Homemade baklava with orange water

A traditional dessert in Middle Eastern cuisines. Using orange water adds a fragrant, citrusy aroma that elevates the traditional recipe
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, plus cooling time

For the Baklava:

  • 250g filo pastry
  • 225g unsalted butter, melted
  • 350g mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tbsp orange water

For the Syrup:

  • 300g granulated sugar
  • 250ml water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp orange water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  1. Preheat your oven to 160ยฐC (320ยฐF, gas mark 3).
  2. Prepare the Nuts: Mix the chopped nuts with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange water in a bowl.
  3. Assemble the Baklava: Brush a 20cm x 30cm baking tray with some of the melted butter. Lay down a sheet of filo, brush with butter, and repeat until you have layered half the filo. Spread the nut mixture evenly over the filo. Layer the remaining filo on top, brushing each sheet with butter.
  4. Cut the Baklava: Before baking, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares using a sharp knife.
  5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the baklava is golden and crisp.
  6. Make the Syrup: While the baklava bakes, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add orange water, and let cool.
  7. Finish: Once the baklava is baked, immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava. Let it soak in for several hours, ideally overnight.
Per serving

based on 20 servings

  • Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Protein: 4g

In this recipe:

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. It’s a traditional dessert in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Orange water, often used in Middle Eastern desserts, infuses the baklava with a light, floral citrus scent that complements the sweetness of the syrup and the richness of the nuts.

Related cooking

Mango lassi popsicles with rose petals

Mango lassi popsicles with rose petals

Perfect for a hot summer day, these popsicles are not only delicious but also bring a touch of elegance with…
Baobab banana smoothie

Baobab banana smoothie

Packed with vitamins and minerals, baobab powder is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, which can support immune health…
Vibrant beet dip!

Vibrant beet dip!

A vibrant, versatile appetiser or snack. Introduce children to the vibrant colour and earthy taste of beetroot, and explore different…
Spiced banana muffins

Spiced banana muffins

Banana muffins are a delightful treat that children will love both making and eating
No bake energy balls

No bake energy balls

Making no-bake energy balls is a fun and easy way for children to learn about healthy eating and discover new…
Simple veggie slaw

Simple veggie slaw

Perfect for young chefs. Itโ€™s colourful, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. By making this dish, children can learn…
Cinnamon shortbread cookies

Cinnamon shortbread cookies

This recipe is perfect for beginners and a great way to introduce children to the basics of baking.
Simple cinnamon-sugar apple crisps

Simple cinnamon-sugar apple crisps

This simple cinnamon-sugar apple crisps recipe is perfect for young chefs. It uses minimal ingredients, a couple of common spices,…
Raspberry, nectarine, and cinnamon semifreddo

Raspberry, nectarine, and cinnamon semifreddo

A classically creamy dessert with a mousse-like texture that doesn't require an ice cream maker. A perfect combination of tangy…
Vietnamese chicken wings

Vietnamese chicken wings

An irresistible combination of savoury, sweet, and spicy flavours in every bite
Chinese 5 spice chicken thighs

Chinese 5 spice chicken thighs

A deliciously fragrant and slightly sweet dish, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner
Asian crushed chilli & cucumber salad

Asian crushed chilli & cucumber salad

A refreshing, simple dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals

The Shop

The shop

From our incredible perfect ‘customer favourite’ blends to inspired chilli flavours, healthy seeds and hot smoky spices, we have every taste from around the world, find your new next favouriteโ€‹…