Nut-Free Islak Baklava

Indulge in the moist, syrup-drenched decadence of Nut-Free Islak Baklava, a twist on the classic Turkish dessert that’s free of nuts but full of flavor! Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this version layers crispy, buttery phyllo sheets filled with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and sugar for a warm, spiced kick. Topped with a luscious homemade lemon-vanilla syrup that soaks into every golden layer, this dessert delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a handful of simple pantry staples, this nut-free baklava is easy to make but tastes like it came straight from an authentic Middle Eastern bakery. Serve it as a show-stopping dessert at family gatherings, or savor it alongside a cup of Turkish tea for a blissful treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz, about 40 sheets) Phyllo dough
• 1 cup Butter
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 0.25 cup Sugar (for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, and 0.25 cup of sugar. Set aside.

Step 4

Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying out as you work.

Step 5

Using a pastry brush, butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 6

Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering sheets one by one, buttering every sheet, until you have used half of the phyllo sheets (about 20).

Step 7

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the cinnamon-cardamom sugar mixture over the buttered phyllo sheets.

Step 8

Continue layering the rest of the phyllo sheets, buttering each one until all sheets are used up.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamonds to make individual portions.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Step 11

While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1.5 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a medium saucepan.

Step 12

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Step 13

Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 14

Remove the syrup from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 15

After removing the baklava from the oven, immediately pour the lukewarm syrup evenly over the hot baklava, ensuring it seeps into all the cuts.

Step 16

Allow the baklava to soak and absorb the syrup for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Step 17

Garnish with a light dusting of the leftover cinnamon-sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1545 grams (1545.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4787

Total Fat 200.50g	257%
Saturated Fat 102.20g	511%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.70g
Cholesterol 526mg	175%
Sodium 3781mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 716.50g	261%
Dietary Fiber 18.40g	66%
Total Sugars 455.30g
Protein 34.80g	70%

Vitamin D 36IU	179%
Calcium 106mg	8%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 449mg	10%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.5%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 59.6%