What Goes Well with Baklava?

The classic accompaniments for baklava are a scoop of plain ice cream, a spoonful of kaymak (Turkish clotted cream), or plain Turkish coffee. These simple pairings balance baklava’s rich sweetness and syrup. Made with thin pastry, walnuts or pistachios, and syrup, baklava is a rich dessert often served with cool, plain accompaniments. Cold ice cream contrasts pleasantly with warm baklava, while creamy kaymak balances its syrupy sweetness. Walnut- and pistachio-filled baklava taste a little different, but the same simple, cool accompaniments balance both equally well.

What can you serve with baklava?
Plain, cool accompaniments balance baklava’s sweetness:
• A scoop of plain ice cream creates a pleasant contrast with warm baklava.
• A spoonful of kaymak adds a creamy balance to the syrup.
• Plain Turkish coffee is a classic pairing that balances the sweetness.
• A glass of cold water refreshes the palate after dessert.
• Lightly sweetened brewed tea offers a lighter pairing.

What serving mistakes should you avoid?
A plain drink can help keep baklava’s intense sweetness from feeling heavy. A sugary drink can make the dessert seem even sweeter. Adding ice cream to the plate too long before serving lets it melt and water down the presentation. If baklava sits for too long, its syrup can thicken, making it less harmonious with kaymak or ice cream.

Should you serve baklava warm or cold?
Serve baklava warm or at room temperature, depending on the accompaniment. Warm baklava pairs well with cold ice cream. At room temperature, it works well with kaymak or plain coffee. In either case, fresh, well-balanced syrup helps the dessert pair well with its accompaniments.

What drinks go with baklava?
Plain Turkish coffee is the most popular drink to serve with baklava. Its slight bitterness balances the rich syrup. If you do not want coffee, choose lightly sweetened brewed tea or a glass of cold water. A plain, hot drink can also help balance baklava’s syrupy sweetness.

The classic choices are plain ice cream, kaymak, and plain Turkish coffee. Serving simple, cool accompaniments with baklava helps balance its sweetness and makes the dessert more enjoyable. Fresh, well-balanced syrup also improves how it pairs with ice cream or kaymak. A small, thoughtful choice of accompaniments can make baklava a favorite at special occasions.