'Tis the holiday baking season: Walnut Pumpkin Cream Cheese Tart
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.
Posted — UpdatedOne 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.
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, California 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
Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/3 cup California walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- nonstick cooking spray
- 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 California walnuts, coarsely chopped
- whipped cream, for serving (optional)
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.
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 California 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.
Store tightly covered in refrigerator until ready to use.