Description
A decadent fusion dessert combining creamy cheesecake with the crispy, nutty layers of baklava, all sweetened with a luscious honey syrup.
Ingredients
- For the crust: 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- For the cheesecake filling: 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- For the baklava topping: 1 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for phyllo)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until fully incorporated. Pour filling over crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until center is almost set. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- While cheesecake cools, prepare baklava topping: In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay one sheet of phyllo on a work surface and brush with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets, stacking them. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pistachios. Repeat layering with 6 more sheets, butter, and 1/4 cup pistachios. Top with 6 more sheets, butter, and remaining 1/2 cup pistachios. Cut into 1-inch squares.
- Bake phyllo stacks for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from oven and drizzle with half of the honey syrup.
- Once cheesecake is cooled, arrange baklava squares on top. Drizzle with remaining honey syrup. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: Fusion