This authentic Turkish baklava gets a rich Indian makeover with crunchy cashews, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts. Each layer of buttery phyllo crisps up beautifully, holding a fragrant nut mixture kissed with cinnamon and finished with a golden honey-lemon syrup. A festive dessert that brings together two sweet-loving cultures in one bite.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
450 gPhyllo dough (thawed)
1 cup, meltedUnsalted butter
½ cupCashews (coarsely chopped)
½ cupPistachios (coarsely chopped)
½ cup Almonds (coarsely chopped)
½ cupWalnuts (coarsely chopped)
¼ cupGranulated sugar
1 tspGround cinnamon
1 cupSugar
1 cupWater
½ cupHoney
1 tbspLemon juice
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Mix the Nuts
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cashews, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts. Add sugar and cinnamon, tossing lightly until evenly coated. This blend gives the baklava its signature crunch and spiced aroma. Keep aside while preparing the phyllo layers.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Generously brush a baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking and to create a golden crust at the bottom. Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Sheets
Lay two sheets of phyllo in the buttered dish and brush them well with melted butter. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of the nut mixture evenly on top. Continue layering: two phyllo sheets, butter, nuts, until you run out of filling. End with six buttered sheets on top for a crisp finish.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Cut the Layers
Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the layered pastry into diamond or square pieces. Cut through all the layers carefully so the syrup later seeps in evenly. This step ensures every slice absorbs flavour from top to bottom.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. The buttered layers will puff slightly, turning flaky with visible nut textures inside. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before adding syrup.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Prepare the Honey Syrup
While the baklava bakes, heat sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool to a warm temperature before pouring; it should be warm but not hot to prevent sogginess.
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Pour and Soak
Immediately after baking, pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. The sizzling sound confirms perfect contact. Allow it to sit uncovered until the syrup is absorbed and the layers turn glossy and tender at the base.
Description - Step 8
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once completely cooled, gently lift each piece using a flat spatula. The texture should be crisp on top and syrupy within. Baklava tastes even better the next day as flavours deepen.