🇬🇷 Traditional Greek Baklava Recipe

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Traditional Greek Baklava. This classic Greek dessert is a sweet treat that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece. With layers of flaky phyllo dough, a crunchy nut filling, and a sweet syrup, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

To make this mouthwatering dessert, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Start with some delicate phyllo dough, which can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. You'll also need unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, chopped mixed nuts, granulated sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice. These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

The preparation process is surprisingly straightforward. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a baking pan. Then, it's time to make the nut mixture. Combine the chopped mixed nuts, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar in a bowl, and set it aside. Next, layer the phyllo sheets in the baking pan, brushing each layer with melted butter. Once you've layered the phyllo sheets, sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the top. Repeat this process until all the phyllo and nut mixture is used.

Now, it's time to bake the baklava to golden perfection. Pop the pan into the oven and let it bake until the top is beautifully golden brown. While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over low heat until the honey is fully dissolved. Once the baklava is out of the oven, pour the warm syrup over the hot pastry, allowing it to soak in and infuse every layer with sweetness.

For the best results, let the baklava sit for several hours or overnight after adding the syrup. This allows the flavors to meld together and the syrup to fully penetrate the layers, creating a moist and delicious dessert. When you're ready to serve, cut the baklava into squares or diamonds and enjoy!

Traditional Greek Baklava is a dessert that truly captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Its combination of delicate phyllo dough, crunchy nuts, and sweet syrup is a true delight for the senses. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of Greece, this recipe is sure to impress. So, dive into the sweet sea of Greek desserts and savor every bite of this irresistible treat. Opa!