Silky Honey Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Silky Honey Baklava Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet, decadent desserts have a special place in culinary delights, and this honey baklava cheesecake strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy.

Layers of delicate phyllo pastry mingle with rich, smooth cream cheese in a dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

The traditional baklava technique merges seamlessly with classic cheesecake, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Honey drizzles through each bite, adding golden sweetness that makes this treat truly irresistible.

Nutty undertones from chopped pistachios provide a delightful crunch that complements the silky filling.

Every forkful promises a luxurious experience that bridges Mediterranean tradition with modern dessert innovation.

This showstopping recipe will become the star of your next gathering, leaving guests craving more of its extraordinary deliciousness.

How to Build a Honey-Soaked Cheesecake Delight

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F and give your springform pan a quick butter massage to keep things from sticking.

  • Create a Buttery Phyllo Foundation

Gently drape phyllo sheets into the pan, letting edges peek over the sides. Lovingly brush each layer with melted butter, building a delicate golden landscape that will cradle your cheesecake.

  • Sprinkle Nutty Magic

Scatter a delightful blend of chopped nuts and cinnamon across your buttery phyllo canvas, creating a fragrant and crunchy base that whispers of sweet adventures.

  • Pre-Bake the Crust

Send your creation into the warm oven for a quick 8-10 minute dance, until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. Let it cool and collect its thoughts before the next phase of deliciousness.

Spice and Nut Ideas for the Baklava Layer

  • Layer phyllo sheets carefully to create a crispy, delicate base that won't get soggy.
  • Prepare the cheesecake crust and filling up to 2 days in advance, refrigerating separately to maintain texture.
  • Swap traditional phyllo with gluten-free phyllo sheets or use ground almond flour and crushed gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
  • Replace chopped nuts with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for similar crunch and flavor profile.
  • Warm honey slightly before drizzling to help it spread more evenly and absorb into the cheesecake layers for maximum sweetness.

Slice and Serve for a Showstopping Dessert

  • Nutty Elegance Plate: Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or walnuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
  • Sweet Honey Drizzle: Drizzle warm honey over each slice just before serving to enhance the baklava-inspired flavors and create a luxurious presentation.
  • Coffee Companion: Pair with a small shot of Turkish coffee or espresso to complement the rich, sweet notes of the cheesecake and balance its decadence.
  • Fruit Fresh Touch: Add a few fresh berries or a small side of poached pears to bring a light, refreshing contrast to the dense and sweet cheesecake.

Chill and Store Cheesecake the Right Way

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
  • Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 2 days before serving. Keep refrigerated and add fresh honey drizzle just before presenting to guests. This technique helps maintain the crisp phyllo layers and prevents soggy crust.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving. Allowing it to sit at room temperature helps enhance the honey and nut flavors, creating a more delightful dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 12

Honey Baklava Cheesecake Must-Haves

For Crust Base:
  • Phyllo Dough: Delicate pastry sheets that create a crispy, flaky foundation with elegant layers.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind phyllo layers and adds rich, golden color during baking.
For Nut Filling:
  • Walnuts: Provide crunchy texture and deep, earthy flavor that complements sweet cheesecake.
  • Pistachios: Adds vibrant green color and nutty complexity with subtle sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic spice that enhances nutty undertones.
For Creamy Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base that defines classic cheesecake texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and help cheesecake set with silky consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides gentle sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile with warm, comforting essence.
For Honey Syrup:
  • Honey: Drizzles rich, golden sweetness that infuses Middle Eastern charm into dessert.
  • Water: Helps dissolve and distribute honey evenly across cheesecake surface.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens honey's sweetness and adds subtle citrus complexity.

Tools That Combine Crunch and Creamy Layers

  • Springform Pan: Essential for easy cheesecake removal with removable sides.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly spreading melted butter on delicate phyllo sheets.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining nuts and cinnamon.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in chopping nuts precisely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Baking Sheet: Optional for supporting springform pan in oven.
Print
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Silky Honey Baklava Cheesecake Recipe

Silky Honey Baklava Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy honey baklava cheesecake blends Mediterranean dessert traditions with rich, layered indulgence. Crisp phyllo layers and silky cheesecake create a delightful fusion that will transport you to sweet culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 8 sheets phyllo dough (thawed, if frozen)
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (100 g) walnuts (or pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey (for syrup)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tbsps sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 325°F (163°C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with a light butter layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Phyllo Foundation: Meticulously layer phyllo sheets, gently draping edges over pan sides, delicately brushing each sheet with melted butter. Continue layering until eight sheets create a crisp, golden base, ensuring complete pan coverage.
  3. Nut Distribution: Uniformly scatter cinnamon-infused chopped nuts across the phyllo foundation, creating a fragrant and textured intermediate layer.
  4. Initial Baking Stage: Transfer the prepared pan into the preheated oven, allowing the crust to transform into a golden, crisp surface through an 8-10 minute par-baking process. Remove and permit slight cooling to stabilize the delicate phyllo structure.
  5. Cheesecake Mixture: Whisk cream cheese, honey, eggs, and vanilla into a silky, homogeneous blend, ensuring no lumps disrupt the smooth consistency.
  6. Filling Assembly: Gently pour the honey-infused cheesecake mixture over the prepared nut-layered phyllo base, maintaining an even distribution.
  7. Final Baking: Return the pan to the oven, baking for approximately 45-50 minutes until the center exhibits a subtle wobble, indicating perfect custard-like texture.
  8. Cooling Protocol: Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to set completely.
  9. Honey Glaze Finale: Warm honey and drizzle elegantly across the chilled cheesecake surface, creating a lustrous, sweet finish.

Notes

  • Gently handle phyllo sheets to prevent tearing; keep covered with damp cloth while working to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Brush phyllo sheets sparingly with melted butter to avoid soggy crust; use light, even strokes for crispy texture.
  • Chop nuts uniformly for consistent crunch and balanced flavor throughout the cheesecake base.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smooth cheesecake filling, ensuring even mixing and preventing lumps in the batter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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