Honey Baklava Cheesecake

Honey Baklava Cheesecake

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Base:

   • Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and honey until well combined.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan. Set aside.

3. Layer the Baklava Phyllo:

   • In a bowl, combine chopped nuts and ground cinnamon.
   • Place a sheet of phyllo dough over the graham cracker crust, brushing with melted butter. Repeat with 6-8 layers, brushing each with butter.
   • Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
   • Repeat with another 6-8 layers of phyllo, buttering between each, and top with the remaining nuts. Add another 6-8 layers of buttered phyllo on top.

4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the vanilla and sour cream.
   • Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared baklava layers.

5. Bake the Cheesecake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
   • Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Prepare the Honey Syrup:

   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, lemon juice, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the syrup cool.

7. Assemble the Dessert:

   • Drizzle the honey syrup generously over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring the syrup soaks into the top layers of phyllo.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with additional chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Conclusion

Honey Baklava Cheesecake is a dessert masterpiece that combines the best of both worlds—cheesecake’s creamy richness and baklava’s crunchy, nutty sweetness. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it a memorable treat for any occasion. Enjoy this show-stopping dessert with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate indulgence!