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