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Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake

A delightful fusion of flaky phyllo pastry and creamy cheesecake filled with honey, nuts, and a hint of rosewater.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Phyllo Base
  • 10 sheets phyllo pastry, thawed
  • 225 g unsalted butter, melted
Nut Mixture
  • 1 cup roasted walnuts
  • 1 cup roasted almonds
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
  • 500 g cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 250 g strained Greek yogurt or sour cream
Topping
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, unsalted, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 splash rosewater
  • Additional honey for drizzling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8 to 10-inch springform pan with trimmed parchment paper.
  3. Brush each of the ten phyllo sheets with melted butter and stack them in the springform pan. Trim any excess phyllo.
  4. Bake for about 12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Nut Layer
  1. In a food processor, pulse walnuts, almonds, ground cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Mix in melted butter and spread over the baked phyllo.
Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then fold in Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  3. Pour the mixture over the nut layer and spread evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 45 minutes or until set. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 50 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Drizzle with honey, lemon juice, and rosewater, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Notes

If you have leftovers, freeze portions wrapped in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.