Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

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When I first made these Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, I didn’t expect them to become the kind of dessert that disappears from the table before dinner is even finished. But they did. The crispy, golden layers of phyllo paired with a buttery, nutty filling and finished with a drizzle of warm caramel created a treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly indulgent. These cups are everything I love about traditional baklava, but without the fuss of cutting into a big pan—each one is already perfectly portioned.

They’re the kind of bite-sized dessert you’ll want to serve at everything from holiday gatherings to casual brunches. I especially love making them when I want to impress with minimal effort. No one needs to know how simple they are to assemble! If you’re looking for something that’s crunchy, sweet, rich, and totally satisfying, these baklava cups check every box.

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

These little beauties are packed with flavor and texture. The phyllo shells are delicately crisp, giving way to a gooey center full of cinnamon-kissed pecans and walnuts. The caramel? That’s the rich, buttery cherry on top. Best of all, the individual portions make them perfect for entertaining. They’re also great make-ahead desserts since they hold up beautifully for a day or two.

What Kind of Phyllo Should I Use?

For this recipe, I recommend using mini phyllo shells—they’re usually found in the freezer section and come pre-formed, making prep super quick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cut full-size phyllo sheets and mold them into mini muffin tins, layering with butter. Either way, you want thin, crisp layers that can hold up to the sticky nut filling and caramel drizzle.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have pecans, walnuts alone work just as well—or even pistachios for a more traditional twist. Want to skip the caramel? A honey syrup (like the one in classic baklava) works perfectly and adds a floral note. Butter alternatives like ghee or even vegan butter can be used if you’re going dairy-free. And for a fun variation, try adding a splash of orange blossom water or rose water to the nut mixture for a subtle aromatic upgrade.

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Ingredients for Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Mini Phyllo Shells: These are the perfect crisp base for our baklava cups, providing a crunchy contrast to the gooey filling.
• Pecans: They add a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Walnuts: Traditional in baklava, they offer an earthy taste and texture that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Brown Sugar: For a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses that enhances the nutty mixture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the nut filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the filling together and adds richness to every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic finish.
• Caramel Sauce: The sweet topping that adds a luscious, sticky element to each cup. Store-bought or homemade both work well.

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Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling

Chop the pecans and walnuts finely—you want a mix of textures, not powder. Combine them in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.

Step 2: Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a mini muffin tin for support. No need to grease them.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Using a small spoon, fill each phyllo cup with a generous amount of the nut mixture. Press it in lightly so it holds together but doesn’t spill out.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the shells are crisp. The sugar should be bubbling slightly.

Step 5: Add Caramel

Once out of the oven, let the cups cool slightly. Then drizzle each one generously with warm caramel sauce. You can heat the caramel slightly in the microwave to make it easier to pour.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the baklava cups cool to room temperature so the caramel sets a bit. Serve on a platter or tray and watch them disappear.

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How Long to Prepare Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

Prep Time: These baklava cups are wonderfully simple to prepare. From chopping the nuts to assembling the phyllo shells, the prep takes about 15–20 minutes. If you’re using pre-chopped nuts or a food processor, that time can drop even lower. The ingredients come together quickly, and there’s no need for chilling or complex layering.

Bake Time: Once assembled, they only need about 10–12 minutes in the oven. The short baking time is just enough to crisp up the phyllo and melt the sugar into a lightly caramelized nut filling. Allow a few extra minutes for cooling before you add the caramel drizzle.

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Tips for Perfect Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Lightly toast the nuts beforehand for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use a mini muffin tin to keep the phyllo shells upright while baking.
• Don’t overfill the shells—this helps prevent overflow and keeps them neat.
• Warm the caramel slightly for easy drizzling.
• Allow the cups to cool before serving so the caramel firms up slightly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the shells: Phyllo burns quickly—keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
• Using cold butter: It won’t mix well with the nuts. Always melt it first.
• Skipping the muffin tin support: The shells can tip over without it.
• Overloading with caramel: Too much can cause sogginess at the bottom.
• Not chopping nuts evenly: Large chunks may make it harder to fill the cups cleanly.

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What to Serve With Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups?

1. Fresh Mint Tea

A lightly sweet, herbal tea balances the richness of the baklava cups perfectly.

2. Greek Yogurt with Honey

The tanginess of yogurt complements the sweet nuttiness and adds a creamy contrast.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a couple of baklava cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.

4. Fruit Platter

Fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and oranges help cleanse the palate between bites.

5. Espresso or Turkish Coffee

A strong coffee helps cut through the sweetness and adds a bold pairing for after-dinner enjoyment.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the baklava cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.

Freezing: You can freeze them before adding the caramel. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and drizzle with fresh caramel before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per baklava cup)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Cholesterol: 8mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make these baklava cups?

You can make them 1–2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Add caramel just before serving for best texture.

Can I use honey instead of caramel?

Yes, a honey syrup is a delicious alternative. Drizzle it after baking, just as you would with caramel.

Are these baklava cups gluten-free?

Standard phyllo dough contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free phyllo or a GF pastry shell.

Can I use just one type of nut?

Absolutely. Pecans or walnuts alone work great. You can also try pistachios or almonds for variation.

How do I keep the phyllo cups from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling with caramel and ensure the shells are fully baked and cooled before storing.

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Conclusion

Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the elegance of baklava with the ease of a bite-sized treat. With layers of flaky phyllo, warm spices, crunchy nuts, and a buttery caramel drizzle, they’re the kind of sweet you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve them at a party or keep them all to yourself, these little cups are guaranteed to deliver big flavor.

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