Description
A delightful fusion of baklava and cheesecake with layers of rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pistachios & walnuts
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for nutty layer)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar (for filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6–8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for phyllo)
- 1/2 cup honey (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar (for syrup)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for syrup)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for syrup)
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it well.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the Nutty Baklava Layer: Combine chopped pistachios, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and honey. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Create the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla until creamy.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour filling over the nutty layer and bake for 50-55 minutes. Cool with the oven door ajar for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Phyllo Topping: Brush phyllo sheets with melted butter and layer on top of the cheesecake. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Honey Syrup: Combine honey, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Drizzle and Chill: Drizzle warm syrup over cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- Serve: Garnish with chopped pistachios and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg