This golden, flaky baklava is layered with buttery phyllo, warm cinnamon-spiced nuts, and a luscious honey syrup made with Honey House Clover Honey. The result is a crisp-yet-tender dessert with beautiful balanced sweetness and delicate floral notes from our raw American honey. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any moment that deserves a little sweetness, this baklava is as impressive as it is comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crisp, flaky layers of phyllo dough that stay beautifully golden and crunchy.

• Warm, aromatic nut filling featuring cinnamon and chopped walnuts or pecans.

• Honey-forward syrup made with Honey House Clover Honey for a smooth, floral finish.

• Surprisingly easy to assemble thanks to repeating layers and simple ingredients.

• Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, since baklava tastes even better the next day.

• A stunning dessert centerpiece that feels special without being complicated.

Ingredients

For the Baklava

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed according to package directions

• 4 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted

For the Honey Syrup

• 2 cups Honey House Clover Honey

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Pastry brush

• Sharp knife

• Saucepan

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

Pro Tips

1. Keep phyllo covered:
   Phyllo dries out quickly, so keep unused sheets covered with a lightly damp towel.

2. Cut before baking:
   Cutting the diamond pattern while the layers are raw keeps everything neat and helps the syrup absorb better.

3. Use hot pastry + cool syrup (or vice versa):
   Opposite temperatures ensure the syrup soaks into every layer without making it soggy.

4. Don’t skimp on the butter:
   Brushing each layer keeps the phyllo crisp and adds rich flavor.

5. Let it rest fully:
   Baklava tastes best several hours after syruping, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set.

Instructions

1. Prepare the phyllo:
   Thaw the phyllo dough in the refrigerator, then allow it to come to room temperature so it’s easy to handle.

2. Mix the nuts:
   Combine the chopped walnuts or pecans with cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.

3. Preheat & prep the dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.

4. Start layering:
   Lay 2 sheets of phyllo in the dish and brush the top sheet with butter. Repeat this process until you have 6 buttered layers.

5. Add nut filling:
   Sprinkle a generous handful of the nut mixture over the layered phyllo.

6. Continue layering:
   Add 2 more sheets of phyllo, brush with butter, and repeat alternating nuts and phyllo until all nuts are used.

7. Finish the top:
   Layer 4 additional phyllo sheets on top, buttering each. Brush the final sheet generously.

8. Cut the baklava:
   Using a sharp knife, cut the pan into diamonds or squares.

9. Bake:
   Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is crisp and deeply golden.

10. Make the honey syrup:
    While the baklava bakes, warm Honey House Clover Honey, water, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

11. Syrup the baklava:
    Pour the syrup evenly over the hot baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven. Allow it to soak in fully.

12. Cool and serve:
    Let the baklava cool uncovered for several hours for best texture.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 2 weeks, though it may lose some crispness.

• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before eating.

Recipe Notes

The beauty of baklava lies in its contrasting textures—crisp, flaky layers paired with rich nuts and sweet syrup. Using Honey House Clover Honey brings floral, naturally bright sweetness that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon and buttery phyllo. Its smooth flavor profile keeps the dessert balanced rather than overly heavy.

Our Clover Honey is 100% raw, American-sourced, and unfiltered, so the syrup tastes vibrant and clean. This recipe also scales easily for gifting or entertaining, making it an ideal choice for holidays or special occasions.

Perfect Pairings

• Hot espresso or Turkish coffee

• Vanilla chai latte

• Mint tea

• Fresh citrus slices or fruit salad

• Vanilla bean ice cream

Variation Ideas

While the classic combination is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternative options:

Honey House Recommendations (always first)

• Swap Clover Honey for Honey House Hot Honey for a sweet-heat twist.

• Use Honey House Alfalfa Honey for deeper, earthier notes.
  

Other Great Options

• Mix pistachios with walnuts for vibrant color and flavor.

• Add orange or lemon zest to the syrup for a citrus-forward version.

• Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the nut mixture.

• Use pecans for a Southern-inspired variation.

• Add a thin layer of chocolate chips between nut layers for a decadent twist.

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios on top.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Course: Dessert

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern

• Servings: 24 pieces

• Difficulty: Medium