Aug 31 2026
RestaurantsTOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Ann ArborWalnut Cream Baguette Recipe

Walnut Cream Baguette Recipe

Time40m
Serves6

Make Walnut Cream Baguette Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Walnut Cream Spread

Method

Walnut Cream Spread

  1. 1

    Toast walnuts

    Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup walnuts and toast, stirring or shaking the pan, until fragrant and just darker at the edges, 4–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely (toasting brings out flavor and reduces raw bitterness).

  2. 2

    Pulse walnuts

    When cool, place the toasted walnuts in a food processor. Pulse 6–8 times until coarsely chopped — you want small pieces but not walnut butter. Scrape down the sides as needed.

  3. 3

    Blend base

    Add 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup ricotta to the food processor with the chopped walnuts. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

  4. 4

    Process to desired texture

    Process in 10–15 second bursts until the mixture is smooth but still slightly textured from walnut pieces (about 6–12 short pulses and 20–30 seconds continuous, depending on desired chunkiness). If mixture seems too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon more heavy cream, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, until spreadable consistency is reached.

  5. 5

    Adjust seasoning

    Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt, a little extra honey for sweetness, or more lemon juice for brightness. Transfer walnut cream to a bowl, cover, and chill 15–30 minutes if making ahead to let flavors meld.

Baguette & Assembly

  1. 6

    Prepare baguette

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette on a slight diagonal into 12–14 slices about 1/2" thick. If you prefer toasted bread, brush each slice lightly with softened butter (about 2 tbs total) on the cut side.

  2. 7

    Toast slices (optional)

    Arrange slices cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Bake 6–8 minutes until edges are golden and crisp (watch carefully so they don't overbrown). Remove and let cool slightly.

  3. 8

    Spread walnut cream

    Using a knife or small spatula, spread approximately 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the walnut cream onto each baguette slice, covering evenly. Reserve any extra in a serving bowl.

  4. 9

    Garnish

    Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs (about 2 tbs total) over the top of the spread. Drizzle lightly with 1 tablespoon honey and, if desired, finish with a small pinch of coarse sea salt and another grind of black pepper.

  5. 10

    Serve

    Arrange the prepared slices on a platter and serve immediately while toasts are still slightly warm, or refrigerate the walnut cream separately and assemble just before serving to keep bread crisp. Leftover walnut cream keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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