Oh wow, this dessert stopped me fast. I made baklava cheesecake, and oh my, it smells so good. It feels rich and cozy.

It is creamy and a bit crunchy too. I took a bite and said, hmm, that’s nice. The nuts and cream work so well.

And, like, I wanted another slice right away. It’s sweet but not too much. I kept thinking about it.

So yeah, let’s make this together. It’s easy step by step, I promise. You’ll love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Fusion: Baklava Cheesecake combines two iconic desserts into one unforgettable treat.
Creamy and Crunchy: The smooth, rich texture of cheesecake paired with the crispy, nutty baklava crust and topping is simply divine.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a weekend treat, this dessert fits any celebration.
A Showstopper: This is the dessert that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.
Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is easy to make with a few simple steps.

Required Kitchen Tools

9-inch Springform Pan: Essential for baking and removing the cheesecake without any hassle.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the crust and the cheesecake filling.
Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): To make the cheesecake batter smooth and creamy.
Baking Sheet: For toasting the nuts for the crust and garnish.
Pastry Brush: For brushing the phyllo dough with melted butter.
Wire Rack: To cool the cheesecake evenly after baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of all the ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious fusion dessert (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Phyllo Crust:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For brushing the phyllo dough to create the perfect crispy, flaky crust.
Walnuts (chopped): Add rich, nutty flavor to the crust.
Pistachios (chopped): Adds color, texture, and a unique flavor that complements the walnuts.
Sugar: Helps to add sweetness and caramelizes the nuts when baked.
Ground Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that complements the nuts beautifully.

For the Cheesecake Batter:

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (strained, at room temperature): Provides the creamy base for the cheesecake.
Eggs (at room temperature): Helps to bind the ingredients together for a smooth, airy texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake batter.
Orange Zest: Divided into two parts, one for the cheesecake batter and one for the garnish, it adds a bright, fresh citrus flavor to balance the richness of the cheesecake.

For Garnish:

Honey (warmed): A drizzle of honey over the top adds a finishing touch and ties the flavors of the baklava crust to the cheesecake.
Chopped Walnuts and Pistachios: Extra nuts to sprinkle on top, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Phyllo Crust

The first step in creating this indulgent Baklava Cheesecake is making the phyllo crust. It’s simple, but it adds so much texture and flavor!

Toast the Nuts:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the chopped walnuts and pistachios on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface or cutting board. Brush it lightly with melted extra virgin olive oil.
Layer another sheet of phyllo on top of the first one and brush with more olive oil.
Repeat until all 10 sheets of phyllo dough are layered on top of each other. This creates a sturdy, yet flaky base for your cheesecake.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon evenly over the phyllo dough.
Gently fold the sides of the dough to create a crust, then transfer the entire layered phyllo dough into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Press the dough gently into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form the crust.

2. Make the Cheesecake Batter

Now, let’s focus on making the rich and creamy cheesecake filling. The ricotta cheese provides the perfect texture, while the orange zest adds a refreshing note.

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want to ensure there are no lumps.
The batter should be thick but pourable.

Pour the Cheesecake Filling:

Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared phyllo crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top and ensure it’s evenly distributed.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Now, it’s time to bake the cheesecake! This step is crucial for achieving the right balance of a creamy interior and a crispy crust.

Bake:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The top should be lightly golden.
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 10 minutes with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking.

Cool:

After the cheesecake has cooled for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Once it has cooled to room temperature, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Garnish and Serve

The final step is the most exciting—garnishing your Baklava Cheesecake!

Drizzle with Honey:

Once your cheesecake is chilled, warm the honey in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s thin and pourable.
Drizzle the warm honey over the top of the cheesecake.

Add the Nuts:

Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts and pistachios over the honeyed cheesecake to give it a beautiful, textured topping.

5. Slice and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice into wedges and serve. The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy phyllo crust, and the nutty sweetness from the baklava elements will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

How to Serve Baklava Cheesecake

Baklava Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

On its own: This cheesecake is rich enough to stand alone as a special dessert. The combination of flavors makes it a treat even without additional sides.
With a side of fresh fruit: Serve with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to add a light, tart contrast to the sweet richness of the cheesecake.
With a cup of tea or coffee: A cup of hot tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with this dessert, enhancing the flavors.
As part of a dessert spread: Serve it alongside other desserts like chocolate mousse, baklava, or fruit tarts for a memorable dessert table.

Storing Baklava Cheesecake

In the Fridge: After serving, cover any leftover cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: This cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, slice the cheesecake and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a single slice of Baklava Cheesecake (based on a 12-slice serving):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	120mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	24g
Protein	9g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)

Conclusion

This Baklava Cheesecake is a fantastic combination of two beloved desserts. The rich and creamy cheesecake pairs beautifully with the crunchy, nutty phyllo crust, all sweetened with a touch of honey. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a party, or a holiday gathering, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s indulgent, impressive, and absolutely delicious!