Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever dreamt of biting into a slice of heaven, packed with layers of buttery goodness and rich, creamy delight, then this Baklava Cheesecake is about to change your dessert game dramatically—you’re welcome!
I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe a few years back, at a family gathering where no one could decide between the baklava and the cheesecake I brought. It struck me like a lightning bolt: “Why not combine the two?” This cheesecake marries the flaky, sweet layers of baklava with a velvety smooth cheesecake filling. Every forkful is a delightful surprise, and the topping of honey and crushed pistachios feels like a cherry on top. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone (or maybe just keep it to yourself—no judgment here!). Also, make sure you grab a friend to help with the phyllo dough; it’s much more fun when you have someone to dish with!
## What’s in Baklava Cheesecake?
Now, let’s break down the ingredients and see what makes this cheesecake so special!
### For the crust:
Phyllo dough: This is the star of the show for the crust! Its thin layers create that delightful flaky texture we love in baklava. Make sure it’s thawed properly before use—nobody wants a fight with frozen dough!
Unsalted butter: We need this to brush between the phyllo sheets and give our crust that delicious flowery crispiness. Feel free to splurge on a good quality butter here.
Walnuts: Finely chopped, these nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try pecans or almonds too!
Sugar: A touch of sugar brings a gentle sweetness to the mix, balancing the nuttiness of the walnuts.
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon warms the flavor profile and ties everything together beautifully—think cozy, holiday vibes!
### For the cheesecake filling:
Cream cheese: The rich and creamy base of our cheesecake. Make sure it’s softened; cold cream cheese is a baker’s nemesis!
Sugar: Just a bit here too, to sweeten and enhance the flavors of the cream cheese. You could use less if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings a delightful aroma and classic taste that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
Salt: Just a pinch makes a world of difference! It cuts the sweetness and helps amplify all the delicious flavors.
Eggs: The binding agent! They help us achieve that lovely, creamy texture we crave in a cheesecake.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: This ingredient adds extra creaminess while giving the cheesecake a slight tang. I usually opt for Greek yogurt; it’s packed with protein and gives a nice twist.
### For the topping:
Crushed pistachios: These add a pop of color, crunch, and authentic baklava flavor. Plus, they look fabulous!
Honey: A drizzle of honey ties everything together and adds a lovely sweetness on top—a classic touch to any baklava.
Fresh raspberries: These vibrant berries are optional for garnish, but they add a splash of color and tartness that balances all that sweetness.
## Is Baklava Cheesecake Good for You?
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of our sugary delight! While this Baklava Cheesecake is undoubtedly indulgent, it does have a few redeeming qualities:
– **Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt:** They provide calcium and protein, which is always a plus! Greek yogurt even brings some probiotics into the mix.
– **Nuts:** Those walnuts and pistachios are heart-healthy fats and loaded with nutrients. Just watch the portion size since they are calorie-dense.
– **Raspberries:** If you add some fresh berries, you get extra fiber and vitamins, making your slice a tad more nutritious.
Of course, let’s keep it real—this is a dessert, and moderation is key! Enjoy it as an occasional treat, and you’ll savor every mouthful!
## Ingredients for Baklava Cheesecake
To make your own Baklava Cheesecake (serves 8), gather the following:
### For the crust:
– 1 cup phyllo dough, thawed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
### For the cheesecake filling:
– 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
### For the topping:
– 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
– 1/4 cup honey
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
## How to Make Baklava Cheesecake?
Now, let’s whip this beauty up!
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent any sticking disasters!
2. **Prepare the crust:** In a bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon until combined. Lay down four sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared pan, brushing each sheet with melted butter (don’t forget this step, or it won’t be flaky!). Repeat this until you use all the phyllo sheets, layering them in the pan. Pour the walnut mixture over the phyllo and gently press down.
3. **Bake the crust** in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Keep an eye on it—you want that perfect crunchy texture! Once done, let it cool slightly.
4. **Make the cheesecake filling:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream)—mix until everything is well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. We want a beautifully creamy filling, no lumps allowed!
5. **Pour the cream cheese mixture** over your heavenly phyllo crust, and spread evenly.
6. **Bake** the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour; this helps cool it gradually and prevents cracks.
7. **Cool the cheesecake:** Once an hour has passed, take it out and let it cool to room temperature. After that, pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results (if you can resist the temptation!).
8. **Prepare the topping** just before serving: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with crushed pistachios—you’re going to want to take a picture before it disappears!
9. **Serve** chilled, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh raspberries—it adds a gorgeous touch!
I’m so excited for you to try this Baklava Cheesecake! It’s a showstopper at any gathering and will leave everyone, including you, begging for seconds. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy baking!
