Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake

Baklava Cheesecake is a delicious and original baked dessert ready in about an hour, a variation of baklava, the famous Turkish dessert made with dried fruit and phyllo dough. In this recipe, in fact, we will make the base of the cheesecake with phyllo dough sheets  – instead of the biscuits used for the classic cheesecake – while the filling will be made with chopped pistachios and a cream made with cream cheese, crème fraiche, sugar, egg and flour. After baking, we will add more chopped pistachios to the surface and a syrup made with water, sugar and lemon juice. Once ready, you can serve it as a dessert at the end of the meal to surprise your guests.

What is Baklava Cheesecake?

Baklava cheesecake is a fusion dessert that marries the rich, flaky layers of traditional Middle Eastern baklava with the creamy, tangy filling of a classic cheesecake. This inventive treat combines phyllo pastry, butter, and pistachios—the hallmarks of baklava—with a luscious cheesecake center, often sweetened with syrup. Originating from the blending of Middle Eastern and Western dessert traditions, baklava cheesecake reflects the global trend of combining distinct culinary cultures to create something entirely new and indulgent. This dessert captures the essence of both, offering the crisp, nutty textures of baklava alongside the smooth, decadent flavors of cheesecake.

Tips for The Best Baklava Cheesecake

• Ensure your phyllo sheets are fresh and handle them carefully to prevent tearing. Keep them covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out.
• Brush each layer of phyllo pastry with plenty of melted butter to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
• Press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the phyllo base to create a solid, flavorful foundation.
• Start baking at a higher temperature to set the phyllo, then lower it for a gentle bake that keeps the cheesecake creamy and prevents cracks.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
• Pour the syrup while it's still warm, but not hot, to ensure it soaks into the layers without making them soggy.
• Let the cheesecake sit for a few hours or overnight before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to fully infuse the layers.

What More Nuts Can I Add To The Pistachio Mix?

To enrich the pistachio mix, you can add a variety of other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. These nuts complement the pistachios with their distinct flavors and add extra crunch and depth to the baklava cheesecake. Just be sure to chop them finely and mix them evenly with the pistachios for a well-balanced texture and taste.

What Can I Use Instead of Phyllo Dough?

If you need to substitute phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry for a similar flaky texture, though it will be thicker and less crisp. Another option is using graham cracker crust or crushed digestive biscuits, which offer a different texture but still provide a sturdy base for the cheesecake. Keep in mind that these substitutes will alter the dessert’s traditional baklava-like character.

What To Do if My Phyllo Dough Tears?

If the phyllo dough tears, don't worry—simply patch it with another piece of phyllo. Overlapping the layers will help maintain the structure and ensure even coverage. Since the dough is layered multiple times, small tears won't be noticeable after baking, and the final result will still be delicious and crisp. Just continue layering and buttering as usual.

Why Did My Cheesecake Turn Out all Soggy?

A cheesecake might turn out soggy if the syrup is added when the cheesecake or phyllo layers are too hot, causing the pastry to absorb too much liquid. Another reason could be that the phyllo layers weren’t baked long enough to become fully crisp, or the syrup was too watery. To avoid this, ensure the phyllo is golden and crisp before adding the syrup, and let the cheesecake cool slightly before applying it.

Why Did My Cheesecake Crack on Top?

The cheesecake might have cracked on top due to overbaking or a sudden change in temperature. If the oven temperature is too high, or if the cheesecake cools too quickly, it can cause the top to crack. To prevent this, bake at a lower temperature, avoid overmixing the batter, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Can I Use Another Type of Syrup?

Absolutely! Honey syrup, maple syrup, or even a fruit-based syrup like orange or lemon can work well, adding different flavor profiles to complement the pistachios and cheese filling. Just ensure the syrup has a similar consistency to maintain the right balance of sweetness and moisture.

Can I Make This Cheesecake Ahead of Time?

Yes! Making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and the syrup to fully soak into the layers, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its best texture and flavor.

Can I Freeze This Cheesecake?

Of course! To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before enjoying. Freezing may slightly affect the texture of the phyllo, but the cheesecake itself should remain delicious.

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How to Store Baklava Cheesecake

In case you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the phyllo dough will lose its crispy texture.

How to Make Baklava Cheesecake

Preheat the oven to 374°F (190°C).

Fold the phyllo dough and start layering the sheets into a 20 cm baking pan.

Make sure to cover both the bottom and the sides, and brush each sheet with plenty of melted butter. Bake for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the chopped pistachios with butter and powdered sugar.

Layer half of the pistachio mixture on the bottom of the phyllo dough base, pressing them well into an even layer with the back of a spoon.

Whip together the cream cheese with the full-fat cream, the egg the sugar and the vanilla sugar.

Add the flour, sifting it as you keep on mixing it into the filling mixture.

Gently pour the filling on top of the cheesecake base. Lower the oven temperature to 320°F (160°C) and bake the cheesecake for 1 hour.

Mix the ingredients for the syrup in a sauté pan, and place it over medium-low heat. Bring to the boil, and then let the syrup cook for about 10 minutes.

Pour a bit of syrup on top of the baked cake before topping it with the rest of the chopped pistachios.

Finally, pour the rest of the syrup on top of the cheesecake and let it rest in the refrigerator, giving time to the syrup to fully penetrate all the layers.

Once the resting time has elapsed, enjoy the cheesecake!