Description
Easy Pistachio Baklava is a simplified take on the classic Middle Eastern dessert, made with buttery layers of phyllo dough, a rich pistachio filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup. With fewer steps and beginner-friendly instructions, this version delivers all the crisp, sweet, and nutty flavor of traditional baklava with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups pistachios, finely chopped or ground
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey (optional)
- 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- In a bowl, combine chopped pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon (if using) to make the filling.
- Unroll the phyllo dough. Place one sheet in the dish and brush with butter. Repeat with 6–8 sheets, buttering each.
- Sprinkle half of the pistachio mixture evenly over the phyllo.
- Add another 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining pistachio mixture, then layer the final 8–10 sheets, buttering each one.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares, cutting all the way through.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- While baking, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in honey and floral water if using. Let cool slightly.
- Once baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let cool completely for 2–3 hours to absorb.
Notes
Use a damp towel to cover phyllo sheets while assembling to prevent drying.Always cut baklava before baking to ensure clean pieces.Flavor syrup with rose or orange blossom water for a traditional touch.Let baklava sit for a few hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.For vegan version, use plant-based butter and honey substitute or omit honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
