Description
This baklava cheesecake combines creamy, tangy cheesecake with a crisp phyllo crust and fragrant honey-nut topping. A perfect fusion of two classic desserts, it’s rich, crunchy, and delicately spiced with rose water and lemon.
Ingredients
- Phyllo Crust:
- 10 sheets phyllo dough
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups walnuts, finely ground
- 1 1/2 cups pistachios, finely ground
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, finely ground
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 cups full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Honey Nut Topping:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Brush one sheet of phyllo with melted butter, fold in half, and place into the pan. Repeat with remaining sheets to fully cover the base and sides.
- Mix the ground nuts with a few tablespoons of melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly over the phyllo base.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and honey until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla and lemon juice.
- Pour the filling over the nut crust and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make the topping, simmer honey, water, rose water (if using), and half the lemon zest for 15 minutes. Cool for 40 minutes. Stir in remaining lemon zest, juice, and chopped nuts.
- Pour topping over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate 2 more hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a damp towel to cover phyllo sheets while assembling to prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, add cinnamon to the nut crust or syrup.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and structure.
- Serve with extra crushed pistachios or a drizzle of warm honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
