Pistachio Honey Baklava Cheesecake

Are you ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to an indulgent dessert experience? Introducing the Pistachio Honey Baklava Cheesecake! With a buttery, crisp fillo crust, rich and creamy filling, and honey-kissed pistachios, this dessert marries classic baklava flavors with everyone’s favorite creamy cheesecake. Let’s explore the recipe step by step.

Ingredients

To prepare this luxurious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup salted, roasted, shelled pistachios, divided
• For the Crust:
  • 1 package fillo dough (about 12 sheets)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For Serving:
  • 1/4 cup honey

Directions

Preparing the Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the exterior of a 9-inch springform pan in foil to prevent water leakage.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
   • Add the sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the bowl, and mix thoroughly until everything is combined.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing continuously until each is incorporated before adding the next.
   • Stir in 1 cup of salted, roasted pistachios, which will infuse each bite with nutty, crunchy flavor.

Making the Crust:

3. Thaw and Brush: Thaw the fillo dough, if frozen. Carefully brush each layer with melted butter and stack them together, forming a buttery, flaky crust.
4. Shape the Crust: Place the stacked fillo sheets into the springform pan, carefully pressing them to shape around the bottom and edges. Pour the prepared cheesecake batter into the crust.
5. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining pistachios over the top, adding a crunchy and colorful finish.

Baking Instructions:

6. Water Bath Baking:
   • Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish, and fill the dish with hot water until the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the pan.
   • Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours.
7. Cooling Period: Once baking is complete, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside, allowing it to cool gradually to prevent cracking.
8. Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight or for at least 12 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Before serving, drizzle a generous amount of honey over the chilled cheesecake, letting it cascade down the sides.
• Garnish with more roasted pistachios if desired for extra crunch and flavor.

Important Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 14.5 hours (including chilling)
• Servings: 12
• Kcal per Serving: 520

This Pistachio Honey Baklava Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds—decadent cheesecake and baklava flavors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy each buttery, nutty, and creamy bite!