Decadent Baklava Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool.

2. Prepare the Nut Filling:

In a bowl, combine chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

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

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.

Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the filling, then pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top.

4. Prepare the Phyllo Topping:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough on a baking sheet, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool, then break into pieces.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes plus chilling time

Yield: Serves 12