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Honey Baklava Cheesecake

Honey Baklava Cheesecake

Honey Baklava Cheesecake is a decadent fusion dessert that pairs the creamy, smooth texture of classic cheesecake with the crispy, flaky layers and nutty crunch of traditional baklava. Sweetened naturally with golden honey, this showstopping dessert balances rich flavors and contrasting textures to impress at any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Batter

  • 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)

Baklava Layers

  • 1 package (about 16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted

Topping

  • 1/3 cup (100g) honey, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Nut Filling: Finely chop your choice of nuts and mix them with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon if desired. This mixture creates the signature baklava crunch and flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
  2. Brush and Layer Phyllo Dough: Carefully layer the phyllo sheets inside your baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Be patient and gentle to keep the layers crisp and flaky, forming the crust and top layers of the dessert.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Batter: Beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, eggs, and optionally Greek yogurt until smooth and silky. This batter is the rich, velvety heart of the Honey Baklava Cheesecake.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the phyllo base, sprinkle half the nut mixture on top, then add the remaining cheesecake batter. Finish by layering more buttery phyllo dough on top with the rest of the nuts for that baklava crunch.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the filling is set and the top phyllo layers turn beautifully golden brown. This gives you the perfect mix of creamy filling and crispy topping.
  6. Drizzle with Honey: Once cooled, generously drizzle honey over the entire cheesecake to infuse it with irresistible sweetness and a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Handle phyllo dough carefully, keeping it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
  • Brush each phyllo layer generously with melted butter for crispy, golden layers.
  • Do not rush the baking process; ensure the cheesecake is fully set to avoid soggy layers.
  • Add honey drizzle after the cheesecake has cooled to preserve its shine and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake, baklava, honey, dessert, creamy, nutty, phyllo dough, nuts, Greek yogurt, baked cheesecake