The Best Baklava Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in a luxurious fusion dessert combining creamy cheesecake with the nutty crunch of pistachios and the flaky sweetness of baklava phyllo layers. This baklava pistachio cheesecake offers a perfect balance of textures and rich Middle Eastern flavors with an American classic touch, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make treat for special occasions.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free phyllo or alternative crust is used)
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Optional: 1/2 cup whipped cream (for lightening mixture and topping)
Phyllo Base and Topping
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 16 sheets), thawed and softened
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (for topping)
Honey Syrup
- Prepare the Phyllo Base: Begin by layering softened phyllo dough sheets in a greased baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter to ensure a golden, crisp texture after baking.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, and fold in half of the chopped pistachios gently for texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the phyllo base, then top with the remaining phyllo sheets, layering and buttering each as before. Sprinkle the final layer with the remaining pistachios for an appealing crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled dessert in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes until the cheesecake sets and the phyllo turns golden brown.
- Add Honey Syrup: While the cheesecake cools, warm honey gently until pourable, then drizzle over the warm pastry layers to infuse sweetness and moisture reminiscent of classic baklava.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up beautifully for perfect slices.
Notes
- Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while assembling.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother filling and easier mixing.
- Don’t skimp on butter between phyllo layers to achieve flakiness and golden hue.
- Warm honey gently for drizzling, avoiding boiling to preserve flavor.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for clean slicing and enhanced texture.
- Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts to slice without crumbling phyllo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: baklava cheesecake, pistachio cheesecake, Middle Eastern dessert, fusion dessert, phyllo cheesecake