A new dessert go-to

“This might be the best thing I’ve ever made?”

“It’s up there.”

That was the entire conversation I had while enjoying this little dessert with my boyfriend last night…we were too busy savoring bites to say much else!  The recipe is really simple, but this was my second try – the first was too dense, and a little chewy…but with the addition of milk and a bit of baking powder, second time was the charm!  And it’s my second entry to the California Walnuts contest for TheRecipeRedux – one I’ll definitely be entertaining with at the next opportunity.  Desserts based on walnuts offer lots of fiber and protein, and I kept the sugar reasonable.  The crust is crunchy and salty, the filling soft and melt-in-your-mouth sweet and spongy.  It’s definitely a treat, but making them in these cute 3″ ramekins means portion control is easy…I highly recommend serving with a drizzle of cream or whipped cream!

Warm walnut bread pudding

Ingredients

Crust

• 1/2 c chopped walnuts
• 1/2 c quick cooking oats
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 c melted coconut oil

Filling

• 1 c raw walnuts
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c milk (or milk alternative)
• 1/4 c sugar
• dash ginger
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 4 tsp honey
• extra walnut piece for garnishing

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray ramekins with cooking oil (or use a little extra coconut oil) and combine the crust ingredients in a bowl, mixing with the side of a fork until oats and nuts are coated with oil.  Portion out 1/4 into each ramekin and press with the bottom of the fork (see picture below).  Bake for 12 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine all the filling ingredients except honey in a high speed blender or food processor and puree until smooth.  Pour evenly into ramekins over the baked crust, then drizzle 1 tsp of honey over each.  Bake in the 350F oven for 25 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool to touch.  Serve warm. (Can be reheated in the microwave after baking.)

I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.