Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

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Golden, crisp layers of phyllo pastry cradle a luscious, gooey caramel filling, topped with a generous crown of toasted pecans. These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups bring together the rich, buttery essence of traditional baklava and the indulgent flair of Southern-style caramel pecan pie. One bite and you’ll understand why these tiny desserts make a big impression.

Perfect for holiday platters, brunch spreads, or cozy after-dinner treats, these baklava cups are as easy to devour as they are to assemble. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a solo sweet moment, this recipe delivers charm, crunch, and comforting flavor in every bite.

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

These delightful bites offer the best of both worlds—classic Mediterranean technique meets all-American flavor. If you love flaky, buttery textures with a sticky-sweet twist, you’re in for a treat. Each cup is perfectly portioned, making them ideal for parties or gifting. They require no slicing, no fuss, and best of all, you can make them ahead of time!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect baklava cup, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mini Muffin Tin – This is crucial for forming those beautiful, crisp phyllo shells. It provides structure and helps evenly bake the layers.
• Pastry Brush – You’ll use this to apply melted butter between layers of phyllo, ensuring golden, flaky results.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors – For trimming phyllo sheets to fit neatly into the muffin tin cups.
• Small Saucepan – For preparing the caramel sauce that fills the cups.
• Mixing Bowl – To toss the chopped pecans with flavorings before topping.

These tools help streamline the process while giving you bakery-style results right at home.

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Ingredients for the Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

• Phyllo Dough Sheets – The signature base that gives each cup its flaky, crisp texture. Thin and delicate, these layers bake into golden perfection.
• Unsalted Butter – Brushed between each phyllo layer for richness and browning.
• Chopped Pecans – The heart of the topping; they add crunch and a nutty depth that complements the sweet caramel.
• Brown Sugar – Key to the caramel’s rich, molasses-infused sweetness.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a silky smooth caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warmth and richness of the caramel.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

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How To Make the Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups

Step 1: Prep the Phyllo Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Cut the phyllo dough into squares to fit the muffin cups. Layer 5–6 squares in each cup, brushing melted butter between each layer.

Step 2: Bake the Shells

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let them cool in the pan before removing.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Pour the warm caramel sauce into each baked phyllo shell, filling about three-quarters full. Quickly top each with a spoonful of chopped pecans.

Step 5: Final Bake (Optional)

For extra toasted flavor, place the filled cups back into the oven for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Serving and Storing These Sweet Bites

Serve these pecan caramel baklava cups slightly warm for gooey, rich caramel texture, or at room temperature for a firmer, chewy bite. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the oven to revive the crispiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these?

You can make these up to 3 days in advance. Store them at room temperature or refrigerate, then reheat gently to refresh.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought caramel works just fine.

What if I don’t have phyllo dough?

You can substitute with puff pastry, though it will give a different texture—still delicious, but less crisp and flaky.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, once baked and cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in the oven.

Can I add spices?

Absolutely! A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the pecan mixture can add a warm, cozy note.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these pecan caramel baklava cups, you’ll probably enjoy these other standout sweets:

• Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Ultra moist and loaded with buttery pecans.
• Winter Brittle – A crunchy, nutty delight perfect for holiday gifting.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A dreamy fusion of two dessert icons.
• Amish Applesauce Cake – Spiced, nostalgic, and wonderfully tender.
• Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake – Pure chocolate indulgence in every bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra caramel or double the pecans? Maybe added a drizzle of chocolate?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask away if you’ve got questions—let’s make dessert magic together!

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