Luscious Middle Eastern Magic

As seen on: Delicious Dessert Recipes

Get ready for an over-the-top sweet treat. Creamy cheesecake cozies up to honey-soaked baklava layers, then gets showered with crunchy pistachios and a memorable honey syrup.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:56:02 GMT
A beautiful wedge showing thin crispy layers, smooth filling, and glossy sweet topping, all sprinkled with pistachios on a moody plate. Save this
A beautiful wedge showing thin crispy layers, smooth filling, and glossy sweet topping, all sprinkled with pistachios on a moody plate. | emilyscooks.com

Here’s my absolute favorite Honey Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake! It’s packed with creamy cheesecake goodness and that awesome sweet nut crunch you get from baklava. The way layers of flaky phyllo mix with roasted pistachios around smooth cheesecake? It’s unreal. Top it all with honey syrup and you’ve got a bite that’s pure joy.

Irresistible Mix of Classics

This one stands out because it mashes up two treats everyone loves. Tangy cheesecake gets cozy with a sweet pistachio-honey top and crispy phyllo for a killer crunchy bite. I whip this up whenever I wanna impress friends especially if there’s coffee or tea on the table.

Gather What You Need

  • For The Base:
    • Thawed phyllo kept overnight in the fridge
    • Pistachios chopped up bright and fine
    • Butter melted for brushing
    • A dash of cinnamon
  • For The Creamy Center:
    • Cream cheese softened all the way
    • Granulated sugar
    • Eggs brought to room temp
    • Yogurt or sour cream for a tangy kick
    • Honey for a sweet swirl
    • Lemon juice squeezed fresh
    • Extra cinnamon ground up
Slice showing creamy center with caramel on top and pistachio bits layered over a crisp base. Save this
Slice showing creamy center with caramel on top and pistachio bits layered over a crisp base. | emilyscooks.com

Building The Crunchy Layer

Layer Up The Phyllo:
Lay out your phyllo in the pan smearing each with butter keep the sheets damp so they don’t dry out.
Pile On The Pistachios:
Toss cinnamon into the pistachios scatter that mix between the sheets then end with a phyllo top.
Bake Round One:
Pop it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes so it turns golden and crunchy let it cool before adding more.

Make That Filling

Whip It Up:
Beat your cream cheese until it fluffs up add in sugar eggs yogurt and vanilla and keep going.
Stay Airy And Smooth:
Stir gently don’t overmix scrape down sides so it all looks even.
Time To Bake Again:
Wrap the pan with foil nest it in a water bath and pour this smooth mix right in.

Finishing Touches

Bake Nice And Slow:
Keep the oven to 300°F and bake until the middle just wiggles a bit.
Sweeten It Up:
Simmer honey water and lemon then pour this warm stuff over the top.
Show It Off:
More pistachios for garnish pop it in the fridge to chill until firm.

Easy Slicing And Storing

If you want perfect slices just use a knife dipped in hot water and clean it between cuts. Stash this beauty in the fridge it’ll last about four days. You can even wrap up single pieces and freeze them then let 'em thaw when you’re craving a slice.

Common Questions

→ What stops phyllo from drying out?

Lay a wet towel on the stack as you work, and coat every single layer with butter so it stays soft and doesn't crack.

→ Is it okay to swap the nuts?

Totally! Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds will all work instead of pistachios.

→ Cheesecake cracked—how can I fix it?

Use a water bath while baking, and don't rush the cooling. If you do get a crack or two, just pile on some toppings to cover them up.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

You bet—make it a day or two early. Just wait until just before digging in to top with honey.

→ What's Greek yogurt for?

It gives your cake tangy flavor and helps keep it fluffy. If you don't have it, sour cream is fine too.

Baklava Delight

Flaky phyllo and loads of nuts surround creamy cheesecake for a dessert that's both rich and crispy.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
95 Minutes
Overall Time
125 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Advanced

Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern

Makes: 12 Portions (12)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items Some extra honey to drizzle on top.
02 items A splash of rosewater.
03 items 1 tbsp lemon juice.
04 items 1 cup honey.
05 items 1 cup chopped pistachios, unsalted.
06 items 250g Greek yogurt or sour cream.
07 items 3 large eggs, left out until not cold.
08 items 1 tbsp cornstarch.
09 items 1 tbsp lemon juice.
10 items 1 tbsp grated lemon peel.
11 items 2 tsp vanilla extract.
12 items Small pinch salt.
13 items 1 cup white sugar.
14 items 500g cream cheese, soft.
15 items 2 tbsp melted butter.
16 items 1/4 tsp salt.
17 items 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
18 items 1 cup roasted almonds.
19 items 1 cup roasted walnuts.
20 items 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted.
21 items 10 phyllo dough sheets, thawed out.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Pile on those pistachios and pour the honey mixture right over.

Step 02

Let everything chill out and cool down fully.

Step 03

Pop in the oven for 45 minutes till it looks golden. Turn heat off but let it hang out in there for another 50 minutes.

Step 04

Blend in eggs one at a time, then gently mix in the yogurt or sour cream. Pour this over the nuts you spread earlier.

Step 05

Whip together cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla, cornstarch, and lemon stuff till you don’t see lumps.

Step 06

Throw nuts, salt, and cinnamon into a food processor. Add in the butter after pulsing to chunky bits. Scatter on top of your phyllo.

Step 07

Stack phyllo sheets in your pan, brushing each with butter. Tidy up the edges, then bake for a dozen minutes till brownish.

Step 08

Switch oven to 350°F. Get an 8–10 inch springform ready with parchment paper.

Extra Notes

  1. While you work, keep phyllo under a damp towel or it’ll dry fast.
  2. Feel free to swap in any favorite nuts as a topper.
  3. Put your pan in a tray of water when baking—this keeps cracks away.
  4. Tastes best nice and cold.

Essential Tools

  • Springform pan.
  • Food processor.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Tree nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts.
  • Contains wheat and gluten.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat Content: 28 grams
  • Total Carbs: 42 grams
  • Protein Content: 9 grams