Walnut baklava is one of the most beloved desserts in Ottoman cuisine and has held a special place in Turkish culture for centuries. Especially walnut baklava is a must-try for sweet lovers. While it may seem time-consuming and challenging to make, you can achieve perfect walnut baklava at home with the right ingredients and recipe. In this recipe, you will prepare a delicious baklava with thin layers of dough, a generous walnut filling, and fragrant melted butter on top. The syrup will be perfectly balanced, and the dough will be crisp. With this step-by-step guide, you can offer an unforgettable dessert to your guests and loved ones. By following this detailed recipe, you’ll master all the nuances of making baklava and prepare it with expertise. This enjoyable process in your kitchen will culminate in the pride of creating one of the most exquisite desserts in traditional Turkish cuisine. Gather your ingredients and follow our steps to discover this unique flavor.
Walnut Baklava Recipe
Ingredients for Walnut Baklava:
For the syrup:
4 cups sugar
4 cups water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the dough:
3.5 cups flour
2 eggs
1 teacup vegetable oil
1 teacup milk
1 tablespoon vinegar
A pinch of salt
For rolling out the dough:
Starch
For the filling:
2 cups crushed walnuts
For the top:
250g butter
Half a teacup vegetable oil
How to Make Walnut Baklava:
Prepare the syrup:
Put the sugar and water into a suitable pot.
Stir and let the syrup boil.
After boiling, add the lemon juice and let it boil for a few more minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vinegar, and salt.
Gradually add flour and knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes for easier rolling.
Form the dough balls:
After resting, place the dough on the counter and knead a couple of times more.
Divide the dough into 3 equal parts, then divide each part into 9 pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball, making a total of 27 dough balls.
Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Roll out the dough:
Take one dough ball and roll it out on a starch-dusted counter to the size of a dessert plate. Repeat for the first 9 dough balls, stacking them with starch in between each layer.
Roll out the stacked dough to slightly larger than the size of your baking pan, flipping occasionally to ensure even expansion. Carefully separate the layers of dough.
Assemble the baklava:
Place the first 9 layers of dough into the baking pan.
Sprinkle crushed walnuts over the dough.
Repeat the rolling and stacking process for the next 9 dough balls. Roll out and layer over the walnuts.
Sprinkle another layer of crushed walnuts.
Roll out the last 9 dough balls and place on top.
Cut and bake the baklava:
Cut the baklava into 4 pieces first, then divide each piece into small triangles.
Pour the melted butter and vegetable oil mixture over the baklava.
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 1 hour.
Finish the baklava:
After baking, pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava.
Let it soak and rest until the syrup is fully absorbed.
Enjoy your homemade walnut baklava!