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Honeyed Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake

Honeyed Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake


  • Author: vitalityrecipes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

Description

Honeyed Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake combines a creamy pistachio cheesecake filling with a buttery cinnamon graham cracker crust and a baklava-inspired topping of toasted pistachios, walnuts and warm honey syrup. It’s rich, nutty, sweet and beautifully finished with a hint of lemon and optional orange zest.


Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup finely ground pistachios

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp melted butter

1/3 cup honey

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp orange zest, optional


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly.

3. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, finely ground pistachios, cinnamon and salt until just combined.

4. Pour the pistachio cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.

5. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set while the centre still has a slight wobble.

6. Turn off the oven, crack the door open and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

7. Combine the chopped pistachios, walnuts, cinnamon and melted butter. Spread the mixture over a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for about 6–8 minutes, until fragrant. Set aside and allow the nut mixture to cool.

8. Add the honey and fresh lemon juice to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until combined. Stir in the orange zest if using, then remove from the heat.

9. Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Generously sprinkle the toasted pistachio and walnut mixture over the top. Drizzle the warm honey syrup over the nuts and cheesecake.

10. Allow the honey topping to settle for a few minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into neat slices. Serve chilled or allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese before mixing to help create a smooth filling.

Add the eggs one at a time and mix gently to avoid overmixing.

The centre should still have a slight wobble when the cheesecake comes out of the oven.

Leave the cheesecake in the switched-off oven with the door cracked open for 30 minutes so it cools gradually.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before adding the topping and slicing.

Watch the pistachios and walnuts closely while toasting so they become fragrant without overbrowning.

The cheesecake can be prepared ahead because it needs several hours of chilling.

The recipe uses shelled pistachios and does not specify removing their skins.

Orange zest is optional and can be left out of the honey syrup.

Serve the cheesecake chilled or allow it to sit briefly at room temperature for a slightly softer texture.

Extra orange zest or fresh pistachios can be used as a finishing touch.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American