Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

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Golden, flaky, and irresistibly rich, these Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a modern take on a Middle Eastern classic. Instead of traditional baklava sheets, these mini phyllo cups are layered to perfection and filled with a buttery mix of chopped pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon. The crowning touch? A warm drizzle of homemade caramel sauce that soaks into the layers and adds a sweet finish.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gifting, or whenever you want a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. The contrast between the crispy phyllo, nutty filling, and gooey caramel makes each mouthful a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re also surprisingly easy to make with pre-made phyllo shells — all the decadence without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe

• Bite-sized and mess-free — ideal for entertaining or portion control.
• Combines classic baklava flavor with modern caramel richness.
• No layering of sheets needed thanks to store-bought phyllo cups.
• Can be made ahead and stored, keeping their crunch for days.
• A show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to put together.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, start by assembling the right tools. You’ll need a baking sheet to toast the phyllo cups evenly, a food processor or knife for chopping nuts finely, and a small saucepan to make the caramel sauce. A mixing bowl is also essential for tossing the nuts with spices and sweeteners, and a spoon or small scoop will help portion the filling neatly into the cups. Having these tools on hand will keep your prep smooth and efficient.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your phyllo cups are at room temperature before you start filling them, which helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. When chopping your nuts, aim for a coarse chop — you want some texture, not nut dust. Toasting the nuts slightly beforehand will enhance their flavor. For the caramel, let it simmer just enough to thicken; overcooking can make it bitter. And finally, fill the cups generously but not overflowing to avoid a sticky mess in the oven.

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Ingredients for this Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe

• 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells (pre-baked)
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your phyllo cups bake evenly and the nut filling toasts up golden and fragrant. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the phyllo shells on it.

Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until the nuts are well coated and slightly glossy.

Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Cups

Using a teaspoon or small scoop, carefully spoon the nut mixture into each phyllo cup. Press gently to compact the filling slightly, so it doesn’t spill during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Transfer the filled phyllo cups to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the nut topping is toasted and the phyllo shells are a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cups are baking, prepare the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow it to simmer. Once the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes), remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and silky. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Spoon or drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cooled baklava cup. Let the caramel set slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added flair.

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Notes

These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups can be easily tailored to your preferences. Swap out the nuts with what you have on hand—almonds or hazelnuts make great substitutes. If you prefer a more traditional touch, you can drizzle a simple honey syrup instead of caramel. The use of pre-made phyllo shells speeds up prep time without compromising texture or taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the cups: While it’s tempting to pack in more filling, too much can overflow and burn during baking.
• Undercooking the caramel: If it doesn’t reach a golden amber hue, it won’t have that deep, rich flavor.
• Stirring the sugar after it starts boiling: Once it begins to caramelize, avoid stirring or you risk crystallization.
• Burning the phyllo shells: Keep an eye on them—they bake fast. Even a minute too long can dry them out or darken the edges too much.
• Not allowing the caramel to cool slightly: Pouring piping hot caramel onto the phyllo cups may make them soggy.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled baklava cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator to maintain crispness. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent crushing. If you plan to make them ahead of time, keep the caramel separate and drizzle just before serving to preserve the texture.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1 baklava cup, approximate values)

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of making caramel?

Yes, a honey syrup made from equal parts honey and water with a touch of lemon juice is a more traditional alternative.

Are phyllo shells the same as puff pastry?

No, phyllo dough is much thinner and crispier than puff pastry. Phyllo shells are ideal for light, flaky textures.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the cups and caramel separately. Drizzle the caramel just before serving.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Add a bit more cream if your caramel cools too thick. Reheat gently and stir before drizzling.

Can I freeze these?

Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the phyllo. However, the nut filling can be made ahead and frozen separately.

What’s the best way to chop the nuts?

A food processor with a few quick pulses works best. Be careful not to over-process into a powder.

Are these gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free phyllo shells. Check the package label carefully.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales easily. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheet and caramel sauce to match.

Conclusion

Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a delightful fusion of old-world charm and modern indulgence. They’re easy to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers all the rich flavor of classic baklava with a fun, caramel twist. Try them once and they’ll become a go-to dessert favorite!

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