22 Nut-Based Desserts You Can Make at Home

Nut-based desserts offer the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness, making them irresistible to those who love treats with texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a decadent finish to a meal, these desserts are both easy to make and packed with the goodness of nuts. From creamy almond-based cakes to pecan-studded pies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

These gluten-free almond flour chocolate chip cookies are a healthier twist on a classic treat. To make them, mix 2 cups of almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips, and scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and enjoy chewy, nutty cookies.

Peanut Butter Brownies

These peanut butter brownies are rich and fudgy with a nutty twist. Begin by melting 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Fold in 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade peanut butter brownie goodness.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are the perfect handheld version of the classic Southern dessert. Start by creating the crust: mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar, then press it into a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. While it bakes, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the baked crust, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set. Let cool before slicing.

Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles

For an indulgent treat, these hazelnut chocolate truffles are surprisingly easy to make. Melt 8 oz of dark chocolate with 1/4 cup of heavy cream over low heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, form it into small balls and roll each in crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder. Let the truffles chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Walnut Banana Bread

This walnut banana bread is moist, nutty, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Let it cool before slicing into this delicious bread.

Pistachio Ice Cream

Homemade pistachio ice cream is a cool, creamy dessert that’s easy to make. Blend 1 cup of pistachios with 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, freeze for an additional 2-3 hours for a firmer texture. Scoop and serve for a refreshing, nutty treat.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake

This peanut butter cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert. Start by mixing 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of melted butter to form a crust. Press it into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat 16 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes. Let it chill before serving for the perfect creamy slice.

Walnut Chocolate Brownies

For a rich, nutty twist on classic brownies, try walnut chocolate brownies. Melt 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar, and stir in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of flour, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, then pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, slice into fudgy, walnut-filled squares.

Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This pistachio cake is light, fluffy, and topped with a creamy frosting. Start by whisking together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of ground pistachios, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar until creamy, then add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then bake in a greased pan at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting and crushed pistachios.

Maple Pecan Blondies

Maple pecan blondies are a sweet and nutty twist on traditional brownies. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, then stir in 1 cup of flour and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, pour the batter into a greased pan, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before slicing into maple-infused blondies.

Cashew Coconut Energy Bites

These cashew coconut energy bites are a healthy, no-bake treat. Combine 1 cup of cashews, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a dough, then roll into bite-sized balls. Store in the fridge for an hour before enjoying a delicious, nutrient-packed snack perfect for on-the-go.

Chocolate Almond Bark

This chocolate almond bark is a simple yet decadent dessert that requires just a few ingredients. Start by melting 12 oz of dark chocolate in a double boiler. Once smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 1/2 cups of toasted almonds. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let it set in the fridge for about 1 hour. Break the bark into pieces and enjoy this sweet and crunchy treat.

Pistachio Baklava

This pistachio baklava is a flaky, sweet pastry that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Start by brushing 10 sheets of phyllo dough with melted butter, layering them in a baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of finely chopped pistachios over the dough, and repeat the process with another 10 sheets of phyllo dough. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. While it bakes, prepare a syrup with 1/2 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of water. Pour the syrup over the warm baklava, then let it cool before slicing.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups

These homemade peanut butter chocolate cups are a healthier version of the store-bought classic. Start by melting 1 cup of dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and pour a small amount of the chocolate mixture into each. Freeze for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Spoon the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer, then cover with more melted chocolate. Freeze for another 30 minutes before enjoying.

Hazelnut Meringue Cookies

Light and airy, these hazelnut meringue cookies are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. Begin by beating 2 egg whites with 1/2 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250°F for 25-30 minutes, until the meringues are crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. Let them cool completely before serving.

Pistachio Shortbread

These delicate pistachio shortbread cookies are buttery and full of flavor. Begin by creaming 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of finely chopped pistachios. Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Slice the dough into rounds and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

These peanut butter banana bites are a quick and healthy no-bake treat. Slice 2 bananas into 1/2-inch rounds, and spread a dollop of peanut butter between two slices to make a sandwich. Dip each banana sandwich into melted dark chocolate, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the bites for 1 hour, then enjoy these sweet, nutty treats straight from the freezer.

Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

Walnut oatmeal cookies are a hearty and flavorful dessert. In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and spoon the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Almond Ricotta Cake

This almond ricotta cake is a light, moist dessert with a subtle nutty flavor. Start by whisking together 1 1/2 cups of almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Let cool before dusting with powdered sugar.

Hazelnut Chocolate Tart

This hazelnut chocolate tart is a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Begin by mixing 1 1/2 cups of crushed hazelnuts with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar to form the crust. Press the mixture into a tart pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. For the filling, melt 8 oz of dark chocolate with 1/2 cup of heavy cream, then pour it into the cooled crust. Chill the tart in the fridge for 2 hours before serving, topped with chopped hazelnuts.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

This maple walnut ice cream is creamy and full of nutty goodness. Start by whisking 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, and 3/4 cup of maple syrup in a bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, freeze for an additional 2-3 hours before scooping and serving.

Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a classic crunchy candy that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Start by heating 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. Quickly stir in 1 1/2 cups of peanuts and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, then pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Spread it out and let it cool before breaking it into pieces.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

20 Best Trader Joe’s Products for a Perfect Cheese and Charcuterie Board

When it comes to building a charcuterie board, the right selection of cheeses can make all the difference. Trader Joe’s is known for its high-quality, unique cheeses that bring variety and flavor to any gathering. Read More.

18 Timeless Cookie Recipes Everyone Should Master

Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, and mastering a few timeless recipes will elevate your baking game. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting homemade goodies, or simply indulging at home, these classic cookie recipes are must-haves. Read More.

15 Unhealthy Foods Nutritionists Say You Should Remove from Your Daily Meals

When it comes to eating healthy, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to eat. Nutritionists often recommend cutting certain foods from your diet to improve overall health, boost energy, and help you feel your best. Read More.