Description
These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a delightful twist on traditional baklava, featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with a spiced pecan mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with luscious caramel sauce and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for serving as an elegant dessert or a special treat during festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo Cups
- 20 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Nut 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)
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 and cover phyllo sheets: Cut the thawed phyllo sheets into 3×3 inch squares and cover them with a damp towel to keep them from drying out while working.
- Layer phyllo in muffin cups: Arrange 5 phyllo squares in each muffin cup, overlapping and offsetting the edges to form a star shape. Brush each layer generously with melted butter to ensure crispness and flavor.
- Prepare nut filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Fill the phyllo cups: Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the nut mixture into each phyllo-lined cup, pressing 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 is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and add caramel: Remove the cups from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Drizzle caramel sauce over each cup while slightly warm.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios and place a whole pecan on top of each cup for added texture and presentation, if desired.
- Serve: These baklava cups are best served warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo sheets are kept covered with a damp towel at all times to prevent drying and tearing.
- Use melted unsalted butter to control the salt content and enhance the buttery flavor.
- For a richer caramel flavor, use high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel.
- These cups can be garnished with pistachios and whole pecans to add color and extra crunch, but this is optional.
- Freezing is a convenient option; thaw at room temperature before serving.
