Description
These Baklava Cheesecake Bars combine the rich and creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the nutty, honeyed layers of traditional baklava. Featuring a crispy graham cracker crust topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and a spiced nutty baklava topping, finished with a warm honey syrup glaze, they’re a decadent dessert perfect for Middle Eastern-inspired flavor lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust and baklava layer:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup honey
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the syrup topping:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the crust and baklava layer: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Then, in another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, and honey. Spread this nut mixture evenly over the crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate thoroughly. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor. Pour the cheesecake batter over the nut layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly and the edges begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven once done carefully.
- Prepare the syrup topping: While the bars bake, combine honey, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
- Finish and chill: As soon as you remove the cheesecake bars from the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over the top to soak in while still warm. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours to set properly before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts and pistachios over the top before serving.
- These bars can be prepared one day in advance and tend to develop even richer flavors after chilling overnight.
- Use parchment paper to make removal from the pan easy and clean.
- If preferred, substitute pistachios with almonds for a different nutty profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
