The Easiest Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe for Sweet Treats

Pecan caramel baklava cups dance with sweet, nutty complexity that upgrades ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

These delicate pastry vessels capture Mediterranean tradition through layers of crisp phyllo and rich, golden caramel.

Delicate shells cradle a mesmerizing blend of crunchy pecans and silky syrup, creating a textural symphony that delights sophisticated palates.

Crisp, buttery layers whisper stories of generations-old baking techniques, reimagined with contemporary finesse.

Each miniature cup represents a perfect balance between rustic ingredients and elegant presentation, promising an indulgent experience that transcends typical sweet treats.

Skilled bakers can craft these miniature miracles with surprising ease, turning simple ingredients into stunning culinary masterpieces.

Creative Variations for Pecan Baklava Bites

• Nutty Maple Magic: Replace caramel with pure maple syrup and swap pecans for a blend of walnuts and almonds, creating a rich Canadian-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Add dark chocolate chips into the filling and drizzle with chocolate ganache instead of caramel for a decadent upgrade.
• Tropical Paradise Cups: Incorporate shredded coconut into the pecan mixture and garnish with diced pineapple or mango for a vibrant, fruity version.
• Spiced Mediterranean Style: Mix ground cardamom and orange zest into the filling, then finish with a light honey-orange blossom water drizzle for an authentic Mediterranean touch.

What Makes Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Irresistible

• Savor Speedy Sweetness: These pecan caramel baklava cups deliver incredible flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick dessert cravings without complex baking skills.
• Texture Explosion: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy phyllo cups, crunchy pecans, and silky smooth caramel sauce that creates a multi-layered sensory experience in every bite.
• Elegant Entertaining Treat: These mini desserts look professionally crafted but require minimal effort, making them ideal for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or impressive last-minute desserts that wow guests with minimal preparation time.

Must-Haves for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cup Goodness

• Pecans: Sweet and crunchy nuts that form the rich filling base with deep flavor complexity.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps bind the pecan mixture.

• Phyllo Cups: Delicate pre-made pastry shells that create a crispy, light base for the filling.

• Butter: Melts and helps bind the filling, adding richness and smooth texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides sweet, golden drizzle with luxurious glossy finish.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create smooth caramel consistency.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the nutty pecan flavor.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall sweetness and adds subtle aromatic depth.
• Salt: Small pinch balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.

How to Assemble Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create the Nutty Filling

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon
• A tiny pinch of salt

Mix everything until well combined and irresistibly fragrant.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

Grab a baking sheet and line up those delicate phyllo cups. Generously spoon the pecan mixture into each cup, filling them almost to the brim with nutty goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for those phyllo cups to turn a beautiful golden color and the pecan mixture to start bubbling with excitement.

Step 5: Craft the Caramel Drizzle

In a small saucepan, gently warm the caramel sauce with honey and vanilla. Stir over low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and flows like liquid gold.

Step 6: Drench in Caramel

Once baked, drizzle the warm caramel-honey mixture generously over each of the golden phyllo cups.

Step 7: Let Cool and Enjoy

Give the baklava cups a few moments to cool down – the caramel will be screaming hot! Once they’ve settled, dive into these crispy, gooey, nutty delights.

Tips to Perfect Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure crispy phyllo cups without sticking or becoming soggy.
• Smooth Caramel Technique: Stir caramel sauce constantly while warming to prevent burning and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
• Make Ahead Strategy: Prepare pecan filling and phyllo cups up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Portion Control Hack: Use a small cookie scoop for precise and even filling of phyllo cups, ensuring consistent results every time.

Keeping Baklava Cups Fresh and Delicious

• Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container: Place cooled baklava cups in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Reheat in the Oven: Warm the baklava cups at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the phyllo soggy and less appetizing.
• Revive the Caramel Drizzle: Gently warm additional caramel sauce before serving to re-create that fresh, glossy finish and enhance the dessert's rich, decadent taste.

Best Companions for Baklava Cups

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the rich, nutty flavors of the pecan caramel baklava cups with a glass of Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling, which will enhance the caramel's sweetness and balance the pastry's buttery texture.
• Serve with Creamy Espresso: Enjoy these delicate cups alongside a shot of robust espresso or a smooth cappuccino, cutting through the sweetness and providing a delightful coffee-caramel contrast.
• Create a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each baklava cup with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, adding a cool, creamy element that melts beautifully with the warm caramel and creates a luxurious dessert experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side to introduce a tart, fresh note that brightens the rich, sweet flavors of the pecan caramel baklava cups.

Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups offer Mediterranean magic in miniature pastry form. Crisp phyllo layers mingle with rich caramel and toasted pecans, creating an irresistible dessert experience that transports you straight to sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo pastry cups
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped pecans
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

Sweeteners and Sauces:

• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey

Spices and Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine finely chopped pecans, rich brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, fragrant ground cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of kosher salt until the mixture becomes a cohesive, crumbly filling.
3. Arrange pre-made phyllo cups on a rimmed baking sheet, creating a neat grid for even baking.
4. Carefully spoon the pecan mixture into each delicate phyllo cup, filling them generously to approximately 3/4 of their height, allowing a small space for caramel and preventing overflow.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation of the phyllo cups and a gentle bubbling of the pecan filling.
6. While the cups are baking, prepare the caramel sauce by gently warming store-bought caramel sauce with pure honey and high-quality vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and fluid.
7. Once the phyllo cups emerge from the oven, let them rest for 2-3 minutes to slightly cool and stabilize.
8. Drizzle the warm caramel-honey mixture elegantly over each baked cup, ensuring an even distribution of the glossy sauce.
9. Allow the baklava cups to cool for 5-7 minutes, permitting the caramel to set slightly and the cups to reach a safe serving temperature.

Notes

• Quickly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Brown sugar and melted butter create a decadent, gooey filling that caramelizes beautifully during baking, giving these cups an irresistible texture.
• Phyllo cups provide a delicate, crispy base that contrasts perfectly with the soft, sweet pecan mixture, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Warm caramel sauce with honey adds a luxurious shine and extra layer of sweetness, elevating these bite-sized desserts from simple to spectacular.
• Let the baklava cups cool for a few minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly, preventing burns and ensuring the most enjoyable eating experience.
• Store any leftover cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp texture and delicious flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg