Description
A delightful dessert that combines the nutty crunch of baklava with the creamy richness of cheesecake, topped with a honey syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for baklava layers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed (about 20 sheets)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for baklava layers)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 strip lemon peel (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for honey syrup)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
- Drizzle of honey (for garnish)
- Edible dried rose petals (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch drips while baking.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel.
- Brush one sheet of phyllo with melted butter and press it into the pan. Repeat with 8-10 more sheets, sprinkling pistachios and cinnamon between layers.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix well, then add the sour cream.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into the phyllo crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggy.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked for about an hour.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the honey syrup: Combine honey, water, lemon juice, and peel in a saucepan and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Stir in vanilla and cool.
- Lay out 5-6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter, and topping with pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Bake the phyllo layers at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Top the chilled cheesecake with baklava shards and drizzle with honey syrup. Garnish with pistachios, extra honey, and dried rose petals if desired.
Notes
Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight enhances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg