Baklava Cheesecake: Creamy, Crunchy & Drizzled in Honey

✨ A Fusion of Ancient Traditions and Modern Indulgence

Two iconic desserts — baklava and cheesecake — may have vastly different origins, but together they create a showstopping fusion: Baklava Cheesecake. This decadent dessert marries the flaky, nut-filled sweetness of Middle Eastern pastry with the creamy richness of Mediterranean cheesecake.

Baklava, with its roots in the 8th century BCE Mesopotamia and refined under Ottoman influence, is famed for its paper-thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts (often pistachios or walnuts), and luscious honey syrup. Meanwhile, cheesecake traces back to Ancient Greece, where early versions were made with fresh cheese, flour, and honey — eventually evolving into the creamy modern classic.

🌍 A Global Dessert Trend Worth Craving

As culinary boundaries blur, fusion creations like Greek Baklava Cheesecake or Middle Eastern Cheesecake Desserts have surged—especially in cafés and baking communities worldwide.

Here are 10 countries where love for this dessert is especially strong:

🇺🇸 United States
🇬🇷 Greece
🇹🇷 Turkey
🇱🇧 Lebanon
🇦🇲 Armenia
🇮🇷 Iran
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇦 Canada
🇩🇪 Germany

For more dessert inspiration and to explore your sweet tooth’s wildest dreams, check out my full Dessert category — it’s packed with layered cakes, pastry treats, and more.

Whether you’re celebrating Eid, Easter, or just craving a showstopping dessert, this Baklava Cheesecake promises texture, flavor, and visual drama in every honey-drenched bite.

9 Dreamy Baklava Cheesecake Layers You’ll Love

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus chilling)
• Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Baklava Cheesecake recipe blends rich cream cheese with flaky phyllo, honey, and pistachios—a show-stopping Middle Eastern fusion dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Nut Mixture

• 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Phyllo Base & Layers
• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 2 (8 oz) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• For the Honey Syrup
• ¾ cup honey
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 whole cloves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Nut Mixture
2. Pulse pistachios, walnuts, and almonds in a food processor until finely chopped.
3. Mix with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar.
4. Set aside for layering.
5. Build Phyllo Base
6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. Butter the springform pan and begin layering phyllo sheets (about 8–10), brushing each with butter and sprinkling with nut mix every 2 layers.
8. Bake base for 10 minutes to crisp.
9. Make Cheesecake Batter
10. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
11. Add sugar, then sour cream, then eggs one at a time.
12. Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, and flour until just combined.
13. Layer & Bake
14. Pour cheesecake batter over baked phyllo crust.
15. Add 3 more layers of buttered phyllo sheets on top, optionally sprinkling more nuts.
16. Bake for 50–55 minutes until set.
17. Make Honey Syrup
18. In a saucepan, combine honey, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
19. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
20. Cool before pouring.
21. Finish & Chill
22. Once cheesecake is cooled, drizzle syrup on top.
23. Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
24. Keywords Integrated: Layered Baklava Cheesecake, Honey Cheesecake with Phyllo, Phyllo Dough Cheesecake Base

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Greek Fusion

🧂 What You’ll Need: Tools, Ingredients & Expert Prep Tips

🧰 Equipment Checklist

To master the layering of crisp phyllo and achieve that smooth, creamy filling, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference:

• 9-inch springform pan — for clean removal and professional presentation
• Pastry brush — to evenly butter each delicate phyllo layer
• Food processor or nut grinder — ideal for chopping nuts finely and consistently
• Stand mixer or hand mixer — gives your cheesecake batter a silky, lump-free finish
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter — optional, but helpful for cutting phyllo sheets to fit your pan
• Aluminum foil — prevents over-browning and helps reduce cracking on top

🧈 Pro tip: Always keep a damp kitchen towel over unused phyllo sheets as you work. It prevents drying out, cracking, and tearing — essential when building a neat phyllo base.

🌰 Key Ingredients Overview

The rich, textural magic of Middle Eastern Cheesecake Desserts lies in the balance of quality ingredients:

• Phyllo Dough — the paper-thin pastry you’ll use for the crisp base and top. Found in the frozen aisle; thaw overnight for best results.
• Unsalted Butter — melted and brushed between phyllo layers for that golden, flaky crunch
• Cream Cheese + Ricotta or Greek Yogurt — combines creamy depth with a tangy lift. Use at room temperature for easier blending
• Sugar, Eggs & Vanilla Extract — builds sweetness, structure, and a familiar cheesecake flavor
• Lemon Zest — brightens the rich filling
• Pistachios & Walnuts — chopped fine and tossed with cinnamon to create that nutty, spiced baklava layer
• Honey — adds aromatic sweetness and glossy finish

🌿 Flavor Flex: For added flair, try a dash of rose water or orange blossom water in your filling or syrup drizzle.

🍰 Pro Tips Before You Start

• Handle phyllo with care: Only uncover one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered with a slightly damp towel. Lightly butter each layer for maximum crispness.
• Mix filling gently: Don’t overbeat your cream cheese or eggs. Overmixing introduces air, which can lead to cracking. Aim for a smooth, not fluffy, consistency.
• Pre-bake the crust: Pop the bottom phyllo base into the oven for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling. This ensures it crisps up and doesn’t turn soggy during baking.

Want more inspiration for elegant, layered desserts? Try my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe — it’s a masterclass in combining textures, flavors, and presentation, just like this Baklava Cheesecake.

🍱 Ingredient List: Everything You Need for Baklava Cheesecake

The true beauty of a Baklava Cheesecake lies in how it layers flavor and texture from top to bottom. From the crisp phyllo base to the creamy filling and honey-drizzled finish, each component brings something special to the table. Below is a complete, categorized list of every ingredient you’ll need — including classic components and optional flavor boosters for your own custom twist.

🥧 For the Phyllo Crust & Topping

This is where the iconic baklava crunch comes in. You’ll need:

• 12–14 sheets phyllo dough, thawed — These thin, flaky sheets are the structural base. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted — Used to brush between each phyllo layer, adding crispness and golden color.
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts — A blend of pistachios and walnuts is traditional. Chop finely using a food processor for even texture.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon — Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the nut mixture.

🧈 Pro Tip: If you’re layering the phyllo on top after baking, brush generously and bake them separately until golden before assembling.

🧁 For the Cheesecake Filling

This creamy center gives contrast to the crisp phyllo:

• 1½ cups cream cheese, at room temperature — The main ingredient for a smooth, rich texture.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese or plain Greek yogurt — Adds lightness and tang, balancing the density of cream cheese.
• ½ cup granulated sugar — For gentle sweetness.
• 2 large eggs — Help bind the filling.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — For warm, familiar flavor.
• 1 tbsp lemon zest — Brings brightness and cuts the richness.

🍯 For the Honey Drizzle

• ⅓ cup honey — Reserve half for drizzling after baking; swirl the rest into the nut layers for added moisture and flavor.

✅ Optional but Flavorful Add-Ins

Customize your cheesecake with these chef-approved extras:

• ½ tsp rose water or orange blossom water — For floral notes that pair beautifully with pistachios.
• Pinch of cardamom — Adds complexity and a Persian-inspired twist.
• Extra crushed pistachios — For garnishing the top with visual flair and crunch.

📌 Note: Always use roasted, unsalted nuts for a deeper, toastier flavor.

Looking for more desserts that layer rich cream and delicate textures? Try my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe — it’s a royal-level bake that, like this one, balances softness with structural finesse.

👩‍🍳 Instructions: How to Make Baklava Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Crust 🧈

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
2. Lightly grease a 9‑inch springform pan and line its bottom with parchment paper.
3. Gently unroll the phyllo sheets and cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying.
4. Place one sheet of phyllo into the pan, pressing it up the sides and allowing edges to hang over.
5. Brush the phyllo generously with melted butter. Repeat with 6–7 sheets, layering, rotating slightly, and brushing each one.
6. After every two layers, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the chopped nut‑cinnamon mix to build that signature baklava texture in your cheesecake.
7. Trim any excess overhang and tuck the edges inward for a neater crust.
8. Pre‑bake the phyllo crust for 8–10 minutes until it’s just golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.

