Description
This Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake combines the crisp, nutty layers of baklava with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with crushed pistachios, it’s a decadent dessert that bridges the best of Middle Eastern and Western sweets.
Ingredients
Scale
Baklava Layer
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Additional chopped pistachios
- Honey drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare Baklava Layer:
- Mix finely chopped pistachios with ground cinnamon.
- Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brush with melted butter, and repeat until half the phyllo sheets are used.
- Sprinkle half of the pistachio mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and pistachio mixture.
- Cut the baklava into squares or diamonds.
- Bake Baklava Layer: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Pour this batter over the cooled baklava layer. Smooth the top.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Prepare Honey Syrup:
- Combine honey, water, lemon juice, and vanilla in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly.
- Finish the Cheesecake: Once cooled to room temperature, drizzle with honey syrup. Garnish with chopped pistachios and extra honey.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the phyllo dough remains covered with a damp cloth when not in use to prevent drying out.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Western Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 105mg