If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized treat that perfectly balances buttery crunch, gooey caramel, and toasty pecans, these Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are calling your name! Inspired by the beloved flavors of traditional baklava, this fun twist delivers all the charm and decadence of its classic counterpart, but in a delightful, easy-to-share mini cup. Whether you’re serving these at a holiday party, bridal shower, or just because, Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are guaranteed to win hearts and have your guests reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their first.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups so irresistible is the magic that happens when just a handful of quality ingredients come together. Each one has a role to play, from adding nutty richness or warm spice to giving that signature, finger-licking caramel finish.
- Mini phyllo shells: These ready-made shells provide the perfect, crisp base for our baklava-inspired filling and save you loads of prep time.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show, bringing buttery flavor and satisfying crunch reminiscent of classic Southern desserts.
- Finely chopped walnuts: Adds a deeper, slightly earthy flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a dash adds warmth and makes the filling irresistibly fragrant.
- Unsalted butter (melted): This binds the filling together and gives a rich, toasty finish.
- Caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling): The gooey element! It sinks into every crevice and caramelizes slightly as it bakes.
- Honey: Nods to the classic baklava, adding floral sweetness and a glossy shine to the filling.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and tempers the sweetness for perfect balance.
How to Make Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, gently arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. This way, you’ll have everything ready for assembly and can slide them right into the oven as soon as they’re filled.
Step 2: Mix the Nutty Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, finely chopped walnuts, a pinch of ground cinnamon, melted butter, caramel sauce, honey, and a touch of salt. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is well blended, glossy, and every bit of nut is beautifully coated in that buttery caramel goodness.
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Spoon the nutty caramel mixture generously into each mini phyllo shell. Don’t be shy—pack them as full as you can, since the nuts will settle and toast as they bake. You’re looking to hit that ideal ratio of filling to crispy shell in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the filled baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are ready when the nuts look toasted, the caramel is bubbling, and the shells are a delicate golden color. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point, too!
Step 5: Drizzle and Cool
Let the baklava cups cool just slightly. While they’re still warm, drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce for that irresistible sticky-sweet finish. Serve them warm for ultimate gooeyness, or let them cool to room temperature if you want neat, easy-to-hold bites.
How to Serve Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups
Garnishes
Elevate your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups with a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, an extra dusting of cinnamon, or a couple curls of chocolate. You could even add a few chopped pistachios for an extra pop of color and crunch. These touches make each cup look bakery-fresh and irresistibly tempting.
Side Dishes
Since these cups are a sweet, indulgent treat, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For drinks, coffee, black tea, or even a glass of dessert wine will complement the rich flavors and make dessert time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are naturals on a pretty serving platter, but you can also dress them up in mini cupcake liners for parties or gift boxes. For a more elegant affair, set each cup on a small dessert spoon, drizzle with caramel, and serve on tasting plates for an upscale, pass-around sweet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The shells stay crisp and the flavors meld together beautifully, making them just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these treats, as the phyllo shells can lose their signature crunch and become a little soggy upon thawing. For best results, make them fresh, or store in the fridge for very short-term keeping.
Reheating
Enjoy them at room temperature, or if you’d like to serve them warm again, pop the Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness of the shells and brings out the gooey, toasty aroma of the nuts and caramel.
FAQs
Can I use only pecans or substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! If pecans are your favorite, you can use them exclusively, or swap in other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Just chop them to a similar size and keep the quantities the same for perfect results.
Are these Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups gluten-free?
Most commercial mini phyllo shells contain wheat and aren’t gluten-free. However, if you can find gluten-free phyllo cups or make your own, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free guests!
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix up the nut filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the shells and proceed as instructed for maximum freshness and crunch.
What caramel sauce works best?
A store-bought caramel sauce makes this recipe wonderfully easy, but if you have a favorite homemade version, use that for an extra special touch. Just be sure the sauce is thick and rich so it bakes up gooey and decadent!
How can I add more spice or flavor?
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the filling for a little extra depth, or stir in the zest of an orange for a fresh citrusy note. Customizing the spice mixture is a fun way to make the cups your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups deserve a spot on your baking list. Every bite delivers gooey caramel, toasted nuts, and irresistible crunch, making them a guaranteed hit whenever you serve them. Gather your friends or family, share a plate, and watch these delicious little cups disappear!
Print
Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups that feature a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness in every bite. These mini treats are a twist on the classic baklava, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups:
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells
Nut Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare phyllo cups: Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- Make nut filling: In a bowl, mix the pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, melted butter, caramel sauce, honey, and salt.
- Fill the phyllo shells: Spoon the nut mixture into each phyllo shell.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before drizzling with caramel sauce. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use only pecans for the filling.
- Enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.
- Best served fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
