Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups: The Ultimate Bite-Sized Treat

Welcome to a recipe that transforms a classic, beloved dessert into an easy-to-make, single-serving delight. These Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups pack all the flaky, nutty, syrupy goodness of traditional baklava into a perfect little package. Forget the intimidation of layered sheets and complex cutting; this recipe uses a simple muffin tin to create gorgeous, crispy cups that are perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you crave a truly special treat. We’re combining the classic honey-cinnamon duo with a rich, gooey caramel for a modern twist you won’t be able to resist.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

If you’re looking for an impressive dessert that’s secretly simple, this is it. These mini baklava cups are the perfect project for an enthusiastic home cook ready to create something spectacular.

• Perfectly Portioned: The muffin tin method creates individual servings, making them ideal for sharing and serving without any messy cutting.
• Incredibly Flavorful: Layers of crisp, buttery phyllo, a warm spiced pecan filling, and a decadent caramel topping create a symphony of textures and tastes.
• Surprisingly Simple: We break down the process step-by-step, making it easy to work with phyllo dough and achieve that signature baklava crunch.
• A Show-Stopping Dessert: These cups look like they came straight from a high-end bakery. They are guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Baklava Cups

The magic of this recipe lies in a few high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these irresistible Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups.

For the Baklava Cups

The foundation is all about flaky layers and a nutty, spiced filling. This combination creates the classic baklava texture and taste.

• Phyllo Dough: The star of the show! These paper-thin sheets of dough, when layered with butter, bake up into an incredibly light and crispy shell.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is brushed between each layer of phyllo, which is essential for achieving that golden-brown color and flaky texture.
• Pecans: We use finely chopped pecans for their rich, buttery flavor, which pairs perfectly with caramel and cinnamon.
• Cinnamon & Sugar: A classic combination that adds warmth and a touch of sweetness to the nut filling.

For the Luscious Caramel and Honey Syrup

This is where the magic happens. A simple honey syrup soaks into the baked cups, while a homemade caramel adds a layer of gooey indulgence.

• Honey & Water: A simple syrup made from honey and water is poured over the hot cups, ensuring every layer is infused with sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: The base of our rich caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the caramel its silky-smooth, luxurious texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

Follow these simple steps to assemble and bake your baklava cups. The key is to work efficiently but carefully, especially with the delicate phyllo dough.

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo Layers

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the ground cinnamon. Set this aside. Next, carefully unroll your phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Keep the sheets you aren’t working with covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Place one sheet of phyllo on your work surface and brush it completely with melted butter. Place another sheet directly on top and brush it with butter as well. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 4 buttered layers.

Step 2: Assemble the Cups

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked phyllo dough into 12 equal squares. Gently press one square into each cup of the prepared muffin tin, pressing it down to form a cup shape. The corners will stick out, which creates that beautiful, rustic look. Repeat with the remaining squares. Once all the cups are formed, spoon about a tablespoon of the pecan-cinnamon mixture into each phyllo cup.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the phyllo are a deep golden brown and crispy. It’s important to watch them closely, as the thin dough can burn quickly.

Step 4: Make and Apply the Honey Syrup

While the cups are baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes. As soon as you remove the baklava cups from the oven, immediately pour about a tablespoon of the hot honey syrup over each one. You should hear a satisfying sizzle! This step is crucial for ensuring the syrup soaks into every layer.

Step 5: Create the Caramel Pecan Filling

While the cups cool slightly, make the caramel. In a saucepan, melt the remaining sugar over medium heat until it turns into an amber-colored liquid. Carefully stir in the heavy cream and a pinch of salt—it will bubble up. Continue to stir until smooth. Mix in the remaining chopped pecans. If you love caramel, you might also enjoy these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls.

Step 6: Fill and Finish the Cups

Spoon the warm pecan caramel mixture over the honey-soaked nut filling in each cup. Allow the cups to cool completely in the muffin tin. This will give the caramel time to set. Once cooled, you can serve them immediately or store them for later. For other bite-sized dessert inspiration, check out our Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes.

Pro Tips for Baklava Success

Working with phyllo dough can seem tricky, but with these tips, you’ll master it in no time.

• Keep Phyllo Covered: Always keep the phyllo dough you’re not actively working with covered with a piece of plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel. It dries out incredibly fast.
• Don’t Worry About Tears: If a sheet of phyllo tears, don’t panic! Since you’re layering them, small imperfections will be hidden. Just patch it up and keep going.
• Use Hot Syrup on Hot Cups: Applying the hot honey syrup to the hot-from-the-oven cups is key. This temperature difference helps the syrup penetrate the layers instead of just sitting on top, ensuring maximum flavor and preventing sogginess.

How to Store and Make Ahead

These Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. To store them, place the completely cooled cups in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate them, as the condensation can make the phyllo soggy. They will stay crisp and delicious for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Perfect Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe

FL Recipes

Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups: The Ultimate Bite-Sized Treat

Create irresistible Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups with this easy-to-follow recipe. Flaky phyllo dough, a spiced pecan filling, and a rich caramel topping make for the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cups

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 package (9 oz) phyllo dough thawed according to package directions
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1.5 cups pecans finely chopped, divided
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar divided
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.25 cup water
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.125 tsp salt

Equipment

• 1 12-cup muffin tin
• 1 Pastry Brush
• 2 Saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of the finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Unroll the phyllo dough. Keep it covered with a damp cloth. Place one sheet on your work surface, brush with melted butter, and top with another sheet. Repeat until you have a stack of 4 buttered layers.
3. Cut the stacked phyllo into 12 equal squares. Press one square into each muffin cup. Spoon the pecan-cinnamon mixture into each cup.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
5. While baking, combine the honey and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. As soon as the cups come out of the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over them.
6. In another saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat until it becomes an amber liquid. Carefully stir in the heavy cream and salt until smooth. Mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
7. Spoon the warm pecan caramel mixture into each cup. Let the baklava cups cool completely in the tin before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalProtein: 4gFat: 25gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: Keep the phyllo dough you aren't working with covered by a damp towel at all times to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Tip 2: Pouring the hot syrup over the hot cups is essential. This helps the syrup absorb properly and keeps the layers crisp.

Keyword mini baklava cups,pecan caramel baklava cups,phyllo cup desserts

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Share Your Baking Masterpiece!

We are so excited for you to try these incredible Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups! They are truly a special treat that brings a little bit of gourmet baking into your own kitchen. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest! For another delightful dessert perfect for sharing, try this reader-favorite Blueberry Coffee Cake.