Easy Baklava Cold Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Baklava Cold Cheesecake Recipe is a medium Turkish recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Terrace Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 33 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min

Cost: $25.59 total, $3.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 150 g Biscuit Base (baked puff or Marie biscuits) (crushed into fine crumbs)
  • 1 tbsp Pistachios (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp Almonds (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Dry Edible Rose Petals (optional, for aroma)
  • 0.5 cup Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar) (for the base mixture)
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, divided into two ¼‑cup portions)
  • 300 g Rich's Better Cream (whipped topping) (chilled before whipping to stiff peaks)
  • 80 g White Chocolate or Compound (melted in microwave, can use compound for easier melting)
  • a few Saffron Strands (infuses the white chocolate truffle)
  • 150 g Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
  • 3 tbsp Rich Sweet Meat (sweetened condensed milk or similar sweet cream)
  • 2 Eggs (room temperature, separated)
  • 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (split ¼ cup for whites and ¼ cup for yolks)
  • 0.25 tsp Vinegar or Lemon Juice (stabilizes egg whites)
  • 2 tsp Neutral Oil (refined sunflower or canola) (do not use extra‑virgin olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (approximately 15 g)
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.125 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 tbsp Milk (room temperature)
  • 0.25 tsp Green Cardamom Powder (freshly ground if possible)
  • 2 drops Green Gel Food Color (optional, for pistachio cake hue)
  • 2 tbsp Pistachio Powder (finely ground pistachios)
  • 2 tbsp Rich's Neutral Gel (dessert gel) (ready‑to‑use glaze base)
  • a few pieces Edible Gold Leaf (for decorative topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Biscuit Base

    Place 150 g of baked puff (or Marie biscuits) in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a processor, crush them in a zip‑bag with a rolling pin.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Nuts, Rose Petals and Sugar

    Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tbsp chopped pistachios, 1 tbsp chopped almonds, 1 tsp dry edible rose petals and ½ cup icing sugar. Mix until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate Melted Butter

    Melt ½ cup unsalted butter. Add the first ¼ cup to the crumb mixture, stir, then add the remaining ¼ cup and mix until the crumbs are moist and hold together when pressed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Press Base into Mold

    Line a 6‑inch square mousse mold with cling film (and optional acetate sheets). Spoon the crumb mixture into the mold, spread evenly, then press firmly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Chill Base

    Place the mold in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to set the base.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Whip Rich's Better Cream

    Ensure the 300 g Rich's Better Cream is chilled. Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip to stiff peaks (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare Saffron White‑Chocolate Truffle

    Combine 80 g white chocolate (or compound) with a few saffron strands in a microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds until smooth. Let cool slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Mix Cream Cheese Filling

    In a bowl, whisk 150 g softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the saffron‑chocolate mixture and 3 tbsp Rich Sweet Meat (sweetened condensed milk). Mix until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Fold Whipped Cream into Filling

    Gently fold the whipped Better Cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions, using a spatula, until a light, airy consistency is achieved.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Chill Cheesecake Filling

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheesecake mixture for 10 minutes to firm up slightly before spreading.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Make Pistachio Sponge Cake – Prepare Egg Whites

    Separate the whites of 2 eggs into a clean bowl. Add ¼ cup powdered sugar and ¼ tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk to stiff peaks (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  12. Prepare Egg Yolks

    In another bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (≈3 minutes).

    Time: PT3M

  13. Combine Wet Ingredients

    To the yolk mixture add 2 tsp neutral oil, 2 tbsp milk, ¼ tsp green cardamom powder, and gently mix.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Add Dry Ingredients

    Sift together 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour, ¼ tsp baking powder and ⅛ tsp baking soda. Fold the dry mix into the yolk mixture on low speed.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Incorporate Egg Whites and Color

    Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Add 2‑3 drops green gel food color and 2 tbsp pistachio powder, folding just until combined.

    Time: PT3M

  16. Bake Pistachio Sponge

    Preheat the oven to 160 °C. Pour the batter onto a greased baking sheet (or into a 6‑inch square tin) and bake for 10‑12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 160°C

  17. Cool Cake Layer

    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  18. Assemble First Cheesecake Layer

    Pipe a thin layer of the chilled cream cheese mixture over the set biscuit base, spreading evenly with an offset spatula.

    Time: PT5M

  19. Add Pistachio Sponge

    Place the cooled pistachio sponge sheet on top of the first cheesecake layer. Pipe a second layer of the cream cheese mixture over the sponge, smoothing with the spatula.

    Time: PT5M

  20. Initial Chill

    Refrigerate the assembled cake for 10 minutes to set the layers.

    Time: PT10M

  21. Prepare Gel Glaze

    In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp Rich's neutral gel, a few saffron strands, and a small piece of edible gold leaf. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  22. Pipe and Spread Glaze

    Transfer the glaze to a piping bag, cut a small tip, and pipe a decorative pattern over the top of the cheesecake. Use an offset spatula to spread any excess evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  23. Final Set

    Place the cake back in the refrigerator (regular compartment) for at least 2 hours to allow the glaze and fillings to firm completely.

