Learn How to Make Baklava with Matthew Merril and His Grandma

If you don’t know what baklava is, take notes, because you’ll be obsessed. The pastry is a popular dessert found in Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it usually consists of layers of buttered phyllo dough, a sweet nut mixture and an even sweeter, sticky honey syrup.

Wondering how to make baklava? In this adorable video, TikTok creator and former Kids Baking Championship contestant @matthewinthekitchen teams up with his grandma to show you how to make her baklava recipe. It’s a long process, but it’s also looks pretty fun!

@matthewinthekitchenMaking baklava with the woman who inspired me to cook. Hope you enjoy #baking #baklava #grandma

♬ original sound – Matthew Merril

How to Make Baklava

Matthew’s grandma brought this recipe with her from Baghdad, when she immigrated to the United States. If you’ve never worked with phyllo dough before, skim this phyllo guide for a quick primer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on the baklava:

• 1 package phyllo dough, about 40 sheets
• 2-1/2 sticks melted butter
• 1 cup oil
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cardamom, to taste
• 1-1/2 pounds walnuts

For the honey syrup:

• 2 cups of sugar
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of honey

Then, to learn how to make baklava, follow along with Matthew and his grandma in the TikTok video!

How to Make Your Baklava Even Better

Already have this authentic recipe mastered? Step up your baklava game by trying these other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. We’ve got recipes for rich chocolate baklava, a stunning baklava-inspired cheesecake with sugared cranberries and rosemary and even bacon-filled baklava for a savory bite.

More Desserts to Make with Phyllo Dough

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Taste of Home

Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups

This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. It's my aunt's recipe, and I think of her when I make it. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan Go to Recipe

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina

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Double Nut Baklava

It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana

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Baklava Tartlets

Want a quick treat that's delicious and easy to make? These tartlets will do the trick. You can serve them right away, but they're even better after chilling for about an hour in the refrigerator. —Ashley Eagon, Kettering, Ohio

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Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks

Looking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re wonderful with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

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Orange-Almond Choclava

A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more chocolate on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI

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Lemon Curd Tartlets

This has been in my party recipe collection for over 30 years and never fails to satisfy my guests. I can always rely on these fancy treats to please even the fussiest in the crowdt. —Jessica Feist, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

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Easy Apple Strudel

My family always loves it when I make this wonderful dessert. Old-fashioned strudel was too fattening and time-consuming, but this revised classic is just as good. It's best served warm from the oven. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana

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Chocolate-Drizzled Baklava

This baklava makes a special gift and is also fun to put on a party planner. — Jesse Zipursky, San Ramon, California

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Baklava Cheesecake

With sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs, my unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana

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Chipotle-Orange Baklava

Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. —Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon

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Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets

These fruity, flaky tartlets filled with raspberries and topped with lemon-tinged cream cheese are a sweet ending to any weeknight meal. They are elegant yet come together quickly and easily. —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah

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No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets

At the last minute, I frantically came up with this treat for a holiday tea. The tartlets were quickly gobbled up. Now, I make them for our annual Teacher Taster's Choice and special family gatherings. —Joy Johnson, Culbertson, Montana

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Sugar Plum Phyllo Kringle

Thanks to store-bought phyllo dough, this pastry is easier to make than it looks. Serve it not only for breakfast, but also for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Buttery Rhubarb Baklava

I like to take treats to my co-workers at the nursery/gift shop where I work. When rhubarb season arrives, I make this rich, sweet baklava so I can share the fruits of my garden. —Sue Bolsinger, Anchorage, Alaska

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Taste of Home

Key Lime Mousse Cups

Light, lovely and laced with a splash of tart key lime juice, these fancy little phyllo cups are so refreshing served as an after-dinner dessert treat...and they take just minutes to whip up! —Suzanne Pauley, Renton, Washington

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Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette

This flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Honey Nut & Cream Cheese Baklava

I love serving impressive desserts that look like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, they're really easy to make. This is one of those recipes. —Cheryl Lundquist, Wake Forest, North Carolina

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Baklava Rounds

In need of a sweet treat that I could prepare ahead and freeze, I streamlined and modified a recipe that I found on a website. The rounds are like mini baklavas were a big hit at the elegant tea I catered for a Christmas gathering several years ago.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas

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Taste of Home

Blue Cheese-Apple Strudels

It wouldn't be a family gathering at our house without this favorite strudel. The sweetness from the apples and the saltiness from the cheese is heavenly. Substitute Stilton cheese if you don't have Roquefort handy. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Vally, California

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Sweet Potato Tartlets

My family can't resist sweet potatoes when they're mashed, placed in crunchy phyllo shells and topped with marshmallows. The bite-size tarts are fun to eat, too! —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico

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Taste of Home

Berries & Swedish Cream Tartlets

A friend of mine brought a similar tartlet to a party we were both attending. I knew I just had to have the recipe. I modified it and now my family loves them. Since they use mixed fresh berries, they are great anytime of the year.—Maria Gruetzmacher, Stillwater, Minnesota

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White Chocolate Brie Cups

Try these unique little tarts as an appetizer before a special meal, or save them for a surprisingly different dinner finale. They’re sweet, creamy and crunchy—and very addictive! —Angela Vitale, Delaware, Ohio

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