Recipe Adapted By : Kath Sutherland / Hospitality Chain

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the baklava topping:

• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 sheets phyllo dough

For the syrup:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish evenly.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue beating until well combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the walnuts, pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon for the baklava topping.
5. Brush the melted butter on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 8 sheets of phyllo dough on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next one. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
6. Repeat step 5 with the remaining phyllo dough and nut mixture.
7. Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the top is golden brown.
8. While the bars are baking, prepare the syrup by combining honey, water, lemon juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool.
9. Once the baklava cheesecake bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the syrup evenly over the top of the bars.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
11. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Baklava Cheesecake Bars with a twist!

This recipe combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty, sweet flavors of traditional Greek baklava, creating a delightful fusion dessert.