    Time: PT2H

  24. Unmold and Garnish

    Remove the acetate sheet (if used), lift the cheesecake out of the mold using the cling film, and place on a serving plate. Pipe additional cream cheese mixture around the edges if desired and garnish with sliced pistachios and extra gold leaf.

    Time: PT5M

  25. Serve

    Slice the baklava cold cheesecake into 8 equal squares and serve chilled.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Pistachios, Almonds, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Easy Baklava Cold Cheesecake Recipe

Recipe by The Terrace Kitchen

A fusion dessert that combines the flaky, nut‑filled layers of traditional Turkish baklava with a chilled cheesecake filling. The recipe features a buttery biscuit base, a pistachio‑scented sponge, rich cream cheese layers, saffron‑infused white chocolate truffle, and a glossy gel glaze topped with edible gold leaf.

MediumTurkishServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 6m
Prep
17m
Cook
32m
Cleanup
4h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.59
Total cost
$3.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pressing the biscuit base firmly but not over‑compact.
  • Whipping the Better Cream to stiff peaks without over‑beating.
  • Folding whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to retain air.
  • Achieving stiff egg‑white peaks and folding them carefully into the sponge batter.
  • Baking the pistachio sponge at the correct temperature and time to avoid dryness.
  • Applying the gel glaze before it sets and allowing sufficient refrigeration time.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot melted chocolate carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the cake from the oven.
  • Be cautious when using a sharp knife for slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Baklava Cold Cheesecake in Turkish cuisine?

A

Baklava is a classic Turkish pastry celebrated during festivals and Ramadan. This cold cheesecake version fuses the traditional nut‑filled, syrup‑soaked layers with a modern, chilled cream cheese filling, creating a contemporary dessert that honors the original flavors while offering a lighter texture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of baklava in Turkish cuisine?

A

In Turkey, baklava varies by region: Gaziantep baklava uses pistachios, while Şanlıurfa prefers walnuts. Some regions add orange blossom water or rose water to the syrup, and the phyllo layers may be thinner or thicker depending on local tradition.

cultural
Q

How is authentic baklava traditionally served in Turkey?

A

Authentic baklava is cut into diamond or square pieces, lightly brushed with a fragrant syrup made from sugar, water, and a splash of lemon juice, then served at room temperature, often with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is baklava traditionally enjoyed in Turkish culture?

A

Baklava is a staple during Ramadan, Eid al‑Fitr, weddings, and major holidays such as Bayram. It is also offered to guests as a sign of hospitality and celebration.

cultural
Q

What makes Baklava Cold Cheesecake special or unique in Turkish cuisine?

A

The dessert keeps the iconic pistachio and rose‑petal flavors of traditional baklava but replaces the heavy syrup‑soaked phyllo with a light, chilled cheesecake base and a pistachio‑scented sponge. This contrast of textures—crunchy base, airy sponge, and silky filling—creates a novel yet familiar taste experience.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for baklava versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?

A

Traditional baklava uses phyllo dough, pistachios or walnuts, butter, and a simple sugar‑lemon syrup. In this fusion recipe, phyllo is replaced by a biscuit base, and the syrup is swapped for a gel glaze; pistachios remain essential, while almonds and rose petals are optional but add depth.

cultural
Q

What other Turkish dishes pair well with Baklava Cold Cheesecake?

A

Serve the cheesecake alongside a pot of Turkish coffee, a glass of pomegranate juice, or a light fruit salad with orange blossom water to balance the richness. Savory dishes like lamb kebabs or eggplant stew make a complete Ramadan feast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Baklava Cold Cheesecake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the sponge batter, which deflates the egg‑white foam; under‑pressing the biscuit base, leading to cracks; and letting the gel glaze sit too long before chilling, causing it to set unevenly. Follow the critical steps and chill each layer as instructed.

technical
Q

Why does this Baklava Cold Cheesecake recipe use Rich's Better Cream instead of regular whipped cream?

A

Rich's Better Cream contains stabilizers that keep the whipped topping firm even when frozen, ensuring the cheesecake retains its structure and smooth texture throughout refrigeration and serving, unlike regular whipped cream which can weep.

technical
Q

Can I make Baklava Cold Cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the cake up to the glazing step and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. After glazing, store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Terrace Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Terrace Kitchen specializes in creative, fusion-style home cooking tutorials that blend traditional world cuisines with modern techniques, often focusing on festive and celebratory dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Terrace Kitchen's approach to Turkish cooking differ from other Turkish cooking channels?

A

The Terrace Kitchen combines authentic Turkish flavors with unconventional formats—such as cold cheesecakes and gel glazes—while other Turkish channels tend to stick to classic, hot‑served recipes. This channel emphasizes visual appeal and modern plating.

channel

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