Classic Cinnamon Walnut Baklava: A Nutty-Rich Delight with a Sweet Syrup

This traditional Cinnamon Walnut Baklava combines the crisp, buttery layers of filo pastry with a rich topping of finely chopped walnuts and aromatic cinnamon. The dessert is sweetened with a homemade lemon-infused sugar syrup that penetrates the flaky layers, creating a delicious textural contrast. This baklava is cooked to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite, and is finished with a sprinkle of ground pistachios for an extra touch of nutty flavor.

Why you'll love it: Baklava is a dessert loved for its complex textures and deep flavors. The combination of nuts and cinnamon provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweet, sticky syrup. The layers of filo pastry are meticulously prepared to achieve the perfect crispness, making this dessert not only delicious but also a pleasure to eat. Each piece is a perfect blend of crunch and softness, ideal for those who appreciate a well-made pastry.

Perfect occasion: This baklava is perfect for festive occasions including holiday gatherings, celebrations or as a special treat to end a family dinner. It's also a great choice for cultural festivals or as a luxurious treat to accompany coffee or tea during afternoon meetings.

Decorating Tips: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle finely ground pistachios on top of the baklava after drizzling with syrup. The green color of the pistachios adds a vibrant contrast to the golden pastry. If you're serving at a special event, consider adding edible gold leaf on top for an extra touch of luxury.

Ingredients:

• For the syrup:
  • 250 ml of water
  • 250 g of sugar
  • 3 teaspoons of lemon juice
• For the Baklava:
  • 200 g melted and clarified butter
  • 50 ml of sunflower oil
  • 200 g finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 2 packages of filo/yufka pastry (14 sheets total)
  • A few ground pistachios for decoration

1. Prepare the syrup:
   • In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar and lemon juice. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Baklava:
   • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
   • Prepare a 28 cm round baking dish by lightly greasing it.
   • Mix the melted butter and sunflower oil in a bowl. Remove any foam from the butter with a spoon.
   • In another bowl, mix the crushed walnuts with the cinnamon.
3. Assemble the Baklava:
   • Lay out the filo pastry sheets. Place the baking dish in the middle of the dough and cut around the dish, keeping the edges.
   • Brush each sheet with the butter-oil mixture, sprinkle some of the cut edges over the dough, then add a little of the walnut-cinnamon mixture.
   • Arrange the filo sheets in the dish alternating with the nut mixture and finish with a layer of filo on top, making sure to butter each sheet well.
   • Before baking, cut the layered dough into 16 pieces.

4. Cook:
   • Place in the oven on the lower rack and bake for 60 minutes until golden brown.
5. Finish with the syrup:
   • Immediately after cooking, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
   • Sprinkle with ground pistachios.

Enjoy this deliciously layered Walnut and Cinnamon Baklava, a sweet and crunchy treat that is sure to delight your taste buds!