Mouthwatering No-Bake Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dessert: Easy Baklava Cheesecake
A decadent fusion of creamy Philadelphia cream cheese and crispy, nutty baklava layers, this no-bake cheesecake offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Baklava Base:
- 10 sheets of phyllo dough pre-baked or prepared
- 1 ½ cups crushed walnuts or pistachios
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup honey
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped cream optional
Garnishes
- Extra crushed nuts
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves optional
- Citrus zest optional
Instructions
Prepare the Phyllo Baklava Base:
- Layer 10 sheets of phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing each with melted butter.
- Combine the crushed nuts with cinnamon, and sprinkle this mixture between every two layers of phyllo.
- Drizzle honey over the top layer, then set the base aside to cool.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat softened Philadelphia cream cheese until smooth.
- Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, then continue mixing until creamy.
- If desired, fold in whipped cream for a lighter, mousse-like texture.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled baklava base.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra crushed nuts and drizzle honey over the top for added texture and sweetness.
Chill the Cheesecake:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set.
Serve and Garnish:
- Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves, citrus zest, or a final drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Use room-temperature Philadelphia cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Optional: Fold in whipped cream for a lighter texture.
- To enhance crunch, serve immediately after chilling.