Honey Pistachio Inspired Baklava Cheesecake 🍯🥜🍰

Transform your dessert experience with this luscious fusion of creamy cheesecake and flaky baklava! Perfect for special gatherings or a sweet treat just for you! ✨😋

✅️ Ingredients:

- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup sour cream

- 4 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup honey, divided

- 2 cups finely chopped pistachios, divided

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/2 cup crushed phyllo dough

✅️ Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare your cooking area by gathering all your ingredients.

2. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until it's crumbly and cohesive. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a solid crust.

3. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. 

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Next, mix in the sour cream until smooth.

5. Gently fold in 1 cup of the finely chopped pistachios into the cream cheese mixture, and then pour this delightful mix over the prepared crust in the springform pan.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but a slight jiggle in the center is perfectly fine.

7. While the cheesecake bakes, prepare the baklava topping. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey, water, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for several minutes until thickened into a syrup.

8. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed phyllo dough with the remaining 1 cup of chopped pistachios. Drizzle this mixture with some honey syrup for added flavor and toss to coat.

9. Once the cheesecake has finished baking, let it cool completely. Spread the baklava topping evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer.

10. Finish by drizzling any remaining honey over the top and garnishing with whole pistachios for that beautiful presentation.

11. Refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Nutritional Information: Approximately 530 kcal per serving; serves 12.

Time: Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Chill time: 4 hours