🥮 Mini Baklava Cheesecakes
A rich fusion of creamy cheesecake and flaky, nutty baklava — in elegant single-serve cups.
Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Bake Time: 20–22 minutes
Oven Temperature: 325°F (163°C)
Ingredients
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 12 sheets phyllo dough (thawed)
- ¼ cup melted butter, for brushing
For the Nut Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pistachios
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
For the Honey Syrup:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or orange blossom water (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped nuts or crushed pistachios
- Drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
- Prepare the nut filling:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well and set aside. - Prepare the phyllo cups:
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter.
- Stack another sheet on top, butter it, and continue until you have four layers.
- Cut the layered sheet into 3×3 inch squares (about 9 per stack).
- Press each square gently into the muffin tin to form a cup. Repeat until all 12 cups are lined.
- Add nut layer:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the nut mixture into the bottom of each phyllo cup. - Prepare the cheesecake filling:
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add egg, vanilla, and yogurt/sour cream, and beat until creamy and well combined. - Assemble:
Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the phyllo cups, covering the nut layer. - Top with more nuts:
Sprinkle a small pinch of the remaining nut mixture over each mini cheesecake. - Bake:
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the centers are just set and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. - Make the syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in vanilla.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Finish:
Drizzle the warm honey syrup over the cooled cheesecakes. Garnish with extra nuts or a light drizzle of honey.
Description
Each bite of these Mini Baklava Cheesecakes delivers a perfect balance of crispy, buttery phyllo, sweet spiced nuts, and velvety cream cheese filling. The honey syrup adds a luscious finishing touch, soaking lightly into the layers for a dessert that’s both decadent and elegant — a miniature masterpiece with Middle Eastern flair.
Tips for Success
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- Do not overbake — cheesecakes should still jiggle slightly in the center when removed from the oven.
- For an even more luxurious texture, use half pistachios and half walnuts.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Cheesecake, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
(Values vary depending on syrup quantity and nut type.)
Conclusion
Mini Baklava Cheesecakes bring together the best of two worlds — the rich creaminess of New York–style cheesecake and the sweet, nutty crunch of traditional baklava. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly flavorful, they’re ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a bite of indulgence.
Recommendation
Serve these chilled or at room temperature, with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a bakery-worthy finish. Pair them with Turkish coffee, espresso, or mint tea for an authentic, elegant touch.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While these cheesecakes are undeniably decadent, their mini size encourages moderation — allowing you to enjoy the full flavor of a rich dessert without overindulgence. For a lighter twist, use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or honey instead of sugar in the filling.
This recipe celebrates balance: a reminder that treating yourself to something beautiful and sweet can be part of a mindful, joyful approach to food. 🌿🍯