Honey Baklava Cheesecake
Honey Baklava Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines two favorite treats: the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake and the sweet, flaky goodness of baklava. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your family and friends with something unique. The layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey add a wonderful crunch and sweetness to the smooth cheesecake filling.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy two beloved desserts in one. If you love baklava but also can’t resist a rich cheesecake, this is the perfect blend for you. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a showstopper at any gathering. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
How to Make Honey Baklava Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup honey (divided)
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and half of the honey. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Brush the springform pan with melted butter. Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing melted butter between each sheet.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the phyllo dough. Sprinkle half of the walnut mixture on top.
- Add another 4 sheets of phyllo dough, again brushing each layer with melted butter. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the phyllo dough and top with the remaining walnut mixture.
- Finish with the last 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing the top with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- While the cheesecake is baking, heat the remaining honey in a small saucepan until warm.
- Once the cheesecake is done, pour the warm honey over the top. Let the cheesecake cool before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Honey Baklava Cheesecake
Serve this cheesecake chilled after it has cooled down for a while. You can slice it into wedges and garnish it with extra chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey for an added touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for any gathering.
How to Store Honey Baklava Cheesecake
To store any leftover Honey Baklava Cheesecake, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place individual slices in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips to Make Honey Baklava Cheesecake
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brush the phyllo dough with enough melted butter to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the warm honey drizzle; it makes a significant difference in taste.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing to get clean edges.
Variation
For a chocolate twist, you can add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. If you want to change the nuts, you can use pistachios instead of walnuts for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?
A: Yes, using store-bought phyllo dough is convenient and saves time. Just ensure it’s thawed properly before use.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add the honey drizzle before serving.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free phyllo dough, which is available at some grocery stores or health food shops.
Honey Baklava Cheesecake
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining the creamy texture of cheesecake with the flaky goodness of baklava, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup honey (divided)
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and half of the honey. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Brush the springform pan with melted butter. Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing melted butter between each sheet.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the phyllo dough. Sprinkle half of the walnut mixture on top.
- Add another 4 sheets of phyllo dough, again brushing each layer with melted butter. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the phyllo dough and top with the remaining walnut mixture.
- Finish with the last 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing the top with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- While the cheesecake is baking, heat the remaining honey in a small saucepan until warm.
- Once the cheesecake is done, pour the warm honey over the top. Let the cheesecake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve chilled and can be garnished with extra chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesecake, baklava, dessert, holidays, Greek