Embrace the autumn season with our Autumn-Inspired Baklava Cheesecake, a dessert that perfectly combines the richness of cheesecake with the nutty, spiced flavors of baklava. This cheesecake features a unique baklava crust and topping, filled with a creamy cinnamon-infused cheesecake layer. The combination of crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and a delicate filo pastry adds a delightful texture and warmth, making it an ideal dessert for cooler weather. Topped with a sweet cinnamon syrup and additional walnuts, this cheesecake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of autumn's cozy ambiance.
Ingredients:
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 600g cream cheese
- 100g sour cream
- 170g sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (or 4 small)
- For the Baklava Crust:
- 1 package filo pastry sheets
- 175g melted butter
- 150g crushed walnuts
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 50 crushed digestive biscuits
- For the Baklava Top:
- 150g baklava filo sheets
- 100g finely crushed walnuts
- 50g finely crushed biscuits
- 100g melted butter
- For the Syrup:
- 150g sugar
- 170ml water
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream together cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla by hand.
- Whisk in eggs until homogeneous. Set aside.
- Make Baklava Crust:
- Preheat oven to 165°C (329°F). Line a 22 cm springform pan with parchment paper.
- Layer filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter. After 8-10 layers, add crushed walnuts, cinnamon, powdered sugar, and biscuits.
- Repeat layering with filo sheets and butter.
- Pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- Pour cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes with a bowl of water in the oven for steam. Cool in the oven for 20 minutes, then refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare Baklava Top:
- Mix crushed nuts and biscuits.
- Layer filo sheets in a springform, brushing with butter and adding nut mixture halfway.
- Cut into desired pieces and bake as you did the crust.
- Make Syrup:
- Combine sugar, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook for 20 minutes and cool until warm.
- Assemble Cheesecake:
- Place the baked baklava top onto the cheesecake.
- Pour warm syrup over and sprinkle with walnuts.
Enjoy this Autumn-Inspired Baklava Cheesecake, a perfect fusion of two classic desserts, offering a delightful array of textures and flavors that embody the essence of autumn. 🍂🍰🌰✨