo dough, nutty filling, and sweet, aromatic honey syrup, Baklava is a dessert that perfectly balances flavor and texture. This recipe guides you step-by-step to recreate this iconic Middle Eastern treat entirely from scratch, ensuring authenticity and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

Category	Ingredients	Quantity
Phyllo Dough	Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour)	1 cup
	Salt	1/8 teaspoon (a pinch)
	Lemon juice	2 teaspoons
	Extra Virgin Olive Oil	1 teaspoon
	Lukewarm Water (divided: 1/4 + 1/8 cup)	3/8 cup
Starch Mixture	Corn flour	50 grams
	Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour)	50 grams
Nut Mixture	Pistachios, chopped and lightly toasted	1/3 cup
	Almonds (Badam), chopped and lightly toasted	1/3 cup
	Cashew nuts, chopped and lightly toasted	1/3 cup
	Cinnamon powder	1/2 teaspoon
For Brushing	Unsalted butter, melted	120 grams
Honey Syrup	Sugar	1/2 cup
	Water	1 1/2 cups
	Honey	1/2 cup
	Cinnamon stick	1 inch
	Cloves	3
	Cinnamon powder	1 pinch
	Nutmeg powder	1 pinch
	Lemon juice	1 teaspoon
	Lemon zest	1 teaspoon

Preparation Time

Task	Duration
Prep Time	50 minutes
Cook Time	60 minutes
Total Time	110 minutes

Servings: 14
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Making the Phyllo Sheets

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Vivatta Maida (flour), salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Gradually add lukewarm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 1 hour.
Divide and Shape:
- After resting, divide the dough into two portions. From each portion, roll 16 small balls. Sprinkle the starch mixture (corn flour and all-purpose flour) over them to prevent sticking.
Roll Out the Sheets:
- Take one dough ball and roll it out as thin as possible using a rolling pin. The rolled sheet should be so thin that it is translucent.
- Measure and shape the phyllo sheet to fit your baking tray (e.g., a 14 cm circular tray). Sprinkle the starch mixture over the sheet and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Repeat for all dough balls, layering each sheet with a sprinkle of starch mixture and keeping them covered with a damp towel.

Preparing the Nut Mixture

In a food processor, pulse pistachios, almonds, and cashews until coarsely ground.
Mix the ground nuts with sugar and cinnamon powder. Set aside.

Assembling the Baklava

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Layer the Phyllo and Nuts:
- Brush your baking tray generously with melted butter.
- Place 10 layers of phyllo sheets into the tray, brushing each layer with melted butter.
- Spread 1/3 of the nut mixture evenly over the layered sheets.
Repeat the Layers:
- Add another 6 layers of phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter. Spread another 1/3 of the nut mixture.
- Repeat with another 6 layers of phyllo sheets, brushing with butter, and add the final 1/3 of the nut mixture.
- Finish with 10 layers of phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter. Brush the top layer gently for a smooth finish.
Cut into Shapes:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled Baklava into square or diamond shapes. Cutting before baking ensures clean and perfect portions.
Bake the Baklava:
- Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and bake for another 20 minutes. Finally, bake at 140°C for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Making the Honey Syrup

Combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 20–30 minutes until it reaches a soft ball consistency.

Final Assembly

Once the Baklava is baked, pour the hot honey syrup evenly over it. Ensure the syrup seeps into all the layers.
Sprinkle some additional nut mixture over the top for garnish.
Let the Baklava cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkish Baklava warm or cold as a delightful dessert to end a meal. Pair it with a refreshing glass of mint tea or Turkish coffee for a traditional experience.

Enjoy this luscious treat after a hearty meal, perhaps following recipes like Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Corn or Tandoori Potato Wedges, for a complete weekend feast with friends and family.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	55 mg
Total Carbohydrates	32 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	15 g
Protein	4 g

Relish this authentic homemade Turkish Baklava and create cherished memories with every delicious bite!