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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Add cashews to the sweet liquid mixture, gently folding and coating each nut thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the glaze.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon, sea salt, and nutmeg over the cashews, carefully tossing to create a uniform spice coating that clings to every surface.
- Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each nut to promote even caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning and ensure a golden, crispy texture.
- 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.
- 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