Introduction
Craving something sweet and unique? These Baklava Cheesecake Bars combine the crunchy, nutty layers of traditional baklava with the creamy richness of cheesecake—all in one easy-to-make treat. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors and modern twists like pistachio baklava cheesecake bars, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or a special night in. If you love fusion desserts, this recipe is your new go-to. Let’s get started!
Key Benefits of Baklava Cheesecake Bars
These Baklava Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of crispy, nutty baklava and creamy cheesecake—easy to make and even easier to love. Here’s why they’re worth trying:
- Simple Yet Impressive: No water bath or complex steps—just layer, bake, and chill.
- Rich Flavor & Texture: Buttery phyllo, spiced nuts, and smooth cream cheese topped with honey syrup.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, family dinners, or as bite-sized baklava cheesecake bites.
- Customizable: Try it with pistachios, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a no bake baklava cheesecake recipe variation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill overnight for clean slices and deeper flavor.
If you’ve been craving a unique treat like those Broma Bakery cheesecake bars, this is your delicious homemade answer.
Baklava Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Phyllo Layers:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough thawed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Nut Filling:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves optional
- 1 tsp orange blossom water or rose water optional
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Honey Syrup:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Nut Mixture: Combine walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and floral water in a bowl.
- Phyllo Layering: Butter and layer 6 sheets of phyllo, add half the nuts, 3 more phyllo sheets, remaining nuts, then top with 3 final buttered sheets.
- Cheesecake Filling: Blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and flour.
- Bake: Pour cheesecake mixture over the layered phyllo and bake for 40–45 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir in rose water.
- Drizzle & Chill: Pour syrup over bars, cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per bar)
-
Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 150mg
-
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 5g
Notes:
- Includes values from cream cheese, butter, phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.
- These bars are rich and indulgent—best enjoyed in moderation!
- Nutrition values are estimates and should not be used for medical purposes.
Ingredients
These Baklava Cheesecake Bars are made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but the results are anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:
Phyllo Layers
- 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Nut Filling
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tsp orange blossom water or rose water (optional, for aroma)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free if halal)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Honey Syrup
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create your own pistachio baklava cheesecake bars recipe that tastes just as good as it looks.
Instructions
Ready to make these unforgettable Baklava Cheesecake Bars? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying this sweet, nutty, and creamy dessert in no time.
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Nut Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- If using, add a splash of orange blossom or rose water for extra aroma. Set the mixture aside.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough
- Carefully lay your first sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter.
- Continue this process until you have a base of 6 buttered sheets.
- Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the top.
- Add 3 more layers of phyllo, brushing each one with butter, followed by the rest of the nuts.
- Finish with 3 more buttered phyllo sheets to top it off.
Tip: Keep your unused phyllo sheets covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
4. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a clean bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is silky and lump-free.
- Crack in the eggs one after the other, stirring gently between each addition until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over your layered phyllo and nuts.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula so every bite gets that creamy goodness.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly golden.
6. Cool and Make the Syrup
- Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and allow the bars to rest on the counter for about 15 minutes.
- As the bars cool, pour the honey, water, and lemon juice into a small pot and place it over medium heat.
- Let the mixture reach a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it bubble away for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Take the syrup off the heat and mix in the rose water if you’ve chosen to use it.
7. Drizzle and Chill
- Slowly pour the warm syrup over the bars so it seeps into every layer.
- Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer the dish to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better.
Once set, slice into clean squares or even mini baklava cheesecake bites for serving. Want to add a finishing touch? Sprinkle with extra crushed pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to make your Baklava Cheesecake Bars even better or add your own twist? Here are some helpful tips and fun variations to make this dessert truly your own:
Pro Tips
- Use a sharp knife for slicing: For clean cuts, chill the bars completely and wipe the knife between slices.
- Keep phyllo dough covered: It dries out quickly—keep it under a damp towel while you work.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling: This keeps the texture creamy and smooth without cracks.
- Chill overnight for best results: The bars set better, and the flavor deepens after a night in the fridge.
Easy Variations
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts on top just before serving for added texture and visual appeal.
Mini Cheesecake Bites: Use a mini muffin tin with phyllo cups to make bite-sized versions—perfect for parties.
Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top after chilling for a chocolate baklava cheesecake vibe.
No-Bake Option: Skip the phyllo and use a cookie crust with a no bake baklava cheesecake recipe for a quicker, summer-friendly dessert.
Nut Switch-Up: Swap in almonds or pecans based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These Baklava Cheesecake Bars aren’t just delicious—they’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, here are a few ways to make the most of every bite:
Serve Chilled for Clean Slices
For the neatest presentation and best texture, serve the bars well chilled. This helps the layers stay firm and the cheesecake filling hold its shape.
Pair with Ice Cream
Wondering what ice cream goes well with baklava? Try serving a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean, pistachio, or cardamom ice cream. The cool, creamy contrast takes it to another level.
Serve with Drinks
Pair with Arabic coffee, mint tea, or even a strong espresso to balance the dessert’s richness.
Make It Mini
Cut into smaller squares or even baklava cheesecake bites for a finger-food dessert at parties or gatherings. You can even use this format for events like Eid, birthdays, or bridal showers.
Add a Finishing Touch
Top with a light chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for extra flair—especially if you’re serving guests.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these Baklava Cheesecake Bars are the answer. They combine the buttery crunch of traditional baklava with the smooth richness of cheesecake—all in a format that’s easy to slice, share, and savor.
From casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and cultural flair. Whether you go classic with pistachios and honey or try fun variations like chocolate baklava cheesecake or mini baklava cheesecake bites, there’s room to make it your own.
Ready to impress with something unique, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing? This is the baklava cheesecake recipe everyone will remember.
FAQs
What ice cream goes well with baklava?
Baklava pairs beautifully with vanilla bean, pistachio, or cardamom ice cream. These flavors enhance the dessert’s nutty, honey-sweet notes without overpowering them.
What is a baklava cheesecake?
A baklava cheesecake is a fusion dessert combining flaky phyllo dough and spiced nuts with a creamy cheesecake layer, often finished with a sweet honey syrup. It blends the richness of cheesecake with the crunch of baklava.
What is the secret to crispy baklava?
The key is to butter each phyllo layer generously and bake until golden. Pouring syrup over the dessert after baking (and not before) helps keep the layers crisp while adding sweetness.
Why were cheesecake bars discontinued?
Some commercial cheesecake bars were discontinued due to production changes or low sales, but the demand for homemade versions—like this Baklava Cheesecake Bars recipe—has only grown thanks to creative spins from home bakers.
What’s the difference between baklava and Turkish baklava?
While both are layered with phyllo, nuts, and syrup, Turkish baklava often uses pistachios, is lighter in syrup, and has more refined layers. Other regional versions might use walnuts or more spices, creating slight variations in flavor and texture.