This pre‑baked crust step helps avoid sogginess in your Baklava Cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling 🧁

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta (or Greek yogurt), and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add lemon zest and vanilla extract, then incorporate the eggs one at a time. Mix just until blended — avoid overbeating, which can introduce air and cause cracks.
3. Pour the smooth filling over the pre‑baked phyllo crust, using a spatula to level the top.

This filling is what gives your Baklava Cheesecake its creamy contrast to the crisp phyllo.

Step 3: Top Layer + Bake 🔥

1. Place 4–5 more phyllo sheets over the cheesecake filling, brushing each with melted butter.
2. Sprinkle remaining chopped nuts and cinnamon between these top layers for extra crunch.
3. Gently fold or tuck excess phyllo edges inward to create a rustic but stable top.
4. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is golden brown.
5. If the top is browning too quickly, tent lightly with aluminum foil after about 40 minutes.

This top layering seals in the nutty crunch that makes Baklava Cheesecake so irresistible.

Step 4: Honey Drizzle + Chill 🍯

1. Immediately after removing from the oven, drizzle warm honey over the hot cheesecake — this allows the syrup to seep into the phyllo and add shine.
2. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and texture set.
3. Before serving, garnish with extra chopped pistachios and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

🎯 Pro Tip: For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Repeat between cuts for perfect edges.

Curious about the classic nut‑layered dessert that inspired this twist? Try my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe for another example of elegant layers and texture in dessert form.

🍽️ Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve Baklava Cheesecake Right 🍯🍰

This Baklava Cheesecake is a flavor and texture powerhouse — flaky, creamy, nutty, and sweet. To showcase its beautiful layers and bold taste, follow these simple serving suggestions:

• Serve Baklava Cheesecake chilled or slightly warm. For clean slices and crisp phyllo, cold is ideal. If you want the honey to melt slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.
• Top with extra crushed pistachios, a generous drizzle of honey, and fresh lemon zest for a gorgeous finish.
• Pair Baklava Cheesecake with Arabic or Turkish coffee, strong black tea, or spiced cardamom chai to enhance the dessert’s nutty, honey-forward flavors.
• Use a hot, clean knife between each cut to preserve those stunning cheesecake layers wrapped in crisp phyllo.

How to Store Baklava Cheesecake for Later 🧊

Baklava Cheesecake stores beautifully — and its flavor deepens the longer it chills. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store Baklava Cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Slice the cheesecake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Store in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. It keeps for up to 2 months.
• To thaw: Let frozen slices defrost in the fridge overnight or bring to room temperature for 30–40 minutes.

⚠️ Avoid microwaving slices — phyllo becomes soggy. Instead, gently warm Baklava Cheesecake in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to maintain its texture.

Looking for more freeze-friendly desserts? Try my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe — it stores and slices beautifully, just like this Baklava Cheesecake.

🧮 Nutrition Score: What’s Inside a Slice of Baklava Cheesecake

🍰 Rich, Satisfying & Surprisingly Balanced

Let’s face it — Baklava Cheesecake is not the dessert you choose when counting calories. It’s what you serve when you want to impress, indulge, and enjoy something unforgettable. Between the flaky phyllo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, nutty cinnamon layers, and honey drizzle, it offers a variety of textures and flavors that feel truly luxurious.

But what’s actually in a slice?

On average, one slice (1/12 of the whole cheesecake) provides:

• Calories: 525 kcal
• Total Fat: 36 oz
• Saturated Fat: 18 oz
• Carbohydrates: 42 oz
• Sugar: 29 oz
• Protein: 8 oz
• Fiber: 2 oz
• Cholesterol: 115 mg
• Sodium: 190 mg

Most of the calories come from the butter and cream cheese, while the pistachios and walnuts contribute healthy fats and a bit of fiber. Honey adds natural sweetness, and the eggs and dairy deliver protein and calcium.

This Baklava Cheesecake is rich, but not empty — it’s made with real, whole ingredients, many of which offer nutritional benefits beyond flavor alone.

