Yia Yia's Baklava Recipe

Yia Yia's Baklava is a timeless and beloved dessert that has been passed down through generations in many Greek families. This flaky, nutty, and sweet pastry is a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Yia Yia, which means grandmother in Greek, is often the matriarch of the family and holds the traditional recipe for this delectable treat.

Baklava has its origins in the Ottoman Empire and has been a popular dessert in the Middle East and Mediterranean for centur...

Baklava has its origins in the Ottoman Empire and has been a popular dessert in the Middle East and Mediterranean for centuries. The rich history of this dessert is a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless flavor. Yia Yia's Baklava is a testament to the art of traditional Greek baking and the care and attention to detail that goes into making each and every batch.

Yia Yia's Baklava recipe is a labor of love, with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey or syrup meticulously assembled to create a dessert that is both stunning in appearance and irresistible in taste. The combination of crisp phyllo pastry and a sweet, nutty filling make it a truly decadent treat that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Every family has their own variation of the recipe, with some using walnuts, others using almonds, and some even adding a touch of cinnamon or cloves to the filling. However, the one constant in all Yia Yia's Baklava recipes is the dedication to using only the finest ingredients and the utmost care in preparation.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Yia Yia's Baklava is a recipe that is worth trying. The effort and time put into making this traditional Greek dessert will be well worth it once you take that first delicious bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will surely be as rewarding as it is delicious. Yia Yia's Baklava is a labor of love that has stood the test of time and has earned its place as a cherished dessert in Greek culture. So, why not give it a try and enjoy this delectable treat with your family and friends today?

2 cups water
2 cups white sugar
4 whole cloves
½ cinnamon stick
1 lemon, juiced, divided
1 pound finely chopped walnuts
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted, or more as needed
20 sheets phyllo dough

Information

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Additional Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 20
Yield: 20 servings

Stir together water, 2 cups sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and 1/2 the lemon juice together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until flavor blends and syrup consistency is reached, about 15 minutes. Stir remaining 1/2 the lemon juice into syrup. Strain and refrigerate until cool, at least 30 minutes.

Stir walnuts, 1 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush butter on the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.

Lay the phyllo dough out on a clean, dry surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Cover the plastic wrap with a damp towel.

Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking dish and lightly brush with butter. Lay another 1 sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with butter. Repeat layering and brushing with butter with 4 more sheets of phyllo dough.

Gently spread 1/3 the walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. Place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. Repeat layering and buttering with 3 more sheets of dough.

Spread another 1/3 the walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. Place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. Repeat layering and buttering with 3 more sheets of dough.

Spread the remaining 1/3 walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. Place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. Repeat layering and buttering with the remaining 5 sheets of dough. Cut baklava into 1-inch diamonds.

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes.

Pour cooled syrup over baked baklava and cool for 1 day to absorb syrup.

Nutrition

386 cal.

Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 18mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrate: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 31g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 36mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 123mg

How to Make Yia Yia's Baklava - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

386 cal.

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