Discover the exquisite blend of Middle Eastern and Western desserts with this Cheesecake Baklava, a unique creation that marries the crisp, buttery layers of filo pastry with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. Infused with the delicate flavors of pistachios, vanilla, and a hint of citrus, this dessert offers a sophisticated twist on traditional favorites, making it a true culinary masterpiece.
Why You'll Love This: This recipe stands out due to its innovative combination of textures and flavors. The crunch of pistachio and the light, flaky layers of filo pastry contrast beautifully with the dense, creamy filling of the cheesecake. The addition of mascarpone and crème fraîche enriches the filling, providing a luxurious mouthfeel, while the lemon zest or vanilla adds a refreshing note that cuts through the richness.
Perfect Occasion: Cheesecake Baklava is perfect for festive occasions, cultural celebrations, or as a show-stopping dessert at dinner parties. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to impress guests with something uniquely delicious and visually appealing. Serve it at gatherings where you wish to celebrate culinary diversity and innovation.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the visual appeal, sprinkle the top with finely chopped pistachios and perhaps a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a festive touch, edible gold leaf can be added for an opulent finish. Drizzling a little honey over the top before serving can also amplify the baklava vibes and add to its decadence.
Ingredients:
- For the base:
- 1 package of filo pastry
- Melted butter
- 200g crushed pistachios
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 150g crème fraîche
- 80g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100g heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or corn flour)
- Vanilla extract or lemon zest
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 20cm cake pan by greasing it lightly.
- Prepare the base: Lay out the filo pastry sheets, brushing each with melted butter before layering the next. Sprinkle the top layer with a mixture of crushed pistachios and powdered sugar, then press gently to form a crust.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, crème fraîche, sugar, eggs, heavy cream, cornstarch, and vanilla or lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared filo base.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cheesecake baklava to cool in the pan before removing. Once cooled, slice and serve.
Enjoy this Cheesecake Baklava, where every bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a creamy, sumptuous mouthful, perfect for any dessert aficionado looking to explore a fusion of flavors!