The rich, nutty flavor of walnuts adds a depth and complexity to desserts that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a classic brownie or something more unique like a walnut-stuffed date, these 18 delicious dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From the comforting warmth of a walnut coffee cake to the decadent richness of walnut chocolate fudge, there’s something here for every occasion.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of walnut desserts. With everything from classic treats like walnut brownies and maple walnut pie to more adventurous options like walnut pralines and walnut ice cream, you’re sure to find inspiration for your next baking project.
Classic Walnut Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies loaded with the warmth of walnuts – a classic dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 4 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Melt the butter in the microwave (30-second increments, stirring between each interval) or in a double boiler. Add melted butter to the sugar mixture; stir until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Walnut Pie
This classic pie combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and walnuts to create a sweet and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup walnuts, chopped
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cream, sugar, and melted butter until stiff peaks form.
3. Stir in chopped walnuts and maple syrup.
4. Beat in the eggs until well combined.
5. Roll out pie crust and fill with walnut mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Walnut Baklava
A classic Middle Eastern dessert, walnut baklava is a sweet and nutty delight. This recipe combines layers of flaky phyllo dough, crunchy walnuts, and honey to create a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Unroll phyllo dough and cut into four equal pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
4. Layer phyllo dough with walnut mixture and honey, repeating the process until all ingredients are used up.
5. Place final layer of phyllo on top and brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these rich and nutty cookies that combine the flavors of walnuts and dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: About 36 cookies
Walnut Caramel Tart
Sweet and nutty, this walnut caramel tart is a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, and water until dissolved.
4. Add chopped walnuts and butter; stir until well combined.
5. Spoon the walnut mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
7. Use a knife or fork to crimp edges to seal tart.
8. Brush with vanilla extract and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut Apple Crisp
A sweet and satisfying dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of walnuts, topped with a crunchy oat streusel.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped walnuts, rolled oats, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread the walnut oat streusel over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut Coffee Cake
Moist and flavorful, this walnut coffee cake is perfect for a weekend brunch or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12-15 servings
Walnut Pumpkin Bread
Warm up to the rich flavors of fall with this moist and aromatic Walnut Pumpkin Bread. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Walnut Banana Bread
Walnut Banana Bread Recipe
Moist and flavorful, this walnut banana bread is a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Walnut Honey Cake
A moist and flavorful cake infused with the rich flavors of walnuts and honey, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped walnuts and honey.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Walnut Date Bars
A sweet and satisfying dessert, Walnut Date Bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the earthy flavor of walnuts, all wrapped up in a crumbly oat crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, dates, and walnuts to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day with a sweet treat by baking these scrumptious walnut cinnamon rolls, filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm milk, melted butter, walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Spread with melted butter and roll up tightly. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
6. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Walnut Chocolate Fudge
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent walnut chocolate fudge recipe, perfect for gift-giving or indulging in a midnight treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter
– 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate chips, butter, and sugar. Place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in walnuts, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes prep time; 2+ hours chill time
Walnut Ice Cream
Walnut Ice Cream Recipe
Rich and creamy ice cream infused with the nutty flavor of walnuts, perfect for a warm summer day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen and scoopable, transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time) + churning time
Walnut Stuffed Dates
Elevate your holiday parties with these sweet and savory bites. Walnut-stuffed dates are a classic combination of flavors that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
• 12-15 pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cut a slit down the center of each date, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each date with about 1/4 teaspoon of chopped walnuts.
4. In a small bowl, mix together honey and butter until well combined.
5. Spoon the honey-butter mixture evenly over each stuffed date, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the dates are caramelized and fragrant.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
These sweet and savory bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a quick snack any time of year.
Walnut Cheesecake
A classic cheesecake gets a boost of flavor and texture with the addition of walnuts, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan over crust.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until center is set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Walnut Shortbread Cookies
A classic shortbread cookie recipe gets a delicious boost from the addition of walnuts, creating a buttery and nutty treat perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the chopped walnuts and salt.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together.
5. Roll the dough into a log, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Cut into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick slices.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Walnut Pralines
Walnut Pralines Recipe
A classic Southern treat, these crunchy and chewy pralines are packed with the rich flavor of walnuts. Perfect for snacking or as a sweet addition to your favorite dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly, until the temperature drops to 115°F.
5. Stir in chopped walnuts and salt.
6. Pour the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm.
7. Break into pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Note: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the pralines by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water. It should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water.
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 irresistible walnut dessert recipes! From classic treats like brownies and cookies to show-stopping pies and cakes, walnuts add a rich flavor and satisfying crunch to each dish. Try Maple Walnut Pie for a seasonal twist or go old-fashioned with Walnut Baklava. Whether you’re in the mood for something chocolatey, fruity, or nutty, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, get baking, and discover the perfect walnut dessert for any occasion!
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