With a dessert this crisp and flaky, it’s no wonder so many countries claim to be the originators. Typically made with phyllo dough, sweet syrup, nuts, and butter, baklava bakes into a gorgeously golden, flaky pastry full of rich, honeyed flavor and an irresistible blend of textures. The layers of nuts add a crunch and warm, earthy flavor to each bite, while the sticky sweet syrup tenderizes and softens each layer. Traditionally, baklava is given at least 30 to 40 layers, and beneath each layer is a storied history.
The full history of this sweet, layered dessert is widely disputed, along with the origins of its name, but Turkey and Greece are among the top countries credited with its invention. However, baklava as we know it today is a far cry from its ancient origin. An expensive and extremely time-consuming treat, baklava remained associated with the wealthy until the fall of the
