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Honey Walnut Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

Honey Walnut Baklava Cheesecake is a luscious dessert combining the flaky, nutty textures of traditional baklava with creamy, smooth cheesecake. Phyllo layers layered with spiced walnuts are baked to a golden crisp, topped with a rich cream cheese filling, and finished with a drizzle of honey and a walnut garnish for an irresistible sweet treat.

Ingredients

Walnut Baklava Base

  • 1 ½ cups crushed walnuts
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
  • Additional walnuts for garnish

Cheesecake Filling

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping

  • 1 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the baklava layers and cheesecake.
  2. Prepare Walnut Mixture: In a bowl, combine crushed walnuts, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set this mixture aside for layering.
  3. Handle Phyllo Dough: Unroll the thawed phyllo dough carefully and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
  4. Layer Phyllo Dough: Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Layer 5 sheets of phyllo dough into the pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter to ensure crispness and flavor.
  5. Add Walnut Mixture: Spread half of the prepared walnut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the pan.
  6. Repeat Layers: Add 5 more phyllo sheets, again brushing each with melted butter. Spread the remaining walnut mixture over these layers.
  7. Top Layers: Finish by layering 5 more phyllo sheets on top, buttering each sheet thoroughly.
  8. Bake Baklava Base: Bake the assembled baklava base in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until it turns golden brown and crisp.
  9. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the base bakes, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
  10. Add Cheesecake Layer: Remove the baklava base from the oven and pour the cheesecake filling evenly over it.
  11. Bake Cheesecake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  12. Cool and Add Topping: Remove from oven and allow to cool. Drizzle the warm honey over the top syrup-style.
  13. Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the cheesecake to fully set.
  14. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with additional walnuts for added crunch and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure phyllo dough is properly covered with a damp towel during assembly to prevent drying out.
  • Use unsalted butter to control saltiness in the dessert.
  • Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly improves texture and flavor development.
  • Honey drizzle can be warmed slightly for easier pouring.
  • For a nut-free variation, walnuts can be substituted with other nuts like pecans or almonds if allergy permits.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/honey-walnut-baklava-cheesecake-recipe/