The Sweet Symphony: Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

Sweet and nutty sensations dance through this honey pistachio baklava cheesecake, blending Middle Eastern charm with creamy indulgence.

Layers of crisp phyllo pastry cradle a luscious cheesecake filling that whispers decadent promises.

Pistachios add delightful crunch and earthy richness to every sublime bite.

Delicate honey drizzles create golden threads of sugary magic across the surface.

Rich cream cheese provides a smooth backdrop for the complex flavor profile.

Mediterranean culinary traditions merge seamlessly with classic dessert techniques in this irresistible creation.

Slice into pure bliss and let each forkful transport you to a world of pure delectable wonder.

Here’s Why Baklava Cheesecake Steals the Spotlight

• Craft a Delightful Fusion: Blend traditional Middle Eastern baklava with creamy cheesecake for a unique dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Impress Guests Easily: Showcase culinary skills with a stunning dessert that looks complicated but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
• Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping sweet treat that combines cultural flavors.
• Customize with Creativity: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different nuts, honey varieties, or adding a personal touch to make it your own signature dessert.

Ingredients That Make Baklava Cheesecake a Dream

• Phyllo Sheets: Delicate pastry that creates a crispy and flaky foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps to create a golden, crisp crust.

• Walnuts, Almonds: Crunchy nuts that add texture and deep, nutty flavor to the base.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the nutty profile of the base.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor of the nut mixture.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that gives the cheesecake its smooth and rich texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cheesecake.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy note to cut through the richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps to stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

• Honey: Provides a sweet, sticky glaze that complements the nutty base.
• Rosewater: Adds a delicate, floral essence to the topping.
• Pistachios: Crunchy nuts that add a beautiful green color and nutty flavor as a garnish.

Layered, Lush & Loaded: Make This Baklava Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 to 10-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Phyllo Base

• Phyllo sheets
• Melted butter

Gently brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter and layer them carefully into the springform pan.

Trim any excess edges hanging over the sides. Bake the phyllo base for 12 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 3: Craft the Nutty Layer

• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Melted butter

Use a food processor to pulse the walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and salt until they become a delightful crumbly mixture. Drizzle in melted butter and mix thoroughly.

Spread this aromatic nut layer evenly over the baked phyllo base.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Yogurt

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in the yogurt.

Pour this luscious filling over the nut layer and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top turns a light golden brown.

Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake continue setting inside for an additional 50 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Rosewater
• Chopped pistachios

Once the cheesecake has cooled, create a delectable topping by mixing honey, lemon juice, and rosewater.

Drizzle this mixture over the cheesecake and generously sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, add an extra drizzle of honey for that final touch of sweetness.

Slice and savor the incredible blend of textures and flavors.

Tips That Take Your Baklava Cheesecake Up a Notch

• Toast phyllo sheets carefully to prevent burning, ensuring a crisp and golden base that adds delightful crunch to your cheesecake.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cheesecake filling, preventing lumps and creating a silky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Place a water bath underneath the cheesecake while baking to prevent cracking and promote even, gentle cooking for a perfectly creamy result.
• Chop pistachios finely for an elegant garnish that provides delicate nutty flavor and beautiful visual contrast against the golden cheesecake surface.
• Allow cheesecake to cool completely before adding honey and nuts to maintain the dessert's structural integrity and prevent soggy layers.

Sweet Spins for Your Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake

• Mediterranean Morning Delight: Swap regular cream cheese with Greek yogurt cheese for a tangier, lighter texture. Replace honey with orange blossom water for a subtle citrus essence.
• Moroccan Spice Fusion: Add ground cardamom and nutmeg to the nut mixture. Use date syrup instead of honey and incorporate almond flour into the cheesecake base for deeper Middle Eastern flavors.
• Nutty Alpine Style: Replace pistachios with toasted hazelnuts and mix in dark chocolate chunks. Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter to enhance the nutty profile. Top with caramelized hazelnut pieces.
• Persian Garden Essence: Infuse the honey syrup with saffron threads and rose petals. Mix crushed dried rose petals into the nut layer and garnish with candied orange peel and additional crushed pistachios.

Flavor Friends for Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake

• Pair with Sweet Muscat Wine: Complement the rich, nutty baklava cheesecake with a glass of sweet Muscat wine, which echoes the dessert's honeyed notes and enhances its delicate floral undertones.
• Serve with Turkish Coffee: Balance the creamy cheesecake's sweetness with a small cup of strong, traditional Turkish coffee, cutting through the richness and providing a bold contrast.
• Match with Cardamom Chai: Elevate the dessert's warm spices by pairing it with a fragrant cardamom chai, whose aromatic profile beautifully highlights the cake's nutty and honeyed elements.
• Accompany with Orange Blossom Water Sorbet: Create a refreshing palate cleanser with a light orange blossom water sorbet, which complements the dessert's Mediterranean-inspired flavors and provides a cool, elegant finish.

Store That Cheesecake So It Stays Showstopping

• Refrigerate: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze: Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Thaw Gradually: Remove frozen cheesecake from freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth and maintain creamy consistency.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, creamy texture.

Questions on Baklava Cheesecake? We’ve Got You

• What makes the phyllo crust unique in this baklava cheesecake?

The phyllo base provides a crispy, delicate foundation that’s different from traditional graham cracker crusts, offering a light and flaky texture that complements the rich cheesecake filling.

• Why are multiple nuts used in the recipe?

Using a combination of walnuts and almonds creates a more complex flavor profile, adding depth and richness to the cheesecake’s nut layer, mimicking traditional baklava’s nutty character.

• How does the yogurt impact the cheesecake's texture?

The yogurt adds a subtle tanginess and helps create a lighter, more tender cheesecake texture, making it less dense and more creamy compared to traditional cheesecake recipes.

Gold-Dusted Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delectable honey pistachio baklava cheesecake bridges Mediterranean dessert traditions with creamy American cheesecake brilliance. Layers of flaky phyllo, sweet honey, and rich cream cheese create an irresistible fusion that will delight your senses.

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Ingredients

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Nuts and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted walnuts
• 1 cup roasted almonds
• 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted), coarsely chopped
• 10 sheets phyllo pastry (thawed)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter and Dairy Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 500 grams cream cheese (room temperature)
• 250 grams strained Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

Sweeteners, Spices, and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• Splash of rosewater
• Additional honey for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Meticulously line an 8 to 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper, then warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal phyllo preparation.
2. Delicately brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter, layering them carefully into the prepared pan. Trim excess edges and bake for 12 minutes until achieving a golden-brown hue.
3. Create a textured nut foundation by pulsing walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor until achieving a crumbly consistency. Incorporate melted butter to bind the mixture, then evenly distribute over the baked phyllo base.
4. Craft a silky cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, then tenderly fold in yogurt until fully integrated.
5. Carefully pour the creamy filling over the nutty layer, smoothing the surface to ensure an even distribution and professional appearance.
6. Position the cheesecake on the middle oven rack and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a gentle golden top. Switch off the oven, allowing the cheesecake to set internally for an additional 50 minutes, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. After complete cooling, enhance the dessert by drizzling a sophisticated blend of honey, lemon juice, and rosewater across the surface.
8. Artfully scatter chopped pistachios over the glazed cheesecake, adding a final elegant touch of additional honey just before presenting to guests.

Notes

• Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile in the dessert.
• Handle phyllo sheets carefully to prevent tearing, using a light touch and keeping them covered with a damp towel when not in use.
• Adjust honey drizzle based on sweetness preference, using less for a subtle sweetness or more for an intense caramelized finish.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and prevent potential cracking during baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 85mg