There’s something uniquely satisfying about the crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty experience of freshly made candied cashews. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds; they bring a comforting warmth to any occasion, be it a festive gathering, a casual movie night, or an afternoon snack. The way the sugar caramelizes around the nuts creates a delightful coating that perfectly complements the rich, buttery crunch of the cashews. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft this easy yet impressive snack right in your kitchen.

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I first discovered the joy of making candied cashews while preparing for a holiday party. I wanted something easy to whip up that would keep guests happily snacking without much fuss. Let me tell you, the aroma alone as they bake is enough to make everyone curious about what’s cooking. Soon enough, they became a staple in my house, and I can’t wait for you to experience this fantastic recipe. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Candied Cashews
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Candied Cashews

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of bake time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey and brown sugar creates a sweet glaze that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden, glossy cashews look impressive and invite everyone to dig in.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, or enjoying with your morning coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ½ cups raw cashews, unsalted: Choose quality, fresh cashews for the best flavor. Unsalted gives you more control over the overall taste, but feel free to substitute with salted cashews for a different flavor profile.
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor. For a deeper taste, try using dark brown sugar.
¼ cup honey: Honey acts as a binder, creating that lovely glaze. You can swap it for maple syrup for a vegan option.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: This small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the nuts.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds richness and helps the sugar stick. You can replace it with a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

How to Make Candied Cashews

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Mix the Cashews: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups raw cashews, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Toss everything together until the cashews are well-coated in the sticky mixture.
Spread and Bake: Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through around the 7 or 8-minute mark to ensure even baking.
Cool and Crisp: After baking, remove the cashews from the oven, stir to distribute any syrup and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling allows them to crisp up. If they’re still not as crunchy as you’d like, return them to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close watch so they don’t burn.
Final Cooling: Let the candied cashews cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. Their texture will continue to improve as they cool.

Storing & Reheating

Once cooled completely, store your candied cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, they can also be refrigerated for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To refresh their crunchiness, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, being careful not to let them burn.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be mindful of cooking times; every oven is different. Check on your cashews a few minutes early to avoid burning.
For deeper flavor, consider toasting the cashews in the oven for about 5 minutes before coating them. This can enhance their natural nuttiness.
Make sure your butter is melted and cooled slightly before mixing it in to prevent sugar from clumping.
If you’re using maple syrup as a substitute for honey, keep in mind that it may yield a slightly different but still delicious taste.
If you find your mixture too sticky, a touch more of brown sugar can help balance it out.

These candied cashews offer the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness, captivating you with every bite. Whether you’re snacking by yourself or sharing them with friends and family, each handful feels special. Plus, the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake is just a bonus! Feel free to experiment with flavors or spice blends to make them truly your own. Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, and get ready for endless compliments.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve crunchy candied cashews?

For the best crunch, make sure to bake the cashews at the right temperature and for the right time. If they’re not crunchy enough after cooling, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Can I make candied cashews ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cashews can be made a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and crunchy.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

There are countless ways to put your spin on candied cashews! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor, or mix in some spices like cayenne for a sweet and spicy kick.

Can I use different nuts for this recipe?

Yes! While the recipe is specifically for cashews, any nut such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be used. Just note that different nuts may require slight adjustments in baking time.

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Candied Cashews

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Author: Krista
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy these Candied Cashews for their irresistible flavor and easy preparation. Made with simple ingredients like cashews and honey, they are perfect for snacking or adding a sweet touch to meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups (342.5 g) raw cashews, unsalted
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (85 g) honey
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine cashews, brown sugar, honey, kosher salt, and melted butter, tossing until evenly coated.
Spread the mixture in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through (around 7 or 8 minutes).
Remove from the oven, stir again, and spread the nuts out. Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir once more.
Allow to cool completely before serving. If they lack crunch, return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Perfect as a salad topping or snack on their own.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar.