Ultimate Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake – Ready in 1 H

This honey pistachio baklava cheesecake is what dessert dreams are made of — flaky, golden phyllo layered with cinnamon-spiced pistachios, all wrapped around a rich honey cheesecake. Finished with a sticky-sweet syrup and extra honey drizzle, it’s decadent, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. This is the recipe I pull out when I want to wow every guest at the table. One bite, and they’re hooked. 😍🍯

💌 Craving more Middle Eastern-inspired desserts?

Why You’ll Love This Baklava Cheesecake

Imagine your favorite creamy cheesecake hugged by crisp, buttery layers of baklava. Add a drizzle of lemony honey syrup and you’ve got a dessert that feels like a celebration. Sweet, tangy, nutty, and rich — this is a true showstopper.

Taste & Texture: Creamy cheesecake with a flaky, nutty, honey-soaked crust
Smell: Buttered phyllo, toasted pistachio, warm cinnamon, and floral honey
Perfect For: Holidays, dinner parties, weddings, or impressing guests

Ingredients List

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For the Baklava Crust & Layers:

• 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1½ cups unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Honey Syrup:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• 9-inch springform pan
• Pastry brush
• Food processor or knife for nuts
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Prepare Baklava Base:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Brush your springform pan with melted butter.
2. Combine pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Layer 6–8 sheets of phyllo in the pan, brushing each sheet with butter as you go.
4. Sprinkle ⅓ of the nut mixture. Add 4 more buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat layering nuts and phyllo two more times (ending with phyllo).
5. Trim excess phyllo and gently press the layers into the base and sides.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

6. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
7. Add honey, eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Beat just until combined.
8. Pour into the phyllo crust and smooth the top.

Bake:

9. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
10. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool for 1 hour. Then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make Honey Syrup:

11. In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
12. Cool completely, then drizzle over chilled cheesecake just before serving. Add extra honey if desired.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent drying
• Use unsalted pistachios for best flavor control
• Chill the cheesecake fully before adding syrup — it intensifies flavor and texture
• Serve with extra chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey for presentation

What to Serve With It

This luxurious cheesecake pairs perfectly with:

• Turkish coffee or mint tea
• A glass of dessert wine or champagne
• Fresh berries on the side

More elegant desserts to try:

• Rose Pistachio Layer Cake
• Cardamom Basbousa Semolina Cake
• Honey Orange Polenta Cake

Storage Instructions

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• Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices, well-wrapped, up to 2 months
• Room Temp: Not recommended due to dairy

General Information

This recipe is inspired by Greek-Turkish-Middle Eastern flavors and fuses the flaky beauty of baklava with the creaminess of a traditional American cheesecake. It’s surprisingly straightforward, yet jaw-droppingly good.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well — or a combination.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s best made a day ahead for full flavor and structure.

What if my phyllo cracks?
No stress — the layers hide imperfections. Just butter and layer generously!

Conclusion

This Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake is rich, flaky, and wildly delicious — a mash-up of two iconic desserts in one unforgettable slice. Whether you serve it on Eid, Thanksgiving, or a birthday table, expect it to vanish fast. 🥰 If you bake it, share your stunning slice on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your creation!

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