Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel is a delightful combination of crispy textures and rich flavors, perfect for a variety of occasions. These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are the ultimate bite-sized dessert—crispy phyllo shells filled with a warm, spiced nut mixture and finished with a golden drizzle of caramel. They are not just delicious but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for quick breakfast treats, elegant dinner ideas, or easy food ideas for a party. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe a staple!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
This pecan caramel dessert recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: first, the sweet crunchy pecans merge beautifully with the crispy phyllo shells, offering a delightful contrast. Second, they are made with simple ingredients, making the preparation easy and enjoyable. Third, they are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual get-together. Fourth, these treats can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days. Fifth, they can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as chocolate or whipped cream. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, accommodating various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
Gather these items:
- 12 mini phyllo shells
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
How to Make Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Finely chop the pecans and walnuts and combine in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Step 2: Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the nut mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet or in a mini muffin tin.
- Step 4: Spoon the nut mixture into each phyllo shell, pressing down lightly.
- Step 5: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the shells are crisp and the filling is bubbling and golden.
- Step 6: Let the cups cool slightly, then drizzle each with warmed caramel sauce.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely so the caramel can set before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for quick breakfast treats.
- Great for elegant dinner ideas.
- Easy food ideas for a party.
- Can be made ahead of time and served later.
- For a unique twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel for a sweet and salty contrast.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
These sweet and crunchy pecan treats can be served in various ways. First, you can enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Second, they make a delightful addition to a dessert platter at gatherings. Lastly, consider pairing them with a rich chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
To store, keep the baklava cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This method ensures that the crunchy caramel pecans maintain their delightful texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel
What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel?
The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring that the phyllo shells are baked until golden and crisp. This creates a perfect contrast with the warm, gooey caramel and nut filling.
Can I make Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely! These baklava cups can be prepared and assembled ahead of time. Simply bake them right before serving for the best taste and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overfill the phyllo shells, as this can cause overflow during baking. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to prevent burning.
Variations of Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations: you can swap out walnuts for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Additionally, drizzling chocolate over the cooled cups adds an extra layer of indulgence. Finally, experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, to create unique flavor profiles. These options highlight the Mediterranean cuisine inspiration of this delightful recipe.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category. If you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, you might enjoy our bake chocolate eclair cake. And for a savory twist, try our creamy Tuscan scallops recipe.
For additional information on the health benefits of nuts, you can visit Healthline.
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Sweet Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups for a Delightful Treat
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet & Crunchy Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups are the ultimate bite-sized dessert—crispy phyllo shells filled with a warm, spiced nut mixture and finished with a golden drizzle of caramel.
Ingredients
- 12 mini phyllo shells
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Finely chop the pecans and walnuts and combine in a bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the nut mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet or in a mini muffin tin.
- Spoon the nut mixture into each phyllo shell, pressing down lightly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the shells are crisp and the filling is bubbling and golden.
- Let the cups cool slightly, then drizzle each with warmed caramel sauce.
- Allow to cool completely so the caramel can set before serving.
Notes
- Perfect for quick breakfast treats.
- Great for elegant dinner ideas.
- Easy food ideas for a party.
- Can be made ahead of time and served later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg