Description

Indulge in these Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, a delightful twist on classic baklava. Layers of flaky phyllo dough are brushed with melted butter, filled with a spiced pecan mixture, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Garnished with chopped pistachios and whole pecans, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and warm cinnamon flavor, ideal for dessert or a festive snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Phyllo Dough Layer

20 sheets phyllo dough sheets, thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Pecan Filling

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

1/2 cup caramel sauce
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
12 whole pecans (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Cut Phyllo Sheets: Cut the phyllo dough sheets into 3×3 inch squares. Keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while you work.
Layer Phyllo in Muffin Cups: In each muffin cup, layer 5 phyllo squares, offsetting them to form a star shape. Brush each layer generously with melted butter to ensure crispiness and rich flavor.
Mix Pecan Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create the sweet, spiced filling.
Fill Phyllo Cups: Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the nut filling into each phyllo cup and press down gently to compact the filling.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the phyllo cups turn golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Add Caramel: Remove the baklava cups from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Once cooled slightly, drizzle the tops generously with caramel sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and place a whole pecan on each cup if desired for an added decorative crunch.
Serve: These baklava cups can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to a month for longer storage.

Notes

Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle while working.
Be generous with the melted butter; it is key to achieving crispy, golden layers in your baklava cups.
For best flavor, use freshly chopped pecans and quality caramel sauce.
These cups can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated slightly before serving.
Optional garnishes like pistachios and whole pecans add texture and presentation appeal but can be omitted if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern