Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups: A Sweet and Nutty Delight
Experience the irresistibly sweet and nutty flavors of Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups, a delicious twist on a classic dessert. These mini cups feature a crisp phyllo shell filled with a rich pecan and caramel mixture, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Cost: $$
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are a delightful addition to any dessert spread. The combination of crunchy pecans and smooth caramel infused with cinnamon and vanilla creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a special treat, this recipe is both easy and quick to prepare, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment with your loved ones.
Context/Background
Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert known for its layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and syrup. This modern take offers a convenient, bite-sized version with all the classic elements but in a playful cup form. The use of caramel and pecans gives it a distinctly American twist, merging cultures and flavors seamlessly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the phyllo shells, which may cause them to overflow during baking.
- Skipping the toasting step for the pecans, as this enhances their flavor.
- Adding too much cinnamon, which can overpower the caramel flavor.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups
- Use fresh phyllo shells for the best texture.
- Cool the caramel mixture slightly before filling the shells to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Garnish with a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel variation.
Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
- Use honey instead of caramel for a more traditional baklava taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cups as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruits and mint tea, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover baklava cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness before serving.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the caramel pecan mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the phyllo cups just before serving for optimal texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 125
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
- Contains nuts and gluten
The Recipe
Serves: 24
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 24 mini phyllo shells
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped pecans, stirring continuously until toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in caramel sauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined.
- Fill each phyllo shell with the pecan caramel mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until shells are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a touch of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg to the caramel mixture.
- Ensure that the shells do not become too soft by not overfilling with caramel.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #PecanCaramelBaklavaCups on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I use regular baklava dough instead of phyllo shells? It’s possible, but will require additional steps to cut and shape the dough into cups.
- What is the best way to serve these cups? They are best served slightly warm or at room temperature shortly after baking.