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Baklava Cheesecake Bars – Easy & Irresistible Dessert

Baklava Cheesecake Bars – Easy & Irresistible Dessert


Description

If you love baklava and cheesecake, you’re in for a treat! These Heavenly Baklava Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, nutty flavors of traditional Middle Eastern baklava with the smooth, creamy texture of classic New York-style cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake layer, crispy phyllo sheets, and a drizzle of honey syrup, this dessert is an absolute showstopper!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Baklava Layer:

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup chopped pistachios
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 sheets phyllo dough
  • ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)

For the Honey Syrup:

  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
 In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
 Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
 Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

 In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
 Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
 Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
 Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Baklava Nut Mixture

 In a small bowl, mix chopped walnuts, pistachios, and cinnamon.
 Set aside for layering on top of the phyllo dough.

Step 4: Layer the Phyllo Dough

 Lay one sheet of phyllo dough over the cheesecake layer.
 Brush lightly with melted butter.
 Repeat with the remaining 7 sheets, brushing each layer with butter.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Nut Mixture & Bake

 Evenly sprinkle the prepared nut mixture over the top phyllo layer.
 Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and set.

Step 6: Make the Honey Syrup

 While the bars are baking, heat honey, lemon juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat.
 Stir until well combined and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Add the Honey Syrup & Cool

 Once the bars are done baking, immediately drizzle the warm honey syrup over the top.
 Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth cheesecake filling with no lumps.
Keep Phyllo Dough Covered: Phyllo dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp towel while working.
Brush Phyllo Sheets Generously with Butter: This helps achieve the classic crispy, flaky texture.
Let the Bars Cool Completely: This helps the cheesecake set properly before slicing.