Heavenly Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe: Sweet Bite-Sized Joy

Dripping with golden caramel and nutty pecan goodness, these delightful pecan caramel baklava cups dance between traditional Middle Eastern pastry and modern dessert innovation.

Layers of crisp phyllo pastry cradle a rich, buttery filling that melts in your mouth.

Each bite brings a symphony of textures and flavors that whisper sweet indulgence.

The delicate crunch of pecans mingles with smooth caramel, creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Inspired by classic baklava but reimagined in a convenient, bite-sized form, these cups offer a decadent twist on a beloved treat.

Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weekend dessert, these baklava cups promise to become your new favorite sweet obsession.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Serving Up Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Elegantly

• Serve Warm and Elegant: Present these delightful baklava cups on a beautiful dessert plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Top each cup with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich, nutty flavors.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the baklava cups alongside fresh berries, mint leaves, or a small chocolate truffle for a stunning dessert presentation that delights both eyes and taste buds.
• Enjoy with Sweet Beverages: Complement these treats with a hot cup of espresso, Turkish coffee, or a smooth dessert wine to enhance the caramel and pecan notes.

Storage Notes for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store your finished baklava cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp and delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 2 weeks, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Restore Crispness: Before serving frozen or refrigerated cups, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to reclaim their original crunchy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Serve with Care: Gently separate cold baklava cups and reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to revive their golden, flaky phyllo and warm, gooey caramel filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Phyllo Cups: Delicate, pre-made shells that provide a crispy, light foundation for your dessert, ensuring easy preparation and a professional look.

• Pecans, Brown Sugar: Nutty, caramelized base that creates a rich, sweet crunch with deep, toasty undertones. Choose fresh, plump pecans with a glossy, intact surface.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps bind the filling, creating a smooth, indulgent texture. Opt for high-quality, unsalted butter for best results.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that elevates the sweet profile and adds depth to the filling. Use freshly ground cinnamon for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt: Tiny pinch balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Caramel Sauce: Silky, golden drizzle that adds decadent sweetness and glossy finish. Select a high-quality store-bought sauce or prepare homemade for extra authenticity.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps thin the caramel, creating a smooth, pourable consistency. Choose raw, local honey for best flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds subtle, sophisticated flavor notes that complement the caramel and nuts. Use pure vanilla extract for most authentic taste.

Tools & Pans for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining pecan filling ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface for phyllo cups during baking.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for warming caramel sauce with honey and vanilla.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spoon: Useful for filling phyllo cups and drizzling caramel sauce.

Assembly Steps for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Oven Preparation

Warm the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect baking environment for your sweet adventure.

• Pecan Magic

Blend chopped pecans with rich brown sugar, melted butter, warm cinnamon, and a whisper of salt to create a luxurious filling that promises delectable bites.

• Phyllo Foundation

Arrange delicate phyllo cups on a baking sheet, nestling the pecan mixture generously into each tiny vessel.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the tray into the oven, letting the cups turn a gorgeous golden brown while the filling bubbles with promise, typically taking 10-12 minutes.

• Caramel Enchantment

Gently warm caramel sauce with honey and vanilla, creating a silky cascade of sweetness that will elevate your dessert.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle the liquid gold caramel over the baked cups, allowing it to create beautiful patterns and add depth to your delightful treat.

• Waiting Game

Let the baklava cups cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld and the caramel to set, ensuring a perfect sensory experience.

Tips & Sweet Switch-Ups for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the filling.
• Adjust the brown sugar quantity based on personal preference, using less for a more subtle sweetness or adding a bit more for an indulgent treat.
• Prepare the pecan filling and phyllo cups up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately to maintain their crispy texture until ready to bake.
• Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts, or add a sprinkle of cardamom or orange zest to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Top the baklava cups with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special dessert presentation.

Gooey Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Nutty caramel baklava cups celebrate Mediterranean pastry traditions with delicate phyllo layers and rich pecan filling. Crisp pastry shells cradle sweet caramel essence, offering dessert enthusiasts a delightful blend of textures you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package phyllo pastry cups
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped pecans
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack centered for uniform baking. Combine pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl, creating a unified, textured filling.
2. Filling Arrangement: Lay out phyllo cups on a rimmed baking sheet. Generously fill each cup to about 3/4 height with the pecan mixture, leaving space for caramel and preventing potential spillage.
3. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 11-13 minutes, monitoring the phyllo cups as they transform to a golden-brown hue and the pecan filling begins to bubble gently.
4. Caramel Creation: While the cups bake, craft the caramel sauce by gently warming store-bought caramel with honey and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky and fluid.
5. Final Assembly: Remove the baked cups and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. Elegantly drizzle the warm caramel-honey mixture over each cup, ensuring an even and luxurious coating. Let the baklava cups cool for 5-7 minutes, allowing the caramel to set and reach a safe serving temperature.

Notes

• Precision Pecan Prep: Finely chop pecans to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the filling.
• Caramel Consistency Control: Warm caramel sauce on low heat to prevent burning and maintain a smooth, glossy finish.
• Baking Sheet Strategy: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips and ensure stable baking of delicate phyllo cups.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Allow cups to rest briefly after baking to stabilize structure and prevent potential burning when adding caramel sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg