Quick and Easy Dairy-Free Whipped Cream — Made With Walnuts!

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Looking for a dairy-free whipped cream that’s still creamy, airy, and light? You’ve landed in the right place. This walnut whipped cream is made with a walnut and water base, honey and vanilla for flavor, and powdered sugar for that classically stiff whipped cream texture. Made with only six ingredients in fourteen minutes for a perfect dollop of subtle nuttiness. Use in both sweet and savory recipes!

One of our all-time favorite desserts at The Produce Moms is juicy, sweet fruit with a dollop (or three) of airy whipped cream. It’s simple and easy yet refreshing and satisfying.

Whether you or your family has dietary restrictions or you’re simply trying to eat better, it can be hard to omit whipped cream, especially when kiddos are involved. 

Walnut Whipped Cream Hero Image

Dairy-free walnut whipped cream is sponsored by California Walnuts.

So we created this vegan whipped cream recipe using walnuts as the base with a few extra ingredients … for an airy, light, and creamy texture that still delivers on taste. 

And it’s ready in only fourteen minutes!

You and your family will love this dairy-free walnut whipped cream so much that you won’t even miss the original. In fact, we love the nutty flavor so much that we paired it with sweet and savory recipes. 

We hope you give them a try!

What is Walnut Whipped Cream?

Dairy Free Walnut Whipped Cream

Nut milk is made by simply blending water and your favorite nuts, straining through a nut bag, and then drinking. You’ll start your walnut whipped cream in a similar way: with a base of walnuts and water, with sweetener and flavor enhancers like honey and vanilla mixed in. Top or mix your whipped cream into sweet and savory recipes. It’s totally dairy-free, with an easy vegan option too!

Walnut Whipped Cream Ingredients

walnuts, powdered sugar, water, honey, vanilla

You only need six ingredients to make your dairy-free whipped cream in a blender. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry, but let’s check to make sure you have everything you need.

Do you have:

Walnuts

You need two and a half cups of walnuts to make the base of your dairy-free whipped cream. We used California Walnuts because they pride themselves on buttery and nutritious walnuts for a plant powerhouse that you and your family will love. You’ll blend the walnuts with water to create the base of your whipped cream before adding in the sweeteners and natural flavors. 

Related: California Walnuts Nutrition and Storage Tips

Powdered Sugar

A good homemade whipped cream forms stiff peaks as high as you can get them. Since we’re not working with traditional full-fat whipping cream, you’ll need powdered sugar. It’s important to use powdered sugar instead of granulated because it dissolves easier at room temperature and has added starches to help you achieve a light and airy texture. 

Honey

We love using natural sweeteners when we can, so we added some honey to our walnut whipped cream. It adds that hint of sweetness that you’d expect from a traditional whipped cream recipe. If you’d like to make a completely vegan whipped cream, use agave or pure maple syrup. 

Vanilla

We added vanilla extract purely for flavor. It just gives the whipped cream that classic, all-purpose marshmallowy flavor that pairs so well with sweet and savory recipes. One teaspoon is all you need! 

How to Make Dairy-Free Walnut Whipped Cream

Walnut whipped cream is made in a blender with just six ingredients. It is so easy, you’re going to love it! And your kids can help you with the blender (just be sure the lid is on before hitting the power button).

Make walnut whipped cream in a blender.

Step 1: Purée walnuts and water. 

Add two cups of walnuts and all of the water to the blender and mix for two minutes. The whipped cream base is done when it becomes light and fluffy in texture. It may not form peaks yet, but that’s ok.

Step 2: Add sweetener and flavoring.

Add the powdered sugar, one teaspoon of honey, vanilla extract, and salt, and blend for another 30 seconds. Taste the dairy-free whipped cream and see if you like the sweetness. If you want your walnut whipped cream sweeter, add the remaining teaspoon of honey. 

Produce Moms Tip: For a thicker whipped cream, add the remaining half cup of walnuts and blend until combined into a smooth, light, and airy texture.

How to Serve Sweet and Savory Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

Ever thought of using whipped cream in savory dishes? It’s actually a really yummy, sweet surprise that our family loves, every time we serve it. 

Whether you’re on a summer outing or headed to a get-together with friends, this walnut whipped cream is sure to be a hit no matter where you use it. Here are a few of our favorite recipes for you to try it in:

Sweet Dairy-Free Whipped Cream Recipes

Dairy free whipped cream with berries.

Berries and Walnut Whipped Cream

A simple classic dessert recipe of fresh, juicy berries with a dollop of walnut whipped cream on top. It’s a burst of flavor in every bite with a cool, airy topping that will have you longing for a summer picnic in the park. 

pineapples with walnut whipped cream

Pineapples with Dairy Free Whipped Cream

Pineapples give off those easy-going, tropical vibes. Serve pineapple rings or chunks with dairy-free whipped cream topped with coconut flakes and chopped walnuts for a pina colada-inspired dessert. It’s tart, refreshing, easy to toss together, and a perfect lazy-day-by-the-pool treat.

whipped walnut cream with blueberries and granola

Jarcuterie Triffles

Layer your whipped cream with vanilla pudding and angel food cake for a gorgeous summery dessert. Use berries with a fresh squeeze of lemon and lemon zest to brighten up the flavors. This one is a stunner for the senses. 

Related: Single Serve Jarcuteries

Savory Walnut Whipped Cream Ideas

When we think of whipped cream, we automatically think sweet, but we are here to change that mindset! Walnut Whipped Cream can also be made savory. How? Easy…skip the powdered sugar, honey and vanilla. You can add in your favorite seasonings and herbs to make it hit the taste buds just right. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations until you find exactly what you like.

cucumber whipped cream rounds served on a plate

Cucumber Whipped Cream Rounds

Walnut whipped cream pairs well with cool, crunchy cucumber for a light appetizer at your next backyard BBQ. Simply slice a cucumber in thick rounds, hollow out the middle, and pipe in the whipped cream. Top with chive or parsley for a savory finish and serve.

avocado toast with walnut whipped cream

Avocado Toast

A quick breakfast go-to in our house is avocado toast. Add your dairy-free walnut whipped cream and sprinkle with walnuts for a protein-rich meal or snack. It’s as easy as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with mom-approved plant-based ingredients. 

Why We Love California Walnuts

California is home to more than 99% of the nation’s walnuts due to optimal weather and soil for orchards to thrive. Over 4,000 multi-generational family farmers take great pride in caring for the land that has been passed down for generations, so they can continue to harvest nutritious walnuts for people to enjoy throughout the year.   

Recipes That You Can Just Add Walnuts 

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Dairy-Free Walnut Whipped Cream

Dairy-free whipped cream with walnuts is easy and simple. Add the ingredients to the blender and you've got a light, airy, and creamy whipped cream (without the dairy) in minutes!
Prep Time14 minutes
Total Time14 minutes
Servings8

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients 

  • 2 ½ cups California Walnuts divided
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch salt

Instructions 

  • Purée two cups of walnuts and water in a blender for two minutes.
  • Add the powdered sugar, one teaspoon of honey, vanilla, and salt and blend for 30 seconds. For sweeter walnut whipped cream, add the remaining ½ cup of walnuts and purée until it becomes light and fluffy.

Video

Notes

When we think of whipped cream, we automatically think sweet, but we are here to change that mindset! Walnut Whipped Cream can also be made savory. How? Easy…skip the powdered sugar, honey and vanilla. You can add in your favorite seasonings and herbs to make it hit the taste buds just right. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations until you find exactly what you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 255
Keyword: dairy-free whipped cream, nondairy whipped cream, walnut whipped cream
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About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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