How to make Simple Crunchy Baklava

This sweet, decadent simple crunchy Baklava brings an irresistible crunch packaged in a no-fuss, easy recipe.

A slice of baklava on a spatula with all the layers revealed.

Easy baklava is jam-packed with layers of phyllo dough and walnut-y goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!

Oh, Baklava. Sweet, sweet and delicious homemade baklava. A dessert that never disappoints! Seriously, have you met anyone who does not like baklava? It would be a crime.

And what’s better than Baklava? The best baklava that’s actually easy to make. I’ve got a fool-proof, easy-to-follow recipe that’ll turn you into a pro. Oh, you’re welcome.

Table of Contents

What is Baklava?

Baklava is a dessert that many believe dates back to the 8th century. Layers of crispy phyllo dough, butter, crushed nuts, and sweet honey syrup make up the baklava ingredients.

It comes with variations, too. Different regions tend to use different mixtures of nuts ranging from pistachios to almonds, walnuts to peanuts. You’ll even find some recipes that add rosewater to the syrup, or cinnamon sprinkled onto the dough.

Whether you make Greek baklava or a Middle Eastern variety, you won’t regret the amazing and nutty flavor in every bite. There’s one mutual understanding everywhere: baklava is good for the soul.

When there’s good news, we gather around the table with friends and family. Being together is good for your health, heart, and soul. Making delicious food together that’s good for your body completes the circle. This traditional recipe was passed down to me from my mom, and I’ll pass it on to my daughter someday, too.

What’s the secret behind the crunch in this honey crunchy baklava recipe?

My favorite part of biting into Baklava is the texture. With this great make-ahead dessert, you’re hit with this out-of-the-world nutty crunchiness. Following it is a melt-in-your-mouth flakiness that comes from the top of the baklava.

Then deeper in the layers of buttered phyllo dough, the crunch continues. How do you get that crisp, that crunch? It’s all in the simple syrup, my friend.

Baklava pieces on a plate with ground walnuts on top as a topping sprinkle.

This warm honey syrup is a huge deal in this Turkish dessert.

You see, the rich honey syrup serves more than one purpose. It’s amazingly delicious, yes. But once poured onto the prepared, hot baklava, it begins to work its magic. Some call it honey water – it’s that good.

As the pastry absorbs the cooled syrup, its texture changes. It becomes crunchy.

This recipe is a sure-fire way to wow your family and friends. And the best part is, you can make this a day ahead. In fact, Baklava tastes even better the next day. All that yummy goodness gets to soak together and form a beautiful, delicious harmony that’ll send your taste buds into a whole different world.

This is the best baklava recipe! It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert.

I must warn you though, this recipe is a bit dangerous. You’ll find yourself reaching for plenty of extra servings and craving it once it’s gone.

You need some of this easy Turkish baklava, like yesterday. I promise you’ll devour every bite of this delicious dessert!

P.S. If you’re looking to make your own Baklava pastry from scratch, I’ve got a tried and tested recipe for you here.

Key Ingredients

simple crunchy baklava ingredients- butter, vanilla, sugar, honey, walnuts, water, and phyllo dough.

A package of phyllo dough for the crunch. The phyllo layers of dough make up most of this dessert.

Water for the simple syrup. It serves as the liquid base.

Honey also for the syrup!

Sugar to add sweetness to the walnuts in this traditional baklava.

Vanilla to flavor the walnuts!

Walnuts to add the nutty flavor in this crunchy baklava. You can buy ground walnuts or grind your own.

Unsalted butter for the phyllo sheets. You’ll need to butter phyllo sheets to make them flaky.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

How to make Simple Crunchy Baklava

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat the oven to 300F.

Step 2: Make the syrup

In a small pan add water, sugar, and honey. On medium/low heat and stirring occasionally, boil for 20 minutes. Take off heat. Let the syrup completely cool down before pouring on the baklava.

Step 3: Melt butter

Melt unsalted butter on the stove or microwave, set aside.

Step 4: Grind and combine

Grind the walnuts. Add together with a ½ cup of sugar and the vanilla.

a white bowl with walnut and sugar mixture in it with a spoon.

Step 5: Prepare dough

On a baking pan lay out 8 layers of phyllo dough. Brush each layer with melted butter.

phyllo dough in a baking tray brushed with butter with a brush on the side.

Step 6: Add filling

Spread half of the walnut mixture.

Steps 7 & 8: Layer

Add 8 more layers, brushing with butter between each layer.

Spread the rest of the walnut mix and add the rest of the layers, again brushing with butter.

Steps 9 & 10: Cut and bake

Cut into diamond shapes.

Bake in the oven for 1 hour 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Step 11: Add syrup and cool

Remove from the oven and immediately spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. This will ensure that it stays crisp. Let baklava cool completely, uncovered and at room temperature.

baked and cut baklava in the baking tray.

Expert Tips:

Keep an eye on the baklava during the last stages of baking to prevent over-browning.
Carve out enough time to make this baklava from beginning to end with each instruction, step by step. It can be time consuming, but it’s best to do all at once.
When cutting into diamond shapes before baking, use a sharp knife to avoid tearing the delicate layers.
Store baklava in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Prep chopped walnuts before grinding them. This will make the grinding process easier and faster.

Recipe FAQs

How to store baklava?

It’s best to store baklava in an airtight container, or cover the baking dish with wrap.

How to cut baklava?

Baklava is traditionally cut in the diamond pattern. You can see each piece and how the syrup soaks and makes the layers of flaky phyllo pastry crunch.

golden baklava prepared and cut in a baking tray.

Enjoy these autumn desserts you can make right at home:

An Apple Banana Smoothie with Cinnamon is flavorful and healthy.
Honey Peppermint Pryaniki with a Simple Glaze are a holiday staple in many Slavic homes!

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If you tried this Simple Crunchy Baklava or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!