Orange Blossom Caramel Pecan Baklava Cups

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? These Orange Blossom Caramel Pecan Baklava Cups offer all the flaky, nutty, and sweet goodness of traditional baklava, but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-enjoy bite! We’ve taken the classic flavors of orange blossom, caramel, and pecan and nestled them into crispy phyllo cups for an elegant and utterly delicious treat. These aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply a special indulgence, these baklava cups are sure to impress. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful twist on a timeless favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 Ready-Made Phyllo Cups (≈12 cm each): These pre-formed phyllo cups save you the time and effort of layering phyllo dough yourself. Look for them in the frozen section of most supermarkets. The 12cm size is ideal for holding a generous filling.
• 150g (5oz) Pecan Halves, Coarsely Chopped: Pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Coarsely chopping them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the filling and offer a pleasant texture.
• 30g (1oz) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Butter adds richness and helps the phyllo cups become beautifully golden and crispy. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Honey: Honey contributes a delicate sweetness and floral aroma to the glaze, complementing the orange blossom flavor.
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, enhancing the nutty flavor of the pecans.
• 100g (3½oz) Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is used both in the caramel and to coat the pecans, providing sweetness and helping to create a delightful caramelized texture.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Water: Water is essential for creating both the caramel sauce and the honey glaze, acting as a solvent for the sugar and honey.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Orange Blossom Water: This is the star aromatic ingredient! Orange blossom water imparts a uniquely floral and fragrant flavor that is characteristic of baklava. Be sure to use culinary-grade orange blossom water.
• ½ tsp Flaky Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and pecans, providing a delightful contrast and balancing the flavors.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the caramel and prevents it from becoming overly sweet. It also helps to create a smoother texture.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Orange Zest Curls, Toasted (Optional Garnish): Toasted orange zest curls add a beautiful visual element and intensify the citrusy aroma. Toasting the zest releases its essential oils, maximizing its flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

While these Orange Blossom Caramel Pecan Baklava Cups are delicious as written, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Pecans: Walnuts or pistachios can be used in place of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Orange Blossom Water: If you can’t find orange blossom water, you can substitute with rose water, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Phyllo Cups: If you can’t find pre-made phyllo cups, you can use sheets of phyllo dough and shape them into cups yourself, but this will require more time and effort.

Let’s Build These Baklava Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking and a perfectly crisp phyllo shell. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Craft the Orange Blossom Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 50g (½ cup) of granulated sugar and 30ml (2 Tbsp) of water. The key here is patience. Cook over medium-high heat, *swirling the pan occasionally* – do not stir! – until the mixture transforms into a deep amber color. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Swirling ensures even heating and prevents burning. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.
3. Emulsify the Caramel: Quickly whisk in 15g (1 Tbsp) of melted butter, 1 Tbsp of orange blossom water, ¼ tsp of flaky sea salt, and the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice is crucial; it stops the caramel from cooking further and adds a delightful tang. Whisk vigorously to ensure everything is well combined and the caramel is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly – it will thicken as it cools.
4. Spice the Pecans: In a separate bowl, toss the coarsely chopped pecan halves with the remaining 50g (¼ cup) of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and 1 Tbsp of orange blossom water. Ensure the pecans are evenly coated with the sweet and fragrant mixture. This step infuses the pecans with flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
5. Assemble the Cups: Gently brush the interior of each ready-made phyllo cup with a little of the melted butter. This creates a barrier against the filling and helps the phyllo become extra crispy. Spoon a generous handful of the spiced pecan mixture into each cup, pressing down lightly to create a compact base.
6. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle approximately 1 tsp of the warm orange blossom caramel into the center of each cup, allowing it to pool around the pecans. Don’t overfill; you want the caramel to be a delightful accent, not overwhelm the pecans.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled baklava cups on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the phyllo edges are golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
8. Prepare the Honey Glaze: While the cups are baking, prepare the light honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp of honey, 30ml (2 tbsp) of water, and ½ tbsp of orange blossom water. Warm over low heat just until the mixture is fluid and well combined. Do not boil.
9. Glaze and Garnish: Once the baklava cups are baked, let them rest for about 5 minutes. Then, brush each cup with the warm honey-orange blossom glaze. This adds a final layer of sweetness and shine. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few toasted orange zest curls (if using) on top for a beautiful visual contrast and a burst of fresh flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the baklava cups to a serving plate and serve them warm or at room temperature. The glossy caramel pool in the center should be prominently visible.

The Magic of Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough, also known as filo pastry, is incredibly thin sheets of dough traditionally made by stretching dough until translucent. While making it from scratch is a labor of love, using pre-made phyllo cups simplifies the process without sacrificing the authentic baklava experience. The many layers of phyllo create a delicate, flaky texture that perfectly complements the rich filling.

Why Orange Blossom Water is Key

Orange blossom water isn’t just a flavoring; it’s the soul of many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. Its floral aroma and delicate flavor elevate the baklava to another level. It pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecans, creating a complex and unforgettable taste. Don’t substitute with orange extract – the flavor profile is vastly different. Look for high-quality orange blossom water for the best results.

Caramel Considerations: Achieving the Perfect Amber Hue

The caramel is arguably the most important component of these baklava cups. Achieving that deep amber color is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavor. Remember, patience is key! Swirling the pan instead of stirring prevents crystallization. Be prepared to work quickly once the caramel reaches the desired color, as it can burn easily.

Pecan Perfection: Toasting for Enhanced Flavor

While the recipe calls for coarsely chopped pecans, consider lightly toasting them before mixing with the cinnamon and sugar. Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds another layer of complexity to the filling. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the baklava cups a few hours in advance, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to ensure maximum crispness. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently warmed before use.

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pistachios would be delicious substitutes for pecans. Adjust the amount of cinnamon to complement the nut you choose.

How do I store leftover baklava cups?

Store leftover baklava cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispness, but will still be delicious.

A Sweet Ending

These Orange Blossom Caramel Pecan Baklava Cups are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. The combination of flaky phyllo, crunchy pecans, fragrant orange blossom, and rich caramel is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

pecan caramel baklava cups recipe easy tasty

---

• Author: Jusmira Rayne
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cups 1x
• Diet: General

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Orange Blossom Caramel Pecan Baklava Cups deliver the classic baklava flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form. Crispy phyllo cups are filled with a spiced pecan mixture and drizzled with a fragrant orange blossom caramel.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 Phyllo Cups (≈12 cm each)
• 150g Pecan Halves, Coarsely Chopped
• 30g Unsalted Butter, Melted
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 100g Granulated Sugar
• 60ml Water
• 1 tbsp Orange Blossom Water
• ½ tsp Flaky Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 tbsp Orange Zest Curls (Optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Craft Caramel: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; swirl until amber (4-5 minutes).
3. Emulsify Caramel: Whisk in butter, orange blossom water, salt, and lemon juice.
4. Spice Pecans: Toss pecans with sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water.
5. Assemble Cups: Brush phyllo cups with butter; fill with pecan mixture.
6. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle caramel into each cup.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Prepare Honey Glaze: Warm honey, water, and orange blossom water.
9. Glaze and Garnish: Brush with glaze; sprinkle with salt and zest.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For optimal crispness, bake just before serving. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Swirling the caramel prevents crystallization.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: baklava,pecan,orange blossom,caramel,phyllo,dessert,mediterranean,nuts,sweet,treat