A delightful fusion of the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava and the creamy smoothness of cheesecake, all sweetened with the natural goodness of honey.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 200ggraham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100gunsalted butter, melted
- 1/4cuphoney
For the Baklava Layer
- 1cupmixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
- 1/2tspcinnamon
- 1/4tspground cloves
- 2tbspsugar
- 1/4cuphoney
- 6piecephyllo dough sheets
- 1/4cupmelted butter
For the Cheesecake
- 500gcream cheese, softened
- 1/2cuphoney
- 1/2cupsugar
- 3piecelarge eggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1/2cupGreek yogurt
For the Honey Syrup
- 1/2cuphoney
- 1/4cupwater
- 1/4cupsugar
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1/2tsporange blossom water (optional)
For Garnish
- Chopped pistachios
- Drizzle of honey
How to make Honey Baklava Cheesecake
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Prepare the Baklava Layer
In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar.
Layer three sheets of phyllo dough on top of each other in the springform pan, brushing each layer with melted butter.
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the phyllo layers.
Add three more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture on top.
Drizzle 1/4 cup honey over the nuts.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add honey and sugar, mixing until combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baklava layer in the springform pan.
Bake the Cheesecake
Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Prepare the Honey Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and orange blossom water, if using.
Let the syrup cool slightly.
Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle the honey syrup generously over the top.
Garnish with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake for clean slices.
Refrigerating the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavors.
Recipe by
@chefspalette
Chefspalette is a culinary artist known for her innovative fusion recipes that merge traditional flavors with modern twists. Writing for Chefadora involves exploring diverse cuisines,...