Baklawa
Baklawa is a rich, flaky pastry layered with a sweet walnut filling and soaked in fragrant syrup, perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the shelled English walnuts, sugar, and orange flower water in a bowl and mix well to prepare the filling.
- Preheat the oven and line a 17 x 13-inch tray with commercial dough.
- Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough in the tray.
- Cover with another layer of dough and cut into diamond or square shapes.
- Pour the melted rendered butter evenly over the top of the assembled baklawa.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before pouring warm syrup over the hot baklawa.
- Let it soak and cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them with sugar and orange flower water. If you don’t have orange flower water, a few drops of vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Ensure that your melted butter is evenly distributed over the layers for maximum flavor and moisture. When cutting the baklawa, use a sharp knife to create clean edges.
Serving Suggestions
Baklawa is best served at room temperature and can be accompanied by a cup of strong coffee or tea. It also pairs beautifully with Honeydew Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an added touch, consider drizzling some additional warm syrup over the pieces just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Baklawa can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, ensuring it retains its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baklawa contains roughly 1142 calories, with 14g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts for the filling?
Yes, you can use a mix of different nuts such as pistachios or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure that the total amount of nuts remains the same for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make baklawa vegan?
To make baklawa vegan, substitute the melted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly, including the commercial dough.
What is the purpose of the orange flower water?
Orange flower water adds a unique floral aroma and flavor to baklawa. If you want to achieve a similar effect without it, try using rose water or simply increase the amount of vanilla extract.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).