Can I make Baklava Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely — in fact, it’s even better! This dessert needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly, but overnight chilling is ideal. It allows the flavors to meld and the phyllo layers to hold up well.

Do I have to use phyllo dough, or can I use a graham cracker crust?

Phyllo is essential to get that crispy, golden baklava texture , but you can use a graham cracker or cookie crust if you’re in a hurry or want a no-phyllo version.

What nuts are best for Baklava Cheesecake?

The classics are pistachios and walnuts , but you can also use: Almonds : For a slightly sweeter crunch Hazelnuts : Paired well with chocolate or cardamom Pecans : For a Southern-inspired fusion 🥜 Toast your nuts before using them to boost flavor and texture.

Can I make this without ricotta or Greek yogurt?

Yes — you can use only cream cheese in the filling. However, the ricotta or yogurt lightens the texture and adds a gentle tang that complements the rich phyllo and honey.

9 Dreamy Baklava Cheesecake Layers You’ll Love

Description

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

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

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