Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe
Say hello to bliss in a bite: these Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups take all the magic of rich baklava, swirl in golden caramel, and serve it up in perfectly crisp, party-ready phyllo shells. Each miniature cup bursts with nutty, gooey sweetness, a touch of spice, and that high-drama caramel drizzle—no messy slicing (or intimidating pastry work) required. Whether you’re dazzling at a holiday party or simply treating yourself to a new dessert favorite, Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into a dessert worthy of any celebration. Each item plays a starring role, contributing its own unique pop of flavor, crunch, or color, making these little cups totally crave-worthy.
- Mini phyllo shells: These ready-to-fill cups are a shortcut to crispy, buttery layers without the mess or fuss, giving your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups their signature crunch.
- Chopped pecans: For classic nutty warmth; these are the heroes of both texture and taste.
- Finely chopped walnuts: Walnuts add even more crunch and a slightly earthy note that rounds out the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a sprinkle gives the filling irresistible warmth and a delicious aroma.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind everything together for a luscious, classic baklava vibe.
- Caramel sauce: The secret ingredient! It brings gooey, buttery-sweet goodness that sets these apart.
- Honey: A traditional nod, honey brings floral sweetness and enhances the sticky, satisfying texture.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance all the sweet notes and make your flavors pop.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): Sprinkle these on top for a toasty crunch and a burst of color. It’s optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Phyllo Shells
Start by getting your oven nice and steamy at 350°F. Spread the mini phyllo shells out on a baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to breathe. This ensures every cup bakes evenly to mouthwatering crispness, ready for their decadent filling.
Step 2: Mix Up That Gooey Nutty Filling
Grab a small mixing bowl and combine the pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, melted butter, caramel sauce, honey, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir it all together—this is where the magic happens! The mixture should look sticky and well-blended, with the nuts evenly coated in the rich, sweet swirl of caramel and honey.
Step 3: Fill Each Cup
Take about a tablespoon of your nut mixture and pack it into each phyllo shell. Don’t worry if things get a little sticky—just try to distribute the filling evenly. Each cup should be nicely heaped (it settles as it bakes), promising a perfect nut-to-phyllo ratio in every bite.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Pop your filled cups into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for shells that are crisp and golden, with the filling gently bubbling—your kitchen will smell like pure dessert heaven! Let the baklava cups cool just long enough that you won’t burn your fingers when you move to the best part.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
While your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are still slightly warm, drizzle them generously with extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios if you like a pop of green and extra crunch. These little touches make your dessert as beautiful as it is delicious!
How to Serve Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups
Garnishes
Top your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups with a final shower of chopped pistachios for vibrant color and subtle, toasty flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of warm caramel right before serving turns these little cups into showstoppers. A few edible rose petals or a scattering of flaky sea salt can also add a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These baklava cups pair beautifully with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a bowl of juicy pomegranate seeds—their tartness balances the rich, gooey filling. For an extra-decadent touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream. And if you’re hosting, strong coffee or black tea is a classic, never-fail companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups high on a pretty tiered stand for a dessert table centerpiece. For a dinner party, nestle each cup in a mini cupcake liner and serve on elegant trays. You can even tuck them as a sweet surprise into lunchboxes, or arrange three on a small plate as a plated dessert with a streak of caramel and a scattering of pistachios.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is a big “if”!), store your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two days. Keep them single-layer to maintain that irresistible crunch. If stacked, separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these baklava cups freeze quite well! Once completely cooled, arrange in a freezer-safe airtight container, using parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature—no reheating required, though you can if you prefer a warm treat.
Reheating
To bring back a just-baked crispness, pop the Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups into a 300°F oven for 4 to 5 minutes. This revitalizes the shells and wakes up all those caramel and nutty aromas. Be sure to watch closely; they reheat fast and you don’t want to over-bake!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups?
Absolutely! Swap in pistachios, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Just keep the total amount the same, and chop them evenly for the perfect bite each time.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are fantastic for making a day ahead. Store in an airtight container and add the caramel drizzle and any garnishes just before serving for best results.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can replace the melted butter with a quality plant-based substitute. Just make sure the caramel sauce is dairy-free as well (there are excellent coconut-based options out there!) so everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to keep the cups crunchy?
Make sure the cups are stored uncovered or lightly covered with a paper towel until they’re completely cool and keep in a single layer. If they do soften, a quick trip in the oven will restore the crunch.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely, and it will make your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups even more special. Just be sure your sauce is thick enough to coat the nut filling but still pourable for easy drizzling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a showstopping, easy-to-make dessert that disappears fast, you have to bake a batch of Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups. They’re everything you love about baklava—crunchy, nutty, sticky-sweet—but simplified and seriously snackable. Give them a try and prepare for lots of recipe requests from everyone lucky enough to snag a cup!
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Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your guests with these Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, a delightful twist on the classic baklava, served in mini phyllo shells and drizzled with caramel sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from parties to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Baklava Cups:
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, melted butter, caramel sauce, honey, and salt until combined.
- Fill the phyllo shells: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the nut mixture into each phyllo shell.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before drizzling with additional caramel sauce. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and holidays.
- You can make them a day ahead and store in an airtight container; reheat briefly before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