🧊 Enjoy It Mindfully — Without Losing Flavor

If you’re enjoying Baklava Cheesecake as part of a special meal or holiday spread, a smaller slice can go a long way. Its richness means you won’t need a large piece to feel satisfied. Pair it with black tea or unsweetened coffee to help balance the sweetness.

Want to go a little lighter? Use reduced-fat cream cheese, skip one or two phyllo layers, or cut back slightly on the honey drizzle. Still crave something sweet and layered but easier on the calories? Check out my Hello Dolly Bars Recipe — a baked bar with great structure and flavor, minus the cheesecake density.

Whatever you choose, Baklava Cheesecake remains a showstopper — one that proves a slice of indulgence is more than worth it.

🌟 Variations & Creative Twists for Baklava Cheesecake

🔮 Flavor Twists for Deeper or Exotic Profiles

Looking to take your Baklava Cheesecake beyond the expected? These bold upgrades add regional flair, holiday flair, and personal flair — without complicating the process.

• Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water: Add just ½ teaspoon to the filling for a fragrant Middle Eastern touch. These floral flavors enhance the nutty pistachios and golden honey of your Baklava Cheesecake, giving it a luxurious aromatic profile perfect for Eid or Ramadan.
• Cardamom Instead of Lemon Zest: Swap citrus for ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom to steer your Baklava Cheesecake toward a Persian flavor profile. It brings warmth and a slightly exotic depth that’s stunning with walnuts or almonds.
• Maple-Hazelnut Version: Sub out the pistachios for chopped hazelnuts, and drizzle maple syrup instead of honey. This fusion turns your Baklava Cheesecake into a fall-inspired masterpiece — ideal for Thanksgiving.
• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: A thin ribbon of dark chocolate ganache takes this dessert into indulgent European territory. It pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese and crisp phyllo texture.

🧂 Pro tip: Toss your nut blend with a pinch of flaky sea salt before layering. It heightens the contrast and adds balance to every bite of Baklava Cheesecake.

🎨 Presentation Ideas & Alternate Formats

Baklava Cheesecake is incredibly versatile — not just in flavor, but in form. These adaptations are perfect for parties, brunches, or gifting:

• Baklava Cheesecake Bars: Bake the full recipe in a parchment-lined 9×13 pan, then slice into squares or diamonds. They’re easier to serve at events and make stunning dessert tray additions.
• Mini Baklava Cheesecakes: Line muffin tins with circles of phyllo dough, fill, and bake individually. They look elegant and offer perfect portion control.
• No-Bake Baklava Cheesecake: Make a crust from crushed baklava cookies or cinnamon graham crackers, then use a chilled, gelatine-based filling. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Deconstructed Parfaits: Layer phyllo crisps, cheesecake mousse, and nuts in glasses for a modern take on Baklava Cheesecake — no slicing required!

Want to explore more desserts with elegant layers and showstopping presentation? Don’t miss my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe — it’s another celebration-worthy dessert with tradition and twist baked right in.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baklava Cheesecake

🏁 Conclusion: A Golden, Nutty, Honey‑Kissed Masterpiece

Baklava Cheesecake is more than just a dessert — it’s a love letter to global flavors, where crisp phyllo meets creamy filling, warm cinnamon twirls with nut crunch, and a golden honey drizzle seals the deal.

It honors tradition while offering something entirely new — a sumptuous fusion of Middle Eastern baklava and classic cheesecake brought together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it for Eid, Easter, Christmas, or simply a luxe dinner gathering, this dessert becomes a showstopper and conversation starter.

What makes it unforgettable?

✅ Flaky, golden phyllo layers
✅ Silky, lemon‑kissed cheesecake base
✅ Crunchy, spiced nuts
✅ A shimmering layer of honey to finish

It’s also a dessert you can prep ahead, stash in the freezer, and pull out when needed. So bookmark it, bake it, and brag about it. 📲💛

📸 Tried it yourself? Tag your creation online — I’d love to see how you twist and serve your Baklava Cheesecake!

👉 Craving more nut-forward, honeyed desserts? Try my Swedish Princess Cake Recipe next — another elegant layered dessert full of flavor and texture.