What Is Baklava Cheesecake?

Baklava Cheesecake is a show-stopping hybrid dessert that brings together two iconic favorites:

• Crispy, buttery phyllo pastry
• Warm spiced walnut filling
• Silky honey-sweetened cheesecake

The result is a perfectly balanced bite—crunchy, creamy, aromatic, and beautifully festive.

A Beautiful Centerpiece for the Holidays

This cheesecake isn’t just delicious—it’s a visual masterpiece.

Layered with golden phyllo, topped with sugared cranberries and frosted rosemary sprigs, it shines as the centerpiece of any holiday tablescape.

Its elegant look makes it perfect for:

• Christmas dessert tables
• Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving gatherings
• Holiday parties
• Winter celebrations and potlucks

It photographs beautifully for Pinterest, Instagram, and your HighCooking store.

Why You’ll Love This Baklava Cheesecake

• Combines the best of baklava + rich cheesecake in one show-stopping dessert.
• The crispy phyllo crust adds beautiful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Naturally sweetened with honey for deep flavor.
• A perfect holiday dessert with rosemary-cranberry sparkle.
• Guaranteed to impress guests and photograph beautifully for your food content.

The Flavors You Can Expect

Every slice delivers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors:

• Crisp phyllo for that signature baklava crunch
• Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
• Honey-infused cheesecake for natural sweetness
• Creamy mascarpone and cream cheese base
• Bright, sparkly cranberries for a tart holiday contrast

It’s indulgent yet balanced, rich yet not overly sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Baklava Cheesecake stands out because:

• It uses phyllo dough instead of a traditional graham crust for a unique twist
• The spiced walnut layer adds depth and texture
• The use of honey creates a luxurious Middle Eastern-inspired sweetness
• The garnish is simple but stunning, elevating the dessert instantly
• It’s a make-ahead dessert, ideal for busy holiday schedules

It brings cultural warmth, nostalgic flavors, and modern elegance into one dessert your guests will remember.

Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert

This cheesecake must chill overnight, making it:

• Stress-free
• Party-ready
• Perfect for hosting

Prepare it the day before, add the sugared garnish before serving, and enjoy a flawless, festive presentation.

Who Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for:

• Cheesecake lovers
• Baklava lovers
• Foodies looking for a unique holiday dessert
• Anyone hosting festive gatherings
• Pinterest and Instagram creators seeking gorgeous dessert shots

If you enjoy desserts that are comforting, elegant, and packed with flavor, this will become a new favorite.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Phyllo Crust

• 12 sheets phyllo dough (14×9-in.)
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground allspice

Cheesecake Filling

• 2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 carton (8 oz) mascarpone cheese
• ⅔ cup honey
• ¼ cup 2% milk
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

Garnish

• 3 Tbsp light corn syrup
• 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
• ¼ cup sugar, divided
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed & patted dry

How to Make Baklava Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Phyllo Crust

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Grease a 9-in. springform pan and lay 1 sheet of phyllo inside, pressing onto the bottom and up the sides. Brush lightly with melted butter.

Layer the remaining sheets, brushing each one with butter and rotating slightly so the corners stagger.

Tip: Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

Place the springform pan on a 15×10×1-in. baking tray.

2. Add the Spiced Walnut Layer

In a small bowl, combine:

• walnuts
• sugar
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• allspice

Sprinkle this mixture over the bottom of the phyllo crust.

Bake 5–7 minutes, until edges are lightly golden (the sides may puff).

Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and mascarpone on low until smooth (avoid over-beating).

Mix in:

• honey
• milk
• flour

Add eggs and beat on low until just combined.

Pour filling into the phyllo crust.

Return the springform pan to the baking tray.

4. Bake the Cheesecake

Bake 50–60 minutes or until the center is almost set.

Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight, covering once fully cooled.

Remove the springform rim before serving.

5. Make the Sugared Cranberry & Rosemary Garnish

Warm light corn syrup in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Rosemary:

Brush both sides lightly with syrup.

Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp sugar and let dry on waxed paper.

Cranberries:

Toss cranberries in the warmed syrup.

Roll in the remaining sugar.

Let dry on waxed paper for 1 hour until sparkling.

Top cheesecake with sugared rosemary and cranberries just before serving.

Nutrition (Per Slice)

• Calories: 351
• Fat: 26g (13g sat.)
• Cholesterol: 92mg
• Sodium: 178mg
• Carbs: 26g (19g sugars)
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g

Pro Tips for Perfect Baklava Cheesecake

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for an ultra-smooth filling.
• Don’t over-mix the eggs—prevents cracking.
• Chill overnight for the best texture.
• Brush phyllo generously with butter to keep it crisp and golden.
• Add extra honey drizzle before serving for shine and flavor.

How to Store

• Refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 days.
• Freeze (without garnish) for up to 2 months.
• Add sugared cranberries only when serving to maintain sparkle.

Serve It With

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Spiced chai
• Holiday cocktails
• A drizzle of warm honey

Enjoy a Dessert That Feels Like a Celebration

From the first crackle of the phyllo crust to the creamy honey filling and sparkling cranberries, this Baklava Cheesecake brings magic to the holiday season.

Slice, serve, and let each bite bring warmth, comfort, and joy to your table.