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Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

Baklava Cheesecake is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the flaky, buttery layers of traditional baklava with the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake. Topped with a fragrant rose and lemon sugar syrup and garnished with chopped pistachios, walnuts, and dried rose petals, this indulgent treat offers a stunning blend of Middle Eastern and Western flavors perfect for special occasions or elegant gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Baklava Base

  • 9 sheets Phyllo dough
  • ½ cup Melted butter

Nut Mixture

  • ½ cup Pistachios
  • ½ cup Walnuts
  • ¼ cup Powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp Melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz Cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Rose extract

Sugar Syrup

  • ½ cup Granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • ¼ cup Rose water (or ¼ tsp rose extract)

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp Pistachios and walnuts (finely chopped)
  • Dried rose petals

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C, Gas Mark 4). Lightly brush a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter to ensure the baklava base doesn’t stick.
  2. Prepare the baklava base: Layer the phyllo sheets one by one in the pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Allow the edges to hang over the sides slightly, then fold these edges back into the pan to form a crust. Brush the topmost sheet thoroughly with butter. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the phyllo becomes golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the nut mixture: Toast pistachios and walnuts on a baking pan in the oven for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Once toasted, crush them in a food processor until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed nuts with powdered sugar and melted butter. Spread this nut mixture evenly on top of the baked phyllo base.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth and well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and rose extract. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the nut layer in the pan.
  5. Bake the cheesecake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges have a light golden hue. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  6. Prepare the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, rose water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
  7. Assemble and decorate: Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, drizzle the sugar syrup evenly over the phyllo layers, allowing the syrup to soak into the pastry. This adds sweetness and moisture reminiscent of classic baklava.
  8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set the custard and flavors. Before serving, garnish the top with additional finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and delicate dried rose petals. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve for a decadent treat.

Notes

  • Phyllo dough dries out quickly; keep covered with a damp cloth while working.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
  • To prevent the phyllo base from sogginess, bake it before adding the nut mixture and cheesecake filling.
  • Rose extract can be substituted with rose water or omitted if unavailable, but it contributes to the authentic flavor.
  • Allow the syrup to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent melting the cheesecake surface.
  • Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and texture of the cheesecake.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices when cutting.

Keywords: Baklava Cheesecake, Phyllo Dough Dessert, Pistachio Cheesecake, Middle Eastern Dessert, Rose Water Cake, Nutty Cheesecake

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/baklava-cheesecake-recipe/