09/10/2026
Baklava Cheesecake with Aegean Spice Blend
🛒 Ingredients
For the Aegean Spice Blend
2 tbsp dried Greek oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar. This makes about ½ cup.
For the Phyllo Crust
20 sheets phyllo dough (227g), thawed
226g (8 oz) ghee or melted butter
1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
1 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
¼ cup sugar (brown or granulated)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp Aegean Spice Blend (from above)
For the Cheesecake Filling
452g (16 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp fine sea salt
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Honey Syrup
½ cup (100g) sugar
¼ cup (60g) water
¼ cup (85g) honey
A few drops fresh lemon juice
👨🍳 Method
1. Prepare the Nut Mixture
In a bowl, combine the finely chopped pistachios, pecans (or walnuts), sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tsp of the Aegean Spice Blend. Mix well and set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and lump-free. Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated—do not overmix. For an extra silky texture, strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Phyllo Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with melted ghee or butter.
Lay one sheet of phyllo in the pan, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush generously with ghee. Repeat with the next sheet, rotating it slightly. Continue until you have layered 10 sheets for the base.
Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo base. Layer 4 more sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with ghee. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over this layer. Finish with the remaining 5 sheets, brushing each with ghee.
Fold the overhanging phyllo edges inward or scrunch them into a rustic, ruffled border around the sides.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling gently into the prepared phyllo crust. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy consistency.
5. Prepare the Honey Syrup
While the cheesecake bakes, combine the sugar, water, and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened. Add a few drops of lemon juice for brightness. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Finish and Chill
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm honey syrup over the phyllo edges, allowing it to absorb. Focus the syrup on the crust rather than the filling to maintain the cheesecake's structural integrity.
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. Chilling enables the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.