Classic Middle Eastern Baklava and Creamy Cheesecake
This Baklava Pistachio Cheesecake is the perfect fusion dish for anyone who like both creamy cheesecake and traditional Middle Eastern baklava. It has a creamy, velvety cheesecake middle with layers of crisp, buttery phyllo sheets and a honey-pistachio filling.
This delicacy is crisp, creamy, nutty, and unforgettable, finished with a glossy honey syrup. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, Eid, or any time you want to wow with an opulent dessert.
Ingredients & Quantities:
For the Pistachio Baklava Layer
Phyllo (filo) pastry sheets – 12–14 sheets
Melted butter – ½ cup (115 g)
Finely chopped pistachios – 1 cup
Cinnamon – ½ tsp
Sugar – 2 tbsp
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Cream cheese (room temperature) – 24 oz (680 g)
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
Sour cream or yogurt – ½ cup
Heavy cream – ¼ cup
Eggs – 3 large
All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Lemon zest (optional) – ½ tsp
For the Honey Syrup (Baklava topping):
Honey – ½ cup
Water – ¼ cup
Sugar – ¼ cup
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Orange zest or cinnamon stick (optional)
For Garnish
Chopped pistachios – ¼ cup
Extra honey drizzle – optional
Equipment Needed:
9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Pastry brush
Saucepan (for syrup)
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baklava Base
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Brush the springform pan with butter.
Layer 6–7 phyllo sheets inside the pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter.
Mix pistachios, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.
2. Add More Layers
Add 3–4 more phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
Add the remaining pistachio mixture.
Top with 3 more phyllo sheets, brushing well with butter.
Lightly press the layers down so they stick together.
3. Pre-Bake the Baklava Crust
Bake the layered phyllo base for 10–12 minutes until lightly crispy.
Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and beat again until creamy.
Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla.
Add flour and mix gently.
Add eggs one at a time — do NOT overmix.
5. Assemble
Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked baklava crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan on a baking tray (to catch leaks).
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55–65 minutes.
Center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
7. Make the Honey Syrup
In a saucepan, combine honey, water, sugar, lemon juice, and optional zest.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cool completely.
8. Finish the Cheesecake
Once cheesecake is chilled, pour the cooled honey syrup over the top.
Sprinkle chopped pistachios generously.
Drizzle extra honey if desired.
Tips for Best Results:
Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid a lumpy filling.
Do not overmix after adding eggs — it prevents cracks.
If phyllo tears, don’t worry; just layer it.
Chill cake overnight for perfect slicing.
Run a knife around the edge before unmolding the springform pan.
Keep syrup cool, cheesecake cold for the perfect texture contrast.
Variations:
Nut mix: Replace some pistachios with walnuts or almonds.
Rose flavor: Add 1 tsp rose water to the syrup for Middle Eastern aroma.
Chocolate drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the top for a gourmet twist.
Mini cheesecakes: Make in cupcake liners for individual servings.
Cardamom: Add ¼ tsp cardamom to the nut filling.
How to Serve:
Serve chilled slices drizzled with extra honey syrup. Pair with:
Hot tea
Turkish coffee
Green tea with mint
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Perfect for Eid, dinner parties, birthdays, or festive gatherings.
Concluding Remarks:
The perfect fusion of Middle Eastern customs and traditional dessert comfort is this Baklava Pistachio Cheesecake. Every mouthful is nutty, creamy, fragrant, and exquisitely balanced with the sweetness of honey. It will become your go-to show-stopping dessert thanks to its easy preparation and sophisticated presentation.