Description
This homemade Trader Joe's baklava recipe is a true game-changer, capturing all the flaky, nutty, sweet goodness you adore. It offers control over sweetness, uses common ingredients, and comes together faster than traditional versions, bringing pure joy and deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) package Frozen Phyllo Dough (thawed)
1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
2 cups Walnuts (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamo
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Honey
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Nuts: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon. Mix well
- Thaw Phyllo: Ensure your phyllo dough is completely thawed. Carefully unroll it. Keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying
- Layer the Baklava: Brush a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with melted butter. Lay a single sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing lightly with butter. Repeat this process for 8-10 layers
- Add Nut Mixture: Sprinkle about one-third of the walnut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers
- Continue Layering: Place another 5-6 sheets of phyllo on top, buttering each sheet. Sprinkle with another third of the nut mixture
- Final Layers: Add 5-6 more buttered phyllo sheets. Top with the remaining nut mixture. Finish with the remaining phyllo sheets, buttering each one thoroughly
- Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking. Do not cut all the way through the bottom
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy
- Make Syrup: While baking, combine sugar, water, Trader Joe's honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes
- Pour Syrup: Immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot, freshly baked Trader Joe's baklava. The sizzle means it's working!
- Cool & Serve: Let the baklava cool completely for several hours (or overnight) to allow the syrup to fully absorb. Finish cutting through the bottom layers, then serve your delicious Trader Joe's baklava
Notes
Thaw your phyllo dough slowly in the refrigerator overnight to prevent cracking.
Use plenty of butter between layers to create signature flakiness.
Cutting the baklava before baking ensures neat portions.
Pouring warm syrup over hot baklava helps flavors meld beautifully.
Be patient and let the baklava rest for several hours or overnight for maximum syrup absorption; it tastes even better the next day.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serve with a strong cup of black coffee, herbal teas (like mint or chamomile), vanilla bean ice cream, or unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ...
- Trans Fat: ...
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: baklava, trader joe's, dessert, honey, walnuts, phyllo dough, sweet, flaky