Honey Baklava Cheesecake is a decadent fusion dessert combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the flaky, nutty layers of baklava, topped with a sweet honey drizzle. This indulgent treat blends Mediterranean flavors with an American cheesecake, creating a dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress guests. Perfect for special occasions, this showstopper is as easy to prepare as it is extraordinary.
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup finely chopped pistachios
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
1/4 cup melted butter (for phyllo layers)
1/2 cup honey
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form a crust.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, and beat until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, pistachios, and ground cinnamon.
Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough over the graham cracker crust, brushing each sheet with melted butter and sprinkling a little of the nut mixture between each layer.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the phyllo and nut layers, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Top the cheesecake with 4 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter and sprinkling with the remaining nut mixture between layers.
Bake the cheesecake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before removing the sides of the springform pan.
Drizzle the top with honey just before serving for added sweetness and shine.
Nut Mix: You can experiment with different nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans for varied flavors and textures.
Honey Variations: Try using flavored honey, such as lavender or orange blossom, for a unique twist on the sweetness.
Cheesecake Flavor: For a stronger flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla bean paste to the cheesecake filling.
Crust: For a gluten-free option, swap the graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust made from ground almonds or walnuts.
Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/honey-baklava-cheesecake-recipe/