Combining the rich flavors of baklava with a creamy cheesecake creates a delightful fusion dessert. Here’s a recipe for Baklava Cheesecake
**Ingredients:**
**For the Baklava Layer:**
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 package phyllo dough (16 ounces), thawed
**For the Cheesecake Layer:**
– 4 packages (32 ounces total) cream cheese, softened
– 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
**For the Honey Syrup:**
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
**For the Baklava Layer:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared pan, brush with melted butter, and repeat until you have about 8 layers.
4. Sprinkle a portion of the nut mixture over the phyllo layers.
5. Repeat the process of layering phyllo and nuts until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of phyllo. Remember to brush each phyllo layer with melted butter.
6. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamonds before baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
8. While the baklava is baking, prepare the cheesecake layer.
**For the Cheesecake Layer:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
**For Assembly:**
1. Once the baklava layer is done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Pour the cheesecake batter over the slightly cooled baklava layer in the springform pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.
4. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
**For the Honey Syrup:**
1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
3. Once the cheesecake has chilled, drizzle the honey syrup over the top before serving.
4. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped nuts.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Baklava Cheesecake!
This dessert is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and the nutty, sweet flavors of baklava.
