Baklava Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Introduction
Baklava Cheesecake Bites combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warm, nutty flavors of traditional baklava. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a special dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for baklava layer)
- ½ cup crushed Belvita cinnamon cookies
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter (¼ cup for filling, rest for brushing phyllo)
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
- Additional melted butter for brushing
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup sugar, crushed Belvita cinnamon cookies, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 4: Spray a muffin pan to prevent sticking. Cut the phyllo dough into large squares. Brush each square with melted butter and layer about 8 squares in each muffin cup to form phyllo cups.
- Step 5: Spoon about a tablespoon of the nut mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Step 6: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the cups, topping each with an even amount of the remaining nut mixture.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Step 8: While baking, prepare the syrup: combine water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 9: Remove the bites from the oven and immediately drizzle the cooled syrup over them.
- Step 10: Allow the baklava cheesecake bites to cool completely in the pan before removing. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier texture, toast the walnuts lightly before mixing them with the spices.
- Substitute walnuts with pistachios or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Use phyllo dough sheets one at a time, keeping the others covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the nut mixture for an extra aromatic twist.
Storage
Store the baklava cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh the phyllo’s crispiness. These bites are best enjoyed shortly after making to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Add the syrup just before serving to keep the phyllo crisp.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While walnuts are classic, pistachios or pecans work well and add distinctive flavors to the bites.
Print
Baklava Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Baklava Cheesecake Bites combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty, spiced layers of traditional baklava. These bite-sized treats feature buttery phyllo cups filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture, layered with cinnamon-spiced walnuts and crunchy cinnamon cookies, all finished with a fragrant honey-lemon syrup. Perfect as an indulgent dessert or a special snack for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Baklava Layer
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed Belvita cinnamon cookies
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter (use 1/4 cup for filling, rest for brushing phyllo)
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
- Additional melted butter for brushing phyllo
Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the baklava cheesecake bites.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Make Nut Mixture: In another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Phyllo Cups: Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray. Cut the thawed phyllo dough into large squares. Brush each square generously with melted butter. Layer about 8 buttered phyllo squares into each muffin cup, pressing gently to form cups.
- Fill Phyllo Cups with Nut Mixture: Spoon about one tablespoon of the walnut-cinnamon mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Add Cheesecake Filling: Evenly divide the cheesecake filling among the muffin cups, spooning it over the nut mixture in each cup.
- Top with Remaining Nut Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining walnut mixture on top of the cheesecake filling in each cup, pressing lightly.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- Prepare Syrup: While baking, combine water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Drizzle Syrup: Remove the baked baklava cheesecake bites from the oven and immediately drizzle the cooled syrup evenly over each piece.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out gently. Serve and enjoy these delicious bites as a rich dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo dough remains covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling.
- For extra crispiness, brush the phyllo layers with melted butter thoroughly.
- Syrup should be drizzled immediately after baking for optimal absorption.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baklava cheesecake bites, phyllo dessert, nutty cheesecake, cinnamon walnut bites, honey syrup dessert
