Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares

If you’re looking for a dessert that marries the nutty crunch of pistachios with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then these Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares are your new go-to treat. This fusion dessert combines the Middle Eastern classic knafeh’s signature shredded phyllo dough with a luscious cheesecake filling, all topped with fragrant honey and fresh mint. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will impress your guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe has been developed and tested to ensure consistent results every time you make it. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are clear, making it accessible even for those who are new to baking with phyllo dough. The use of cream cheese and sour cream creates a creamy, tangy base that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, buttery shredded phyllo. Plus, the pistachios add a delightful texture and flavor without overpowering the dish. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a casual dinner, these squares hold up well and taste just as good the next day.

Shopping List

• 1 cup crushed pistachios (unsalted for a perfect balance)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (also known as kataifi)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint for garnish

Equipment & Tools

• 9×9 inch baking pan – ideal size for even baking and easy cutting
• Mixing bowls – one for the cheesecake filling and one for the phyllo mixture
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – to achieve a smooth cheesecake batter
• Spatula – for folding ingredients gently
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
• Oven mitts – for safe handling

Cooking Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, then continue mixing until everything is well combined and silky smooth. Finally, gently fold in half of the crushed pistachios to incorporate a nutty texture into the creamy filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Base

Place the shredded phyllo dough in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter over the phyllo and toss gently using your hands or a spatula to evenly coat all the strands with butter. This step is crucial to achieve that golden, crispy knafeh texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Squares

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan lightly. Spread half of the buttered phyllo dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, pressing it gently to form a base layer. Next, pour the cheesecake filling over this layer and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Top the cheesecake filling with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, again pressing lightly to cover the filling completely.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Honey and Cinnamon

While the squares are still warm, drizzle the honey evenly over the top. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon on top of the honey for an aromatic finish. The warm honey will soak slightly into the phyllo, adding a beautiful sweetness and stickiness that complements the creamy cheesecake.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Allow the Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares to cool completely before cutting into neat squares. Garnish each square with a sprinkle of the remaining crushed pistachios and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make It Lighter

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat sour cream to cut down on calories without compromising too much on texture.
• Swap half of the butter with a light olive oil for a healthier fat alternative.
• Reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with natural sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut sugar.
• Use a smaller amount of honey or drizzle just before serving to control sweetness.

Avoid These Traps

• Don’t skip softening the cream cheese; cold cream cheese will create lumps in your filling.
• Be careful when handling shredded phyllo dough—it dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp towel before use.
• Ensure the butter is fully melted and evenly mixed with the phyllo strands for a crispy and golden crust.
• Do not overbake; phyllo can burn quickly if left too long, so watch the oven closely in the last few minutes.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the cheesecake filling and buttered phyllo layers separately a day ahead. Assemble everything just before baking for the freshest results. Leftover Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore some crispness before serving.

Reader Questions

Can I use regular phyllo sheets instead of shredded phyllo dough?

While regular phyllo sheets can work, they won’t give you the same texture and visual appeal as shredded phyllo (kataifi). If you use sheets, you might want to cut them into thin strips and layer them similarly, but the squares won’t have that signature knafeh crispiness.

Is it possible to make these squares gluten-free?

Traditional shredded phyllo dough contains gluten, so to make this recipe gluten-free, you would need to find a gluten-free kataifi alternative or create a crust from gluten-free ingredients. Unfortunately, this will alter the classic texture and flavor.

How do I keep the squares from becoming soggy?

Make sure to evenly coat the phyllo with melted butter and bake at the correct temperature to crisp up the layers. Also, adding honey while the squares are still warm prevents excess moisture from pooling. Cooling completely before cutting also helps maintain structure.

Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?

Yes! You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds if desired. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure the nuts are finely crushed for the best texture.

Serve with These

• Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars – for a rich, nutty chocolate finish to your dessert spread.
• Easy No Bake Cheesecake Cups – a quick and creamy complement to your knafeh squares.
• Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples – for a fruity and warm twist on cheesecake desserts.

Make It Tonight

If you’re craving something special tonight, these Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake Squares are a wonderful choice. With simple ingredients that you might already have, and a straightforward method, you can have a unique, show-stopping dessert ready in under an hour. Prepare the filling and phyllo, bake, drizzle with honey, and garnish with mint – then enjoy the delightful blend of crispy, creamy, nutty, and sweet all in one bite.

This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to bring a little Middle Eastern flair to your dessert table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive occasion, these squares will become a beloved favorite that everyone asks for again.

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