✨ Creamy Baklava Cheesecake Bars

 

✨ Creamy Baklava Cheesecake Bars

There’s something truly special about desserts that combine two beloved classics into one unforgettable treat. These Baklava Cheesecake Bars bring together the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the crispy, golden layers and sweet nutty syrup of traditional baklava. Every bite offers the perfect balance between crunchy phyllo pastry, smooth velvety cheesecake filling, and a sweet aromatic syrup that soaks into the layers beautifully.

This dessert is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress guests with something unique and elegant. Despite how luxurious and bakery-style it looks, the recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the creamy filling makes it irresistible, while the nut topping adds texture and a delicious toasted flavor.

If you love desserts that are rich, creamy, slightly crunchy, and perfectly sweet, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Serve it chilled for the best texture and enjoy a dessert that feels both comforting and special.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Base & Top Layers:

• 16 sheets phyllo dough
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 500 g (about 2 cups) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Nut Topping:

• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or mixed nuts

For the Syrup:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add honey, lemon juice, and rose water.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

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2️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla, heavy cream, and cornstarch.
4. Set aside.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Layers

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush a baking dish with butter.
3. Place 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing butter between each layer.
4. Pour cheesecake filling evenly over the phyllo base.
5. Add remaining 8 phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.

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4️⃣ Bake

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
2. Remove from oven and immediately pour cooled syrup over the hot dessert.
3. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

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5️⃣ Chill & Serve

1. Let cool completely.
2. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
3. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

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💡 Tips

✔ Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working so it doesn’t dry out.
✔ Pour syrup while dessert is hot for best absorption.
✔ Chill well for clean slices and better flavor.

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