Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

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These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are the perfect marriage of traditional baklava flavors with a modern, bite-sized twist. Think crisp layers of phyllo dough, buttery pecans, and a luscious caramel glaze, all nestled into a mini cup that’s ideal for parties, holidays, or a quick dessert fix. They deliver everything you love about baklava—without the labor-intensive rolling and slicing.

Each cup offers the rich nuttiness of pecans, the golden crackle of baked phyllo, and the sticky-sweet finish of homemade caramel. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just treating yourself to something indulgent, these mini baklava cups are a guaranteed showstopper.

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

• Quick and Easy: No need to layer full sheets of phyllo—these are built right into a muffin pan for simplicity.
• Incredible Texture: Crisp, buttery layers meet crunchy pecans and soft caramel.
• Perfectly Portioned: Each cup is a single serving, ideal for events or controlled indulgence.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The nostalgic flavor of baklava meets the comfort of a caramel pecan pie.
• Customizable: Swap in walnuts, pistachios, or even drizzle with chocolate.

What Kind of Phyllo Dough Should I Use?

Go for traditional phyllo dough sheets, typically found in the freezer section. Avoid puff pastry for this recipe—you want the delicate, crispy texture that only true phyllo can provide. Thaw according to package instructions and keep it covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.

Ingredients

• Phyllo Dough Sheets: Provides the crispy, flaky cup structure.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps brown the phyllo.
• Pecans (chopped): The main nutty filling—sweet, crunchy, and toasty.
• Brown Sugar: Creates depth and molasses-rich sweetness.
• Honey: Helps bind the pecans and gives that signature baklava shine.
• Heavy Cream: Used in the caramel for a silky, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.

How To Make the Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

Step 1: Prep the Phyllo Dough Cups

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Cut phyllo sheets into 2.5-inch squares. Layer 5 squares per muffin cup, brushing melted butter between each layer. Press gently to mold into cups.

Step 2: Make the Nut Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter and honey until the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Spoon the pecan mixture into each phyllo cup, packing it gently. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the phyllo edges are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cups bake, heat brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and set aside.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cups are baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cup. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve These Baklava Cups

These delightful treats are best served slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the caramel and crispness of the phyllo. This recipe yields 12 cups, making it perfect for serving 6 to 8 people as a dessert or sweet bite with coffee or tea.

How to Store These Baklava Cups

Let the cups cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, reheating briefly in a low oven to crisp them up. Avoid microwaving—it softens the phyllo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cups and prepare the caramel sauce separately. Store the cups in an airtight container and the caramel in the fridge. Reheat the caramel slightly and drizzle just before serving.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely, if you’re short on time. Homemade caramel gives better depth of flavor, but a good-quality jarred version will still be delicious.

What other nuts can I use?
Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios make great alternatives or additions. Just keep the total amount the same.

Do these freeze well?
Yes, but they’re best fresh. If freezing, skip the caramel drizzle until after thawing and reheating to maintain crispness.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free phyllo dough, which is available at some specialty stores or online.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, you’ll want to try these next:

• Mini Pecan Pies for classic pie flavor in handheld form.
• Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles for gooey, bite-sized indulgence.
• Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli for a citrusy twist on a traditional favorite.
• Candy Cane Cookies for a festive treat with a hint of mint.
• No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls for a super easy, no-oven option.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in pistachios? Add a chocolate drizzle? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Looking for more cozy dessert ideas? Visit my Pinterest for a collection of daily recipes and inspiration: Life With Livia.

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