Easy Baklava

Recipe View Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes). Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Recipe View Combine Nuts: In a bowl, toss together the chopped nuts and ground cinnamon until well combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare Phyllo: Unroll the phyllo dough and cut the entire stack in half so it fits the prepared baking dish. Keep phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out as you assemble the baklava. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Layer and Build: Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the buttered dish. Brush generously with melted butter. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo. Repeat layering phyllo, butter, and nuts until all the ingredients are used, ending with approximately 6 sheets of phyllo on top. Make sure to butter each layer as you go. (25 minutes)

Recipe View Score the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into 4 long rows lengthwise. Then, cut diagonally 9 times to create 36 diamond-shaped pieces. Ensure you cut all the way through the layers to the bottom of the dish. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp. (50 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare Syrup While Baking: As the baklava bakes, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly. (25 minutes)

Recipe View Syrup and Cool: Remove the baked baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the hot syrup evenly over the entire surface. Ensure the syrup penetrates all the layers. Let the baklava cool completely at room temperature before serving. (60 minutes)