One of the best parts of the holidays is the aromas and flavors of the season, from walnuts and cinnamon to peppermint and nutmeg. Sweet treats and mouthwatering desserts can bring family and friends around the table to celebrate the season together, one bite at a time.
Need walnuts? Click here to order #1 top-rated Fisher Chef’s Naturals walnuts.
During your festive gatherings this year, choose walnuts as the star baking ingredient. As many home cooks turn to wholesome ingredients that offer health benefits this holiday baking season, walnuts make for a perfect addition to almost any dish and are an excellent source of omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz). With a buttery flavor that elevates traditional and modern recipes, home bakers can do more with walnuts in the kitchen.
Part pumpkin, part cheesecake, this Walnut Pumpkin Cream Cheese Tart spices up the classic pumpkin pie recipe. Top it, or other favorite desserts, with light and airy Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream flavored with honey and vanilla to complement festive dishes.
Walnut Pumpkin Cream Cheese Tart
Walnut Pumpkin Cream Cheese Tart
Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Sweet Tart Crust
1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup salted butter, softened
1 large egg
nonstick cooking spray
Filling
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
whipped cream, for serving (optional)
To make sweet tart crust: In medium bowl, stir flour, walnuts and powdered sugar. Stir in butter and egg. Using fork, stir well until soft dough forms. Gather into ball and wrap tightly.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until dough is easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 350 F and coat 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray.
Lay pastry dough on lightly floured board and roll into 11-inch circle. Press dough into bottom and sides of prepared pan and poke with fork on bottom and sides. Bake 20 minutes.
To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk pumpkin and cream cheese until smooth. Add brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, egg and egg yolk, beating until incorporated.
Pour into prepared crust and top with walnuts. Bake 40 minutes, or until filling is set when pan is gently tapped.
Remove from oven and let cool. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve each slice with dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream
Total time: 8 minutes
Servings: 14
2 1/2 cups walnuts, divided
1 cup water
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1-2 teaspoons honey, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
In blender, puree 2 cups walnuts and water 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, vanilla extract and salt; blend 30 seconds. Add remaining honey if sweeter taste is desired.
To achieve thicker whipped cream, add remaining walnuts and puree until light and fluffy.
And if you’re having dessert, you’ll definitely need some coffee to go with it. Click here for an awesome Xmas gift idea for the coffee drinker(s) in your family!
All posts may contain affiliate links. Click here for more information.
