Ingredients
For the crust:
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (95 g) powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (120 g) chopped pistachios
For the filling:
24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but delicious)
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
For the baklava topping:
1 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust:
In a bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt until creamy. Add flour and mix just until combined. Fold in chopped pistachios.
Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
Make the cheesecake filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, orange zest, and heavy cream.
Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 55–65 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare baklava topping:
Mix pistachios and cinnamon together. Brush one sheet of phyllo with melted butter, sprinkle with nut mixture, and repeat layering until all sheets are used. Bake on a parchment-lined tray at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until crisp and golden.
Make honey syrup:
In a small saucepan, heat honey, water, and lemon juice until simmering. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble:
Break the baked phyllo into shards and arrange them on top of the chilled cheesecake. Drizzle generously with warm honey syrup and sprinkle with extra pistachios.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy this stunning fusion of creamy cheesecake and crunchy baklava layers!
Would you like me to give you a make-ahead version (great for parties or holidays)?
Baklava Pistachio Cheesecake
