Description
Turkish Pistachio Baklava is a luxurious dessert made from buttery layers of filo pastry, finely chopped pistachios, and a fragrant honey-lemon syrup. It’s crisp, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 package filo (phyllo) dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups finely chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 whole cloves or a strip of lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking pan with melted butter.
- Layer half the filo sheets in the pan, brushing each with melted butter as you go.
- Mix pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon (if using) in a bowl. Spread over the layered filo.
- Layer remaining filo on top, again brushing each sheet with butter.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layers into diamonds or squares.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup: simmer water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and optional spices for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Pour warm syrup over hot baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Cool completely for several hours or overnight before cutting fully along scored lines.
Notes
- Add orange blossom or rosewater to syrup for floral aroma.
- Combine pistachios with walnuts or almonds for variety.
- Top with crushed pistachios or white chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a traditional flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
