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- 1 cup crushed phyllo dough - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup water - Extra nuts for garnish (optional) To make Baklava Cheesecake Bars, you need a few key ingredients. First, crushed phyllo dough gives the bars a crunchy base. You will blend this with melted unsalted butter to create a rich crust. Next, use finely chopped walnuts and pistachios to add texture and flavor. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice to the mix. For the creamy filling, soften cream cheese before combining it with granulated sugar. This mix adds sweetness and a smooth texture. You will also need large eggs to help set the cheesecake. Vanilla extract and Greek yogurt will enhance the flavor and creaminess. Finally, make a sweet honey syrup with honey and water. Drizzling this over the bars adds a sticky, sweet finish. Optional garnishes can include extra nuts for a lovely touch and extra crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging for easy removal later. 2. Create the phyllo crust. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed phyllo dough and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Make sure it is even and tightly packed. 3. Prepare the nut mixture. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of finely chopped pistachios, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the phyllo crust. 1. Mix the cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. 2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. Make sure everything is well combined. 3. Pour the filling over the crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. 1. Top with nuts and bake. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the cream cheese filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the center jiggles slightly. 2. Make the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, mix 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of water. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Set it aside to cool. 3. Cool and cut the bars. Once the cheesecake is done baking, let it cool completely in the pan. Drizzle the honey syrup over the top while it's still warm. This helps the syrup soak in. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Finally, lift out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or bars. To get the best texture, keep an eye on the baking time. Bake these bars for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the edges set, while the center should still jiggle slightly. This keeps them creamy and rich. Avoid overbaking. If you leave them in too long, they become dry. Check a few minutes before the timer goes off. Trust me; a little jiggling is good! Adding spices can boost the flavor. Try a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or cardamom for a twist. Vanilla extract also adds depth; use a high-quality brand for the best taste. You can customize the nuts in your bars. If you love almonds, swap them for walnuts. Pecans also work well. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To make your bars look nice, serve them on a pretty platter. Top with chopped nuts for crunch and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. This adds a nice touch and makes them more appealing. For extra flair, sprinkle some cinnamon on top. You can also add fresh mint leaves for color. These little details make your Baklava Cheesecake Bars shine! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your cream cheese and yogurt are fresh. This will enhance the creaminess and overall taste of your cheesecake bars. Perfect the Phyllo Crust: When pressing the phyllo dough, ensure it's tightly packed to prevent it from becoming too crumbly after baking. A firm crust will hold the filling better. Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to set in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes! Additional chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make gluten-free Baklava Cheesecake Bars. Instead of phyllo dough, use gluten-free pastry dough. This swap keeps your crust crispy and delicious. For a dairy-free option, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. You can also use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. These changes let everyone enjoy this treat. You can switch up the nuts in this recipe. Try using almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts and pistachios. Each nut brings a unique taste. For a fruity twist, add fresh berries or sliced peaches to the cream cheese layer. You can also try adding orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor. These bars go well with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. For a touch of elegance, plate them with fresh mint leaves. You can also drizzle extra honey on top for sweetness. Try serving them at parties for a delightful treat that will impress your guests. To keep your Baklava Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. If you plan to eat them later, you can freeze them. Cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay safe and won’t get freezer burn. How long do Baklava Cheesecake Bars last? When stored in the fridge, they can last up to one week. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before eating. To enjoy your Baklava Cheesecake Bars warm, reheat them gently. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the texture creamy and delicious. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bars too soft or soggy. Enjoy your sweet treat! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend. What’s the best way to cut chewy cheesecake bars? Use a sharp knife. Dip it in hot water and wipe it dry. This helps make clean cuts. How can I make my cheesecake bars less sweet? You can reduce the sugar. Try cutting it by a quarter cup. Adding more Greek yogurt also helps balance the sweetness. Is it normal for my cheesecake to jiggle? Yes, it is. A slight jiggle in the center shows it is not overbaked. The bars will firm up as they cool. Can I substitute Greek yogurt? Yes, you can use sour cream instead. It gives a similar tangy flavor and smooth texture. What can I use instead of phyllo dough? You can use crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies. They make a tasty base for your bars. What should I do if my cheesecake cracks? If it cracks, don’t worry! You can cover it with toppings like nuts or honey. This hides the cracks. How can I tell when cheesecake is done baking? Check the edges. They should be set while the center is still slightly jiggly. This means it is done. You learned the key ingredients for Baklava Cheesecake Bars. We covered preparation, filling, and baking steps. Tips shared help ensure perfect texture and flavor. You now know how to store leftovers and answer common questions. These bars are fun to make and share. With your new skills, impress your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creation! Happy baking!

Baklava Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a baklava-inspired crust and topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup crushed phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • to taste extra nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine crushed phyllo dough and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust, ensuring it’s tightly packed.
  • In another bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, chopped pistachios, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this nut mixture over the phyllo crust.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until well combined.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with the remaining nut mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
  • While the cheesecake is baking, in a small saucepan, combine honey and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Drizzle the honey syrup over the top while it's still warm so it seeps into the bars.
  • Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Then lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or bars.

Notes

Serve the cheesecake bars on a decorative platter, garnished with extra chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Keyword baklava, bars, cheesecake, dessert