Honey Walnut Baklava

Step 1

Set the oven to 350°F and wait for the indicator light or beep to signal that it has finished preheating, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Place the 2 cups chopped walnuts and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl and stir with a spoon until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the nuts.

Step 3

Lightly brush the bottom and all four sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with melted butter, coating the entire surface.

Step 4

Lay one phyllo sheet flat in the buttered pan, unfolding it gently if needed; brush the entire top surface with melted butter using a pastry brush.

Step 5

Repeat step 4 five more times, stacking six phyllo sheets total, with butter between each layer.

Step 6

Spread the walnut-cinnamon mixture in an even layer across the top phyllo sheet.

Step 7

Lay one phyllo sheet on top of the walnut filling, brush with butter, then repeat five more times to stack six phyllo sheets on top, with butter between each layer.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into 12 equal pieces: slice lengthwise down the middle to create two columns, then cut each column into six rectangles.

Step 9

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the phyllo turns the color of light caramel and the edges begin to look golden brown.

Step 10

While the baklava bakes, pour 1 cup honey and 0.25 cup water into a small saucepan and stir over medium heat for 3 minutes until warm and combined; remove from heat.

Step 11

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the warm honey mixture evenly across the hot pastry, letting it soak into the cuts.

Step 12

Let the baklava sit on the counter for 10 minutes to cool slightly and allow the honey to fully absorb before serving.