Easy Baklava

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2 . Stage

Toss together nuts and cinnamon. Unroll phyllo and cut the whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava, to keep it from drying out.

3 . Stage

Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo.

4 . Stage

Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into 4 long rows, then diagonally 9 times to make 36 diamond shapes. Be sure to cut all the way through to the bottom of the layers.

5 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and crisp, about 50 minutes.

6 . Stage

While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir in honey, vanilla, and lemon zest; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

7 . Stage

Remove baklava from the oven and immediately spoon syrup over it. Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered. atk