I guess I'm a nutty person, because I think most of my all-time favorite desserts are made with nuts. I love all kinds of nuts. I love pecans, walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, peanuts and more. I love seeds too, like sunflower and sesame seeds. There's just something about that extra little crunch while eating my favorite treats. Here are just a few of my favorite desserts (and other baked treats) made with nuts.
1. Benne Wafers
2009 Benne Wafers Cookie Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
Having lived in the south all of my life, I just don't know how I missed out on having Benne Wafers until now. Not only do they have a rich taste, but I really like the nutty texture, too. These are definitely going to be a cookie made regularly in my house.
2. German Chocolate Cake
2010 German Chocolate Cake Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
I think there are two things about a German Chocolate Cake that people find appealing. One is that it's a lighter version of a chocolate cake. It's not densely chocolate which, believe it or not, some people don't enjoy. The second reason is because it's iced with a Coconut Pecan Frosting. I know that's why my daughter loves it. A rich buttery flavor along with a great texture are what make the Coconut Pecan Frosting so enjoyable.
3. Tropical Carrot Cake
2010 Slice of Tropical Carrot Cake by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
I grew-up eating this cake. It's so sinful, and yet, filled with good things for you. I've had house guests request Tropical Carrot Cake for breakfast. I think this carrot cake recipe is by far the best you'll ever have.
4. Chocolate Nut Bars
2009 Chocolate Nut Bars Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com.
If you enjoy that chocolate and nuts combination, you'll just love this very tasty cookie recipe for Chocolate Nut Bars. This is one nutty bar cookie. There are 2-1/2 cups of nuts of your choice like: pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, salted peanuts and salted cashews.
5. Pecan Pie
2010 Pecan Pie Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
I've never really cared for pecan pie because it's typically too sweet. This recipe isn't like that at all. This Pecan Pie is just wonderful.
For a miniature version of Pecan Pie, try this recipe for Pecan Tassies.
For a miniature version of Pecan Pie, try this recipe for Pecan Tassies.
6. Loaded Blondies
2010 Loaded Blondies Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
Enjoy this Blondie recipe chocked-full of toasted walnuts and chocolate. Shh, I think that I might even like Blondies better than most brownies.
7. Sugared Nuts
Photo © 2010 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
These Sugared Nuts are so good that you'll want to eat them all of the time.
For that sweet-salty combination make some Salted Nuts to go with them.
For that sweet-salty combination make some Salted Nuts to go with them.
8. Orange-Pecan Biscotti
2010 Orange Pecan Biscotti Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
You'll be amazed at the the outstanding aroma that comes out of the cookie jar when removing one of these Orange Pecan Biscotti.
9. Oatmeal Walnut Cookies
2010 Oatmeal Walnut Cookies Photo by Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com
These Oatmeal Walnut Cookies have a wonderfully chewy texture and a want-at-least-one-more taste.
10. Homemade Granola
Photo © 2010 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
There is nothing like homemade granola. It can be used dry as a snack, in a bowl with milk for cereal or baked to make bars.
