Cheese Baklava

Discover a delightful twist on a classic dessert with Cheese Baklava. This innovative take on traditional baklava layers the rich, flaky pastry with a creamy, tangy cheese filling, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet treat, Cheese Baklava is the fusion dessert you didn’t know you needed.

Cheese Baklava

Andrea

Cheese Baklava is a delightful twist on the traditional dessert, combining the flaky layers of phyllo dough with a creamy cheese filling. This recipe offers a sweet and savory experience that's sure to impress.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine greek

Servings 20 pieces

Equipment

• 13×9 inch baking pan

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 500 grams cream cheese, softened
• 100 grams granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (approximately 100 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Syrup

• 200 grams granulated sugar
• 240 ml water
• 60 ml honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

For the Baklava

• 12 sheets phyllo pastry, thawed
• 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
• 100 grams finely chopped walnuts
• 50 grams finely chopped pistachios

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Filling Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
•  Prepare the Syrup Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the rose water, if using. Allow to cool.
• Assemble the Baklava Prepare the Phyllo: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Brush a 13×9 inch baking pan with melted butter.
• Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
• Add the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.
• Top with Nuts and Phyllo: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and pistachios over the cream cheese layer.
• Layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
• Cut and Bake: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamonds.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Finish the Baklava Add the Syrup :Once baked, remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the top.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the baklava to cool to room temperature, letting the syrup soak in.
• Serve and enjoy this unique cheese baklava!

Notes

1. Chocolate Cheese Baklava:
   • Melt chocolate with the butter used for layering. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cheese filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.
2. Nutty Cheese Baklava:
   • Add a mixture of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds, into the cheese filling for added texture and flavor.
3. Fruit-Infused Cheese Baklava:
   • Incorporate dried fruits like apricots or raisins into the cheese filling for a sweet and chewy contrast.
4. Spiced Cheese Baklava:
   • Add spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the cheese filling for a warm, aromatic flavor.
5. Honey and Orange Blossom Cheese Baklava:
   • Drizzle honey and add a few drops of orange blossom water to the syrup for a fragrant and sweet finish.
6. Savory Cheese Baklava:
   • Use a combination of feta and ricotta cheese in the filling, and add herbs like dill or parsley for a savory variation.
7. Baklava Cheesecake:
   • Create a layered dessert by using a baklava crust and filling it with a creamy cheesecake mixture, topped with honey syrup and nuts.
8. Lemon Zest Cheese Baklava:
   • Add lemon zest to the cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness.
9. Maple Syrup Cheese Baklava:
   • Substitute honey with maple syrup in the syrup recipe for a unique flavor profile.
10. Pistachio and Cream Cheese Baklava:
    • Blend cream cheese with crushed pistachios for the filling, enhancing the nutty flavor of the baklava.

Keyword cheese baklava