Crispy, Buttery Layers of Phyllo Dough with Rich Honey and Nut Filling

𝑂𝑙𝑑-𝐹𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝑎𝑘𝑙𝑎𝑣𝑎

𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed 🍞
2 cups walnuts, chopped 🌰
1 cup almonds, chopped 🌰
1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌰
1 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗿𝘂𝗽:

1 cup honey 🍯
1 cup water 💧
1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
1 cinnamon stick 🌰

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

1. Prepare the filling: 🌰 In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, almonds, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the cinnamon throughout the nuts. This nutty mixture will be layered between the crispy phyllo dough, adding richness and flavor. 🥣

2. Assemble the baklava: 🍞 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Continue layering 7 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next. Spread 1/3 of the nut mixture evenly over the top. Repeat the process, layering 8 more sheets of buttered phyllo dough, followed by another 1/3 of the nut mixture. Finally, layer the remaining 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter. 🍽️

3. Cut and bake: 🔪 Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes. Cutting before baking ensures that the baklava will be easier to slice once it’s baked. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. 🧑‍🍳

4. Make the syrup: 🍯 While the baklava bakes, prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the syrup cool slightly. 🎂

5. Pour the syrup over the baklava: 🍯 As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the entire dish. The syrup will soak into the crispy layers, infusing the baklava with rich sweetness. Let the baklava cool completely before serving to allow the syrup to set. 🥰

6. Serve and enjoy: 🍽️ Once cooled, remove the baklava pieces from the dish and serve. This Old-Fashioned Baklava is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. 🧁

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 | 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟱𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 | 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟭 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀
𝗞𝗰𝗮𝗹: 𝟮𝟵𝟬 𝗸𝗰𝗮𝗹 | 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝟮𝟰 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

~ 𝑫𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒔