Baklava Cheesecake
This Baklava Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the flaky, nutty layers of traditional baklava. Featuring a base of phyllo pastry, a filling made with cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and a honey-pistachio topping, it offers a decadent dessert experience. The recipe includes heart-healthy nuts and antioxidant-rich honey, making it both indulgent and mindful. Perfect for special occasions, it’s a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy it as a sweet treat that also supports balanced, health-conscious eating.
Ingredients
For the Base:
10 sheets of phyllo pastry (thawed)
2 sticks (approx.) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup roasted walnuts (great for heart health!)
1 cup roasted almonds (high in antioxidants)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (anti-inflammatory benefits)
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter (for phyllo base)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
500g (2 packages) cream cheese, room temperature (low-fat options can help lower cholesterol)
1 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest (rich in Vitamin C)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp corn starch
3 large eggs, room temperature (source of protein)
250g strained Greek yogurt (or sour cream, low-fat options provide gut health benefits)
For the Topping:
1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted), coarsely chopped (support cardiovascular health)
1 cup honey (antioxidant-rich, promotes gut health)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Splash of rosewater
For Garnish:
Additional honey for drizzling
Directions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), a step toward baking healthier homemade meals something health insurance wellness programs often encourage to support well-being.
2. Prepare Springform Pan: Line the base of an 8 to 10-inch springform pan with trimmed parchment paper, ensuring an easy release to avoid damaging your masterpiece.
3. Prepare Phyllo Base: Brush the first sheet of phyllo pastry with melted butter and place it in the pan. Repeat with the remaining 9 sheets. Trim any excess and press the pieces into the base. Bake for 12 minutes until golden perfect for those following health insurance recommendations for portion-controlled indulgences.
4. Make Nut Mixture: Pulse roasted walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Add melted butter and pulse again until combined. Spread over the baked phyllo base. Nuts, like walnuts and almonds, are often part of heart-healthy diets, which may be covered under certain health insurance wellness incentives.
5. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and corn starch until smooth and creamy. Cream cheese, when chosen in low-fat varieties, is great for anyone aiming to manage cholesterol, as often advised by health insurance plans.
6. Add Eggs and Yogurt: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Then, blend in strained Greek yogurt (or sour cream), which offers probiotic benefits that many health insurance companies support in promoting gut health.
7. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the mixture over the nut layer and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 50 minutes, following a slow-baking method that allows you to enjoy more of your dessert with a lighter texture.
8. Cool the Cheesecake: Let the cheesecake cool completely your delicious dessert is almost ready to align with your healthy living goals, something many health insurance providers encourage.
9. Prepare Topping: Combine honey, lemon juice, and a splash of rosewater for a sweet yet light topping. Honey has antioxidant properties, another win for those looking to eat well while staying covered under comprehensive health insurance plans.
10. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the honey mixture over the cooled cheesecake, adding a boost of natural sweetness. Top with chopped pistachios, which are great for heart health—pistachios are often highlighted in dietary recommendations that may be part of preventive care covered by health insurance.
11. Garnish and Serve: Unmold the cheesecake, drizzle with more honey, and enjoy this indulgent yet mindful dessert. It’s a sweet treat that fits into a well-rounded lifestyle and could easily complement the health-conscious habits promoted by your health insurance wellness program!
This Baklava Cheesecake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also incorporates ingredients that can support your overall health perfect for those who are balancing a delicious diet with the coverage benefits of health insurance programs focused on well-being.
