How Many Calories in Baklava?
A single slice of Baklava (40 g) is roughly 171 calories. At 428 kcal per 100 g, that density comes down to three things: syrup, butter, and dozens of paper-thin layers of pastry.
Baklava nutrition facts
| Nutrient | 100 g | 1 slice (40 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 428 kcal | 171 kcal |
| Carbs | 52 g | 20.8 g |
| Protein | 5.5 g | 2.2 g |
| Fat | 22 g | 8.8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g | 0.8 g |
Calories by portion
| Portion | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 40 g | 171 kcal |
| 2 slices | 80 g | 342 kcal |
| 1 serving (3 slices) | 120 g | 514 kcal |
Values are approximate, based on average recipes; they vary with ingredients, portion size and cooking method.
Activity equivalent
The energy in one serving of Baklava (40 g, 171 kcal) is roughly equivalent to:
Based on a 70 kg reference; it varies from person to person. See activity calories →
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, consult a doctor.
Baklava is a labor-of-love dessert: wafer-thin sheets of pastry are layered with pistachios or walnuts, baked in butter, and then soaked in sweet syrup. The pistachio version from Gaziantep is widely considered the peak of the craft. What really drives the calories is how much syrup the pastry soaks up, how much butter goes in, and how densely it's packed with nuts. A dry-looking slice and one saturated with syrup can be worlds apart.
The macro breakdown reads like a pure energy package: per 100 g there are 52 g of carbs and 22 g of fat, while protein stays low at just 5.5 g. The carbs come from the syrup and pastry, the fat from the butter and nuts. The fact that such a tiny slice carries this much energy puts baklava at the top of the calorie-dense dessert list, so it's smartest to think of a portion in terms of the number of slices.
How Many Calories Are in 1 Serving (3 Slices) of Baklava?
The classic plate you get at a dessert shop is usually three slices: this 120 g serving climbs to about 514 calories, which is more than many full main courses.
Two slices (80 g) come to 342 calories, while a single slice at 171 calories is the most controlled choice. When you picture a plate at a crowded table being emptied and refilled, counting slices really does pay off here.
Is There a Calorie Difference Between Pistachio, Walnut and Cold Baklava?
The gap between pistachio and walnut is small; since the two nuts carry similar energy, you're looking at only about a 5-15 kcal swing per slice. Let taste, not calories, make that call.
Cold baklava is prepared with a milk-based syrup and usually pulls in a little less sugar than classic syrup, so it can run slightly lower per slice. But that difference doesn't turn it into a light dessert.
Does Baklava Cause Weight Gain?
A single slice, eaten now and then, won't throw off your balance; what matters is how often and how many slices. With rich desserts like baklava, the old rule holds well: a little is a treat, a lot is a burden.
A few practical tips: enjoy your slice as a separate treat with tea rather than right after a meal; keep the tea unsweetened; and on days you have baklava, ease up on other syrupy sweets and pastries at your other meals. Planning it in rather than banning it is far more sustainable in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
How many slices of baklava are reasonable when it's offered?
One slice is enough for a treat, and two can be seen as the upper limit. Instead of taking a slice at every round it's offered, pick one mindful slice of your favorite baklava once a day; that's the easiest way to keep the total in check.
Which is higher in calories, baklava or kunefe?
Per 100 g, both sit in the rich-dessert league and are fairly close. But kunefe is usually served in a larger portion on the plate, so per plate it often comes out ahead; with baklava, portion control by the slice is easier.
Is homemade baklava lower in calories?
It can be, depending on how much syrup and butter you use. A recipe with light syrup and measured butter can run about 20-40 kcal lower per slice; a home version drowning in syrup is no different from the one at the shop.
How much of a daily calorie intake does Baklava provide?
One serving of Baklava (40 g) has about 171 kcal — roughly 9% of an average 2,000-calorie daily intake.
What is the macronutrient breakdown of Baklava?
In 100 g of Baklava, the energy split is roughly 49% carbs, 5% protein and 46% fat.
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