These Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups are a tasty treat that’s perfect for parties! Soft brie cheese melts inside crispy pastry cups, making every bite creamy and delicious.
The sweet and tangy cranberry topping with crunchy pecans makes it a crowd-pleaser. I love to serve these warm right out of the oven—they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wonton wrappers: These are essential for creating the crispy cups. If you can’t find them, you can use phyllo dough, but keep in mind it may require more layers and more careful handling to avoid tearing.
Brie cheese: The rich creaminess of Brie is perfect here. If you’re looking for an alternative, goat cheese can provide a tangy flavor, or Camembert works too. Just make sure to remove the rind!
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use dried cranberries for a sweeter note, but you may need to adjust the sugar amount to balance the flavors.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give crunch and flavor. If nuts are a concern, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
Orange zest: This adds a bright touch. If you don’t have it, a little lemon zest can also brighten the dish. The spices can be adjusted to your taste!
How Do I Make Sure the Wonton Cups Come Out Perfectly Crispy?
Getting the wonton cups just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to ensure they’re crispy and delicious:
- Make sure to press the wonton wrappers snugly into the muffin tin to avoid them shrinking as they bake.
- Don’t skip brushing the wrappers with melted butter or cooking spray—this adds flavor and helps achieve that golden crisp!
- Keep an eye on them while baking; baking times can vary based on your oven. As soon as they’re golden brown, they’re ready to go!
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated wonton wrappers
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra whole pecans for garnish)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for brushing muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. All together, you’ll be ready to indulge in these delicious treats in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter. This will help the wonton cups release easily after baking.
2. Forming the Wonton Cups:
Take the wonton wrappers and gently press one into each mini muffin cup, making sure to push down in the center to create a nice cup shape. Don’t worry if they look a little uneven; they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven!
3. Add the Brie:
Now, grab your Brie cheese and place about 1 tablespoon of cheese into the center of each wonton cup. Make sure you distribute the cheese evenly so every bite is cheesy and delicious!
4. Make the Cranberry Pecan Topping:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped pecans, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, and cinnamon. Stir frequently as you cook until the cranberries burst open and the mixture thickens a bit, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Fill the Cups:
Take about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry pecan mixture you just made and spoon it on top of the Brie in each wonton cup. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the wonton wrappers to be golden brown and the Brie to be melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Remove:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Carefully remove the baked Brie cups from the tin—use a small spoon if needed to help lift them out.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, top each cup with a whole pecan for a nice touch. Serve these warm and watch them disappear—everyone will love them!
Enjoy these elegant and flavorful mini bites combining creamy brie, sweet and tart cranberry pecans, all in a crispy wonton shell. Perfect for any festive gathering!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is a classic choice, you can use other soft cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just remember to remove the rind if applicable!
Can I Make These Baked Brie Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the wonton cups and the cranberry pecan mixture in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble right before baking to ensure they stay crispy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave; the oven will help keep the wonton cups crispy!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Definitely! You can substitute walnuts for pecans, use dried cranberries instead of fresh, or even swap honey and maple syrup based on your preference. Just be mindful of adjusting the sweetness accordingly!
