Baklava Cups are a bite-sized version of the classic Mediterranean dessert, combining layers of crisp, flaky phyllo dough with a rich, spiced nut filling. These easy-to-make treats capture the essence of traditional baklava but are baked in a mini cup form, making them perfect for serving at parties or as a special treat. Filled with honey-sweetened walnuts, pistachios, and a touch of cinnamon, these cups are baked until golden and finished with a drizzle of honey syrup, creating a delightful balance of crunchy, nutty, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough sheets, thawed
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Honey Syrup:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with a little melted butter.
- Prepare the Nut Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, pistachios, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Assemble the Phyllo Cups: Unroll the phyllo dough sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Working with one sheet at a time, brush it lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top. Repeat until you have a stack of 5-6 buttered sheets. Cut the stack into small squares (about 2-3 inches) to fit into the mini muffin cups.
- Fill the Cups: Gently press each phyllo square into a mini muffin cup, forming small cups. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the nut mixture into each phyllo cup.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the phyllo cups are golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Honey Syrup: While the cups bake, combine honey, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the baklava cups have cooled slightly, drizzle the honey syrup over each cup. Allow the syrup to soak in before serving.
Enjoy these Baklava Cups as a convenient, delicious twist on a beloved dessert, with all the flavor and texture of traditional baklava in a fun, bite-sized form!
