Baklava Cheesecake Bites

This is such a fun recipe because it combines two of our favorite things – baklava and cheesecake. Yum! I keep these Baklava Cheesecake Bites easy by starting with phyllo dough from the freezer. Then, I get the rest of my ingredients ready. This is a layered dessert with a nutty baklava filling, cream cheese layer, and more nutty filling on top. Then, it’s soaked in a sweet syrup and served when cool to touch. 

To get started making these bites I recommend you get everything prepared before you assemble the bites. Take your time making sure the phyllo squares are properly fitted in the muffin tins as well, you don’t want them to get stuck in there after they’ve baked. Then, make the nut mixture and cream cheese mixture as instructed and have them in bowls and ready to go. 

Assemble each square with as even amounts of the filling as possible. It’s ideal when you don’t have any leftover. First you add the nut filling, then a layer of the cream cheese filling, and finally, the remaining nut filling. When these bake, they meld together slightly so you really get a baklava cheesecake flavor in each bite. The last step is making the filling and soak the sweet like you do regular baklava. Give the syrup time to soak in and cool, that’s when it really tastes the absolute best. 

These treats are great for parties or holidays. I’ve served them at my restaurant before with scoops of ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. They also make nice passed desserts if you are having a party where there isn’t a plated meal. Everyone remarks on how delicious they are, a fun and inventive spin on traditional baklava! We hope you love these sweet treats as much as we do, it’s really the best of both worlds! Enjoy! 

Baklava Cheesecake Bites: 

Ingredients: 

For the Cheesecake Filling: 

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened 

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 

• 1 large egg 

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

For the Baklava Layer: 

• 1 cup chopped walnuts 

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 

• ½ cup crushed Belvita cinnamon cookies  

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• ½  cup melted butter  ( ¼ cup of the butter for filling) rest for brushing phyllo 

• 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions 

• Additional melted butter for brushing 

For the Syrup: 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

• 1/4 cup honey 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

• 1 cinnamon stick 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F  

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. 

1. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until well combined. Set aside. 

1. In another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon for the baklava layer. Mix well and set aside. 

1. Use a muffin pan, spray the pan  

1. Take the phyllo dough and cut into large squares, butter each square and place into muffin tin continue adding about 8 squares to each muffin circle to make phyllo cups  

1. Fill each cup with about a tablespoon of the nut mixture  

1. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between each muffin cup, 

1. Top each one with even amounts of the remaining nut mixture. 

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and the cheesecake is set. 

1. While the baklava cheesecake bites are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. 

1. Once baked, remove the baklava cheesecake bites from the oven and immediately drizzle the cooled syrup.  

1. Allow the baklava cheesecake bites to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. 

1. Serve and enjoy these delicious baklava cheesecake bites as a delightful dessert or snack! 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.