Description
Creamy pistachio honey baklava cheesecake blends Middle Eastern dessert traditions with classic cheesecake. Rich layers of nutty pistachios, sweet honey, and smooth cream cheese create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 oz (907 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 package fillo dough, about 12 sheets
- 1 ⅓ cups (200 g) pistachios, salted, roasted, shelled, divided
- ½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey, for serving
Instructions
- Fillo Preparation: Carefully unroll fillo dough, keeping layers delicate and pristine. Meticulously brush each translucent sheet with melted butter, creating multiple layers for a crisp, golden foundation.
- Crust Formation: Press the buttered fillo layers into a springform pan, allowing edges to climb slightly, forming an elegant, textured rim that will cradle the creamy filling.
- Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth, eliminating any potential lumps. Blend in honey, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream until achieving a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Batter Development: Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, maintaining the batter’s delicate structure. Fold in most of the chopped pistachios, reserving some for a decorative garnish.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the pistachio-infused batter into the fillo crust, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle remaining pistachios on top. Position the springform pan in a water bath and bake in a preheated oven at a gentle temperature for approximately two hours.
- Cooling and Setting: After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent surface cracking. Refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become perfectly creamy and set.
Notes
- Handle Fillo Dough with Care: Treat the delicate fillo sheets like precious tissue paper, working slowly and gently to prevent tearing or breaking during preparation.
- Butter is Your Friend: Generously brush each fillo layer with melted butter to create a crispy, golden foundation that adds rich flavor and structural integrity to the cheesecake.
- Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Use a water bath and gradual cooling technique to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface and creamy texture throughout the dessert.
- Pistachio Power: Toast chopped pistachios briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 457
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 284 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg