The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic Turkish Baklava with Ingredients and Calories Explained
- Deniz Uyanik
- May 21
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Baklava is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors, history, and culture. Originating from the rich traditions of the Ottoman Empire, this pastry has won hearts worldwide. The perfect blend of flaky pastry, crunchy nuts, and sweet syrup makes it impossible to resist. In this guide, you’ll uncover a step-by-step recipe for making traditional Turkish Baklava, complete with ingredient details, calorie counts, and cooking times.
What is Baklava?
Baklava is a dessert made from layered filo pastry filled with a mix of nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Often flavored with cinnamon or lemon, it serves as a delightful ending to any meal or as a treat with afternoon tea. Each bite offers a taste of Turkish culinary art, and learning to make Baklava can be a fun journey.
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Baklava involves choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you need for an authentic recipe:
For the Pastry:
Filo Dough: 1 pound (about 450 grams)
For the Filling:
Walnuts or Pistachios: 2 cups, finely chopped
Sugar: 1/2 cup, granulated
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, ground
For the Syrup:
Water: 1 cup
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Honey: 1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
For Assembling:
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted
Caloric Breakdown
Being aware of calorie content can help you savor Baklava without guilt. Here’s an approximate calorie count for a standard serving:
Filo Dough: 50 calories per sheet, totaling about 1,000 calories for 20 sheets
Walnuts or Pistachios: 200 calories for 1/4 cup serving
Sugar: 50 calories per tablespoon
Butter: 100 calories per tablespoon
Altogether, a piece of Baklava (approximately 1 square inch) contains around 150 calories. Remember, these numbers can change with different portion sizes and nut choices.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Cooling time: 1-2 hours (to absorb syrup)
Total Time: About 3 hours
Step-by-Step Baklava Recipe
Creating your batch of Turkish Baklava involves several straightforward steps. Each step brings you closer to enjoying this delicious dessert.
Step 1: Prepare the Nuts
In a bowl, mix your chopped walnuts or pistachios with sugar and cinnamon. This nut mixture forms the hearty filling that defines Baklava.
Step 2: Prepare the Filo Dough
Thaw the filo dough in the refrigerator overnight. Lay it out flat on a clean surface, covering it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out—a crucial step to keep the pastry intact.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
Take a sheet of filo dough, place it in the dish, and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat for 8-10 sheets, creating a sturdy base.
Spread a layer of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered filo.
Layer more filo, buttering each sheet, followed by additional nut mixture. Keep alternating layers until you have used all your filling and roughly 6-8 more buttered filo sheets on top.
Step 4: Cut the Baklava
Using a sharp knife, slice the Baklava into diamond or square shapes. Cutting before baking ensures that the syrup seeps fully into the pastry.
Step 5: Bake
Once assembled, place your Baklava in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Syrup
While the Baklava is baking, combine water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it slightly thickens. Afterward, let it cool.
Step 7: Combine
Once the Baklava is baked, pour the cooled syrup over the hot pastry right away. Make sure every piece is drenched in syrup for the best flavor.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the Baklava to cool for 1-2 hours to let the syrup absorb. It's best served at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Baklava
Keep Filo Dough Moist: Cover the dough with a damp towel. If it dries, it can rip easily.
Choose Fresh Nuts: Using fresh, high-quality nuts enhances the flavor and texture of your Baklava.
Don’t Skimp on Butter: Buttering generously ensures a flaky and crunchy texture.
Allow Soaking Time: Let the Baklava sit so it can soak up the syrup, intensifying the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making Turkish Baklava at home is an engaging experience that is sure to impress your loved ones. By following this guide, you can recreate this traditional treat that brings a taste of Turkey into your kitchen. Its rich flavors and delightful texture make it perfect for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy it after a family meal or share it with friends over tea, this timeless Baklava recipe will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. Gather your ingredients and start your Baklava adventure today!
Happy baking!