Pureed Honey Walnut Cream Dip

As a speech-language pathologist and cook, I’m constantly inspired by the memories that food evokes. The flavors of baklava, with its roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, are filled with nostalgia and stories shared around the table. This recipe aims to bring those memories to life in a texture-modified form that is suitable for everyone, from the most seasoned foodie to those needing texture modifications.

IDDSI Level 4 Pureed Honey Walnut Cream Dip Recipe

Creating a dessert that captures the rich, nuanced flavors of traditional baklava while being adaptable for various dietary needs can be a rewarding challenge. This Honey Walnut Cream with Greek Yogurt is inspired by the warm, spiced flavors of baklava, including honey, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts, all combined in a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It offers all the elements you’d expect in a baklava experience but in a smoother, spoonable form. This recipe is perfect for accommodating a range of IDDSI levels while still delivering a gourmet touch.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dessert, Dips and Spreads, Snack

Cuisine: Gluten Free, Mediterranean, Vegetarian

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain or vanilla
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a richer flavor
• 1/4 cup honey plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup toasted walnut meal finely ground
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Zest of 1/2 lemon optional for brightness

Optional Toppings

• Pistachio or walnut butter
• A light sprinkle of cinnamon
• Honey drizzle

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Serving cups or bowls

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and well mixed. Fold in the finely ground toasted walnuts and lemon zest (if using).
2. Transfer the honey walnut cream to a serving dish or individual cups. Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
3. Before serving, drizzle a bit of honey on top and add optional crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve as a dessert or an indulgent snack.

Notes

IDDSI Texture Modifications:

• Minced & Moist 5 (MM5): You could increase the grind size of the walnuts, but the pureed recipe works great for an IDDSI level 5. You can mince apples or make pregelled pretzel sticks or crackers. (Unfamiliar with pregelling? Check out my How to Pregel Bread guide.)
• Soft & Bite-sized 6 (SB6): peeled apples are a great way to enjoy this dip.
• Easy to Chew 7 (EC7): Peel any fruits used to enjoy this dip.

Macro Adjustments:

• Protein: Use high protein Greek yogurt options like skyr or triple-filtered yogurts, add your favorite vanilla protein powder, or swap walnuts for soy nuts.
• Fats: To increase, use mascarpone instead of ricotta, add extra nut butter. To decrease, use part skim ricotta (or stick to just Greek yogurt) and skip additional nut butter topping. 
• Carbs: Reduce honey or swap for a sweetening alternative like monk fruit or stevia. 

Dietary Swaps:

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten free, enjoy!
• Dairy-free/Vegan: Use coconut or almond yogurt and a vegan ricotta/cream cheese

Low-Spoons Shortcuts:

• You can add everything into one bowl for a batch prep and minimal dishes.
• Use spoonfuls by eye for honey, spices, nut butter. Since it is no bake, it is super forgiving. 

Toasting the Walnuts
Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the cream brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then chop finely.

Achieving the Right Consistency
For Level 4, use a food processor or high-speed blender to puree the mixture thoroughly. The main ingredient to monitor is the ground roasted nuts; make sure the meal is well saturated or opt for a nut butter in its place to guarantee.

Balancing Sweetness and Spice
The honey and cinnamon provide the quintessential baklava flavors. Adjust the amount of honey to suit your desired sweetness, and consider adding a bit of nutmeg or lemon zest for a bright finish.

Why This Recipe Works for Dysphagia Dining
This Honey Walnut Cream Dip with Greek Yogurt is an elevated take on the traditional flavors of baklava, offering a balance of sweetness, spice, and nuttiness that makes for a luxurious dessert. The creamy texture is naturally adaptable, making it perfect for a range of IDDSI levels. By including elements like honey and cinnamon, this dish offers a taste of the Middle East and Mediterranean, bringing nostalgia and warmth to each bite, while being accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Every recipe here is designed for texture sensitive eaters: from dysphagia to dental issues to picky eaters. Get recipe roundups and practical tips by joining the mailing list.

Hungry for more?

Find your next favorite pureed recipes here.