BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE
This Baklava Cheesecake combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a unique and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress!
BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE
This Baklava Cheesecake combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a unique and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Baklava Crust:
1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Honey Syrup:
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Method:
Prepare the Baklava Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Brush a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter. Layer the bottom of the pan with a sheet of phyllo dough, brush with butter, and repeat with 5-6 layers.
Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo. Continue layering with phyllo dough and nut mixture until you use up the dough and nuts. Finish with 5-6 layers of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled baklava crust in the springform pan.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Prepare the Honey Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
Serve the Cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Drizzle the honey syrup over the top of the cheesecake just before serving.
Tips:
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
You can garnish the cheesecake with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer a more pronounced baklava flavor, consider adding a touch of orange blossom water or rose water to the filling.
This Baklava Cheesecake combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a unique and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress!