Baklava Cheesecake Recipe
Baklava Cheesecake is a decadent fusion dessert that combines the flaky, buttery layers of traditional baklava with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling infused with citrus and rose flavors. This elegant treat features a crisp phyllo crust layered with spiced nuts and a luscious cream cheese batter, topped off with a fragrant sugar syrup and garnished with chopped nuts and dried rose petals. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert experience.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Phyllo 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 1/4 tsp rose extract)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Pistachios and walnuts (finely chopped)
- Dried rose petals
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the baklava base: Layer the phyllo sheets in the prepared pan, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Allow the edges to hang over the sides, then fold them inward to form a crust. Brush the top layer with more butter and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the nut mixture: Toast pistachios and walnuts on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Crush them in a food processor to a coarse breadcrumb texture. Mix with powdered sugar and melted butter, then spread this mixture evenly over the baked phyllo base.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and rose extracts. Pour the batter over the nut mixture and spread evenly.
- Bake the cheesecake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set and edges are lightly golden. Remove and cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the sugar syrup: Combine sugar, water, rose water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Assemble and decorate: Drizzle the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the baked cheesecake, allowing it to soak into the layers. Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and dried rose petals on top.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully. Remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo dough is thawed completely and kept covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sugar syrup to taste; you can add more lemon juice for extra tang.
- Use fresh nuts and toast them carefully to enhance their flavor without burning.
- The rose extract is optional but adds an authentic floral note complementing the citrus zest.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to allow flavors to meld and syrup to fully absorb.
Keywords: Baklava Cheesecake, Phyllo Dough Cheesecake, Middle Eastern Dessert, Pistachio Cheesecake, Rose Water Dessert