Irresistibly Sweet Healthy Candied Cashews Recipe for Snacking

Crafting delectable healthy candied cashews can turn an ordinary snack into a mouthwatering treat that surprises everyone.

Crisp nuts coated with a light, sweet glaze promise pure indulgence without guilt.

Clusters of golden-brown cashews sparkle with a delicate shimmer of natural sweetness.

Maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon create a magical coating that elevates these nuts from simple to spectacular.

Each batch brings a perfect balance of crunch and flavor that keeps you reaching for more.

Simple ingredients and minimal preparation make this recipe accessible to anyone wanting a nutritious, delightful snack.

You’ll want to make extra because these candied cashews disappear faster than expected.

Why Healthy Candied Cashews Are A Smart Snack

• Craft a Sweet Snack: Transform ordinary cashews into a delightful treat with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for novice cooks seeking a delicious homemade nibble.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Create a sophisticated snack using just a few pantry staples, delivering a gourmet taste without complex preparation or expensive components.
• Quick Baking Adventure: Enjoy a simple roasting process that turns basic cashews into a crunchy, spiced delicacy in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal spontaneous cooking project.
• Versatile Snacking Solution: Serve these spiced cashews as a party appetizer, afternoon pick-me-up, or elegant gift, satisfying multiple culinary needs with one easy recipe.

What Goes Into Healthy Candied Cashews

• Cashews: Raw, whole nuts that serve as the base for this sweet and spicy roasted snack.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized coating on the nuts.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and contributes to the glossy, candied exterior.
• Coconut Oil: Helps bind the seasonings and creates a smooth, even glaze.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Bring warm, aromatic depth to the roasted cashews.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the roasted cashews.

Steps To Make Healthy Candied Cashews

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, covering the entire surface to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Sweet Base Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and completely integrated.

Step 3: Coat Cashews

Add cashews to the sweet liquid mixture. Gently fold and toss, ensuring each nut gets a complete coating of the delicious glaze.

Step 4: Sprinkle Spice Blend

• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt
• Nutmeg

Carefully toss to create an even, clinging spice coating that covers every inch of the nuts.

Step 5: Arrange for Roasting

Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each nut to guarantee perfect caramelization.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Stir the cashews once halfway through cooking to prevent burning and ensure a beautiful golden, crispy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the cashews cool completely on the baking sheet. During cooling, they’ll develop a satisfying crunch and set their candied coating.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Once cooled, break apart any clustered nuts. Transfer to an airtight container where they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to one week.

Helpful Tips For Healthy Candied Cashews

• Prevent Burning: Stir cashews midway through roasting to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching.
• Control Moisture: Let cashews cool completely on the baking sheet to develop a crispy texture and set the candied coating.
• Maximize Flavor: Thoroughly coat cashews in the sweet liquid mixture for an even and consistent glaze on each nut.
• Storage Hack: Keep roasted cashews in an airtight container to maintain crispness and preserve flavor for up to one week.
• Spice Distribution: Toss cashews carefully with spices to ensure every nut gets an equal and delicious seasoning coverage.

Creative Mix-Ups For Healthy Candied Cashews

• Maple Pecan Swap: Replace cashews with pecans, maintaining the same sweet maple glaze and spice blend for a nutty alternative.
• Vegan Almond Delight: Substitute cashews with whole almonds, using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar to enhance the plant-based profile.
• Spicy Chili Cashew Crunch: Add ground cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the spice mix for a bold, fiery kick that complements the maple sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Nut Medley: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, mix macadamia nuts with cashews, and increase cinnamon for a low-carb, high-fat version.

What Pairs Well With Healthy Candied Cashews

• Craft a Whiskey Cocktail: Pair the sweet and spicy cashews with a smooth bourbon or rye whiskey that complements the maple and cinnamon notes, creating a rich, warming experience.
• Create a Cheese Board Accent: Add these roasted cashews to a charcuterie platter featuring aged cheddar, creamy brie, and dried fruits to provide a crunchy, sweet contrast against savory elements.
• Design a Dessert Wine Match: Serve alongside a glass of tawny port or moscato, whose honeyed undertones and subtle sweetness beautifully echo the maple glaze and warm spices in the cashews.

How To Store Healthy Candied Cashews Right

• Transfer cooled cashews to an airtight glass or ceramic container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their crispy texture and preventing moisture absorption.
• Keep cashews in a sealed opaque container at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources, ensuring they stay fresh and crunchy for 7-10 days.
• Pack completely cooled cashews in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their original flavor and crispness.

FAQs For Healthy Candied Cashews

• Why use maple syrup in this recipe?

Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a rich caramelized coating that enhances the cashews’ taste without using refined sugars.

• Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

While cashews work best, you can substitute with almonds or pecans, though cooking times might slightly vary based on the nut’s size and density.

• How do I prevent the cashews from burning?

Stir the cashews halfway through roasting and maintain a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.

• Are these cashews healthy?

These roasted cashews offer protein, healthy fats, and minerals, with the added bonus of natural sweeteners and spices making them a nutritious snack option.

Healthy Candied Cashews Recipe

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• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving a guilt-free snack? Healthy candied cashews bring sweet, crunchy magic to your table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Nutty warmth and delicate sweetness make these cashews perfect for gifting or enjoying solo.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cashews
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Coating and Spices:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Add cashews to the sweet liquid mixture, gently folding and coating each nut thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the glaze.
4. Sprinkle ground cinnamon, sea salt, and nutmeg over the cashews, carefully tossing to create a uniform spice coating that clings to every surface.
5. Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each nut to promote even caramelization.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning and ensure a golden, crispy texture.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the cashews to cool completely on the baking sheet, during which time they will develop a satisfying crunch and set their candied coating.
8. Once cooled, break apart any clustered nuts and transfer to an airtight container for storage, where they will remain crisp and flavorful for up to one week.

Notes

• Swap sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower glycemic index options that suit diabetic or keto dietary needs.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for adventurous palates wanting a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweet caramelized flavor profile.
• Ensure cashews are raw and unsalted to control sodium levels and maximize the pure, natural taste of the nuts during caramelization process.
• Cool cashews completely on parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture, allowing natural cooling helps develop perfect crunchy candy coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg