They are the underdog of the nut world probably because they tend to be a little costly and can be quite a task to split and extract., But, walnuts are natural flavor enhancers, all depending on how you use them.
Walnut, or Akhrot, is an underrated nut. Used in desserts — be it desi or otherwise — it can have a slightly bitter taste to it, if eaten unpeeled, with its thin brown skin intact. But walnuts just like almonds, cashews and pistachios enhance the flavor of any dessert, if handled with care and used properly. But certain classics continue to reign supreme like walnut brownies.
While chopped or halved, walnuts work well mixed into batters or crusts; whole walnuts baked or pressed into pastries become little bursts of indulgence. Their rich nutty flavor and pleasant crunch add depth and texture to desserts that are nothing short of an olfactory delight. So, here are some walnut-based dessert recipes—some baked, some frozen.
1. Walnut Brownies
Ingredients:
- 180 gm butter, softened
- 270 gm sugar
- 3 eggs
- 60 ml vanilla extract
- 120 gm all-purpose flour
- 30 gm cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 120 gm chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on two sides.
- 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until fully combined.
- 3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- 5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Fold in the walnuts.
- 6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- 7. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.
2. Walnut Cookies
Ingredients:
- 150 gm all-purpose flour
- 1 gm baking soda
- 1/4 gm salt
- 100 gm butter, softened
- 50 gm brown sugar
- 50 gm granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120 gm chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
- 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, for about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla.
- 4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Stir in the walnuts.
- 5. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough and space them 2-3 cm apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- 6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until light golden brown around the edges.
- 7. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Walnut Freezer Fudge
Ingredients:
- 400 gm sweetened condensed milk
- 200 gm chocolate chips
- 100 gm chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- 1. Line an 18 x 18 cm pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides. Set aside. You can also line the pan with plastic wrap instead of parchment for easy removal.
- 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. For a lower-fat version, use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- 3. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts. Pour into the prepared pan.
- 5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until firm.
- 6. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
4. Easy Walnut Crisp
Ingredients:
- 800 gm apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 60 gm brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 120 gm all-purpose flour
- 60 gm rolled oats
- 120 gm butter, softened
- 60 gm chopped walnuts
Topping:
- 120 gm all-purpose flour
- 60 gm rolled oats
- 60 gm brown sugar
- 60 gm butter, softened
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use any type of apple such as Gala, Fuji or Red Delicious.
- 2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon. Transfer to a 20 cm baking dish.
- 3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, butter and walnuts until crumbly. You can add 1/2 tsp nutmeg or 1/4 tsp ginger to the topping for extra flavor.
- 4. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples.
- 5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- 6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.