Persian Baklava
Persian Baklava features flaky fillo pastry layered with spiced almond filling and sweet syrup, offering a rich, nutty flavor perfect for celebrations or as a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 3 or 4 sheets of fillo pastry evenly over the bottom of a well-greased oblong cake pan, brushing each sheet on both sides with melted butter before putting another sheet on top.
- Thoroughly mix together almonds, cardamom, and sugar.
- Spread the almond mixture evenly over the layered pastry sheets.
- Place 3 or 4 sheets of buttered fillo pastry on top of the nut and sugar mixture.
- Cut the assembled baklava into 2 x 2-inch squares or diamonds.
Tips & Substitutions
When working with fillo pastry, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. For a nut substitute, consider using walnuts or pistachios for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sugar in the almond mixture based on your sweetness preference. If you prefer a more aromatic baklava, add some ground cinnamon to the nut mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Persian baklava with a cup of strong tea or coffee for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Green Bean, Walnut, Mint And Feta Salad to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, garnish with crushed pistachios or a drizzle of honey before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, place individual pieces in a warm oven for a few minutes until just heated through, ensuring they remain crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Persian Baklava contains roughly 1784 calories, with 51g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (282% of the Daily Value), iron (192% of the Daily Value), and protein (102% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 79g 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 make baklava ahead of time?
Yes, baklava can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve as it sits. Just ensure it is stored in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. If you plan to serve it later, warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze baklava?
Absolutely! Baklava freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you want a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter. This will alter the flavor slightly, giving it a more tropical note, but it will still result in a delicious baklava.
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).