National Baklava Day —
November 17, 2025
Celebrate baklava: layers of buttery phyllo, chopped nuts, warm spices, and a sweet syrup — a classic pastry across the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Quick background
- Originating from the Ottoman/Turkic regions with earlier Levantine and Byzantine influences, baklava is made of very thin phyllo dough layered with nuts (walnut, pistachio, or almond), butter, spices (cinnamon, clove, cardamom), then baked and soaked in a sugar‑ or honey‑based syrup flavored with lemon, rosewater, or orange blossom.
Classic baklava (9x13" pan, ~12–16 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) phyllo sheets (thawed if frozen), covered with a damp towel while working
- 2 cups (200 g) finely chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or a mix)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
Syrup
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla or 1 tsp orange blossom/rosewater (optional)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13" pan.
2. Mix chopped nuts with cinnamon and cardamom.
3. Layering: place one phyllo sheet in pan, brush lightly with melted butter; repeat 6–8 sheets (butter each). Sprinkle a thin, even layer of nuts (about 1/3–1/2 cup). Repeat: 4–6 phyllo sheets (buttered) then nuts — finish with 6–8 buttered phyllo sheets on top.
4. Using a sharp knife, score the assembled baklava into diamonds or squares down to the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour remaining butter evenly over the top (work it into cuts). Bake 45–60 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Meanwhile, make syrup: simmer sugar and water until sugar dissolves, add honey and lemon juice, simmer 5–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla or floral water; cool slightly.
7. When baklava is out of oven, immediately pour cooled syrup evenly over hot baklava. Let cool completely (several hours) so syrup is absorbed and layers set.
Enjoy National Baklava Day by baking a tray, experimenting with nut and syrup flavors, and sharing the rich, honeyed slices. #AtlantaCatering #CulinaryCollectiveATL #Alpharetta #PrivateChefAtlanta #bestinatlanta
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