If you love the idea of creamy cheesecake meeting the crunchy, nutty delight of baklava, then you are going to absolutely adore this Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It combines the best of both worlds in one irresistible dessert, featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough, smooth cheesecake filling, and a golden, honey-kissed nut topping. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these bars bring a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the flaky phyllo dough providing that signature crunch to the rich, creamy cheesecake filling, every component works in delicious tandem.

Phyllo dough (about 16 oz), thawed: This delicate, paper-thin pastry forms the flaky, buttery crust that’s essential to the baklava experience.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): Butter is key for brushing the phyllo layers and for coating the nut topping, boosting richness and crispness.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1 cup): A sprinkle in the crust and sweetness in the cheesecake filling balance the flavors perfectly.
Cream cheese, softened (3 packages, 8 oz each): This creates the smooth and creamy body of the cheesecake bars.
Eggs (3 large): They bind the cheesecake filling while adding structure and richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, warm aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Contributes a slight tang and extra creaminess to the filling.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Helps ensure the cheesecake stays moist and velvety.
Mixed nuts (1 1/2 cups): A combination of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds coarsely chopped for that authentic baklava crunch.
Honey (1/4 cup): Sweetens the nut topping and gives it that classic, sticky baklava glaze.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Spices up the nut topping with warm, aromatic notes essential to baklava’s character.

How to Make Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch pan or lining it with parchment paper to make removal easier. This step sets the foundation for your bars. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it generously with melted butter. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for added sweetness, repeating this layering process until you’ve used about 10-12 sheets. This layering will give your crust its signature flaky, buttery texture once baked.

Step 2: Bake the Phyllo Crust

Pop the prepared crust in the oven and bake it for 10-12 minutes or until it’s perfectly golden and crispy. This pre-baking step is critical to avoid soggy crust later on. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you move on to the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and creamy, about three minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream to give your cheesecake filling that luxuriously smooth and rich texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the luscious cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled phyllo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake it at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set with a slight jiggle in the center—this ensures it stays creamy without overbaking.

Step 5: Cool and Chill the Cheesecake

After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour. This slow cooling prevents cracks and keeps the texture silky. Then transfer the cheesecake to your fridge and chill it for at least four hours or overnight, which really helps it set perfectly for slicing into bars.

Step 6: Prepare the Baklava Topping

Combine the coarsely chopped mixed nuts with melted butter, honey, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Stir them well to evenly coat the nuts with this sweet, spiced mixture that will add the classic baklava crunch on top.

Step 7: Add the Topping and Serve

Once chilled, spread the nut topping evenly over the cheesecake surface. Slice into bars and serve chilled. The combination of creamy filling, crisp phyllo crust, and crunchy honey-nut topping results in a unique dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

How to Serve Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light drizzle of extra honey or a dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully for a little shine and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a few crushed pistachios sprinkled on top also elevate the presentation and flavor, adding a pop of color and freshness to each bar.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cup of strong, rich coffee or a spiced tea like chai to complement their sweetness. A small bowl of fresh berries on the side can add a refreshing tartness that balances the richness of the bars superbly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert platter, arrange the Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe squares on a decorative tray with nuts and cinnamon sticks scattered around. You can also layer them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios in individual dessert glasses for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy them well into the week without losing any of their charm or flavor.

Freezing

These cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their creamy texture.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer them slightly warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it could affect the texture of the cheesecake.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought mixed nuts or should I chop them myself?

While store-bought mixed nuts are convenient, coarsely chopping your own nuts ensures a better texture and more evenly distributed crunch in the topping, which really elevates this dish.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Since traditional phyllo dough contains gluten, swapping it would be tricky. However, you might experiment with gluten-free phyllo alternatives or using a nut-based crust to keep the spirit of the recipe alive.

Can I prepare the nut topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the nut topping a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before spreading it over the cheesecake bars.

What makes this recipe different from regular cheesecake or baklava?

This recipe is a delightful fusion that combines the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the flaky layers and sweet, nutty topping of baklava, creating a unique texture and flavor experience you won’t get from either dessert alone.

Do I need to thaw the phyllo dough before using?

Absolutely, phyllo dough should be thawed according to the package instructions to prevent cracking and tearing as you layer it in your pan.

Final Thoughts

With its golden layers, creamy center, and crunchy nut topping, this Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a dessert that’s truly meant to be shared. Whether you make it for family gatherings, special celebrations, or just a cozy weekend treat, it’s bound to become a new favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire!

Baklava Cheesecake Bars Recipe

4.1 from 40 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Baklava Cheesecake Bars combine the flaky, buttery layers of phyllo dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a sweet and crunchy baklava-inspired nut mixture. This decadent dessert offers a delightful fusion of classic Greek pastries and smooth cheesecake, perfect for any special occasion or an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Phyllo Crust

1 package phyllo dough (about 16 oz), thawed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Baklava Topping

1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), coarsely chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bars come out cleanly after baking.
Layer Phyllo Dough: Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared pan and brush it generously with melted butter. Sprinkle a little sugar over it. Repeat this process layering about 10-12 sheets, each brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar, creating a thick, buttery crust.
Bake the Phyllo Crust: Bake the layered phyllo dough in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until it turns golden brown and becomes crispy. Remove and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step is key for a silky cheesecake texture.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure smoothness. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until everything is well combined and smooth.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled phyllo crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, ensuring a creamy middle.
Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
Prepare Baklava Topping: In a small bowl, mix the coarsely chopped nuts with melted butter, honey, and ground cinnamon. Toss until the nuts are well coated with the sweet mixture.
Add the Topping: Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, spread the nut mixture evenly over the top to create the signature baklava crunch and flavor.
Serve: Slice the cheesecake into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the lush creaminess combined with the crisp, nutty topping for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

Ensure the phyllo dough stays covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before cutting the bars.
You can substitute mixed nuts with your favorite variety or add a handful of chopped dried fruit for extra texture.
These bars keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make sure to chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor development.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek-American