The Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich crunchiness of cashews with warm spices and a subtle sweetness. It's perfect as a snack any time you want a little something special, and it shines during holidays or as a thoughtful homemade gift. I like how this recipe transforms simple nuts into an irresistible, crunchy, and flavorful snack that's surprisingly easy to make right in your kitchen.
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Why This Recipe Works
What I love about this Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is how it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spice, delivering a complex, satisfying flavor in a simple, well-textured snack. You'll notice it comes together quickly, with minimal fuss, yet offers a bright punch of cinnamon and a toasty finish you can't resist.
- Consistent Texture: The low oven temperature ensures the cashews caramelize evenly without burning, giving you that ideal crisp crunch every time.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Combining cinnamon, salt, and just a hint of cayenne adds layers that keep the flavor interesting without overwhelming your palate.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and raw cashews, so it's beginner-friendly and accessible whenever the craving hits.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Less than 30 minutes from start to finish means you don't have to wait long to enjoy this sweet-spiced snack treat.
Ingredient Game Plan
The key here is to choose the right cashews and spices since they do most of the flavor work. I always pick unsalted, raw cashews so I can control the seasoning perfectly. Also, fresh cinnamon makes the biggest difference for that fragrant, warm note.
- Unsalted Cashews: Opt for whole, raw cashews for the best coating and crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works well; swapping some for brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon will boost aroma and freshness.
- Salt: Enhances the nuts' natural flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Egg Whites: They act as the perfect binder to help the sugar and spices cling to each nut.
- Water: Just enough to whip with egg whites for a light coating.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This gentle heat lets the sugar caramelize beautifully without scorching the nuts. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your candied cashews won't stick and cleanup is a breeze. Next, whisk the egg whites and water together until frothy - not quite stiff peaks, just enough to create a silky coating. If you want to fancy it up, stir in a splash of vanilla extract here. Toss your cashews in this mixture, ensuring each nut has a light, even coat before moving on.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
In a separate bowl, combine your sugar, cinnamon, salt, and if you're adventurous, a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Now add this dry mix to the coated cashews. I like to use a big spoon or spatula to fold everything gently-this helps every nut get dusted in the spiced sugar blend. Be patient here because the even coating is what gives you that lovely, balanced flavor bite after bite.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Spread your spiced cashews in a single layer on the baking sheet. This spacing is key to allow heat circulation and prevent steaming. Bake them for around 20 to 25 minutes, giving the pan a gentle stir halfway through to keep the nuts crisping up evenly. You'll know they're done when the sugar melts into a glossy coating and the cashews develop golden edges and fill your kitchen with a toasty, sweet aroma. Once out of the oven, resist the urge to taste immediately-letting them cool fully makes sure their crunch sets perfectly.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From years of making this recipe for friends and family, I've learned some little tricks that really boost your results. Timing and temperature are your best friends here-too hot or too long can burn the sugar, but too short won't develop that perfect crunch. Stirring at the right moment helps the cashews bake evenly. Also, if you want to gift these or prep ahead, you'll find storage tips down below super handy.
- Doneness Cue: Look for shimmering sugar and golden edges to know when to pull them out.
- Temperature Trick: Keep oven steady at 300°F to prevent burnt sugar and uneven nuts.
- Make-Ahead Move: Store in an airtight container at room temp once cooled to keep crisp.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't skip the parchment paper or your cashews will stick and lose that perfect coating.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I love serving these Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews as-is because their natural crunch and sweet-spiced flavor are simply addictive. For an extra touch, toss them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking to add an enticing contrast. You can also dress them up with a drizzle of dark chocolate or a dash of extra cinnamon if you're feeling festive - these tweaks bring out different flavor notes that everyone enjoys.
Great Pairings
These cashews pair brilliantly with cheese boards, complimenting sharp cheddars and creamy bries alike. I also like adding them to salads for crunch or sprinkling over yogurt and oatmeal to upgrade your breakfast game. For something savory, toss alongside roasted vegetables for texture contrast.
Easy Plating Wins
For a simple weeknight snack, pile these cashews into small bowls or mason jars for easy access. When hosting, consider serving them in pretty glass dishes or wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon as charming handmade gifts. A small sprinkle of cinnamon on the serving plate adds a thoughtful, aromatic touch that says you care.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cashews in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and fresh for about two weeks, making them a convenient snack to grab anytime. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very humid-moisture from the fridge can soften the coating.
Freezer Notes
Good news: these cashews freeze well! Just seal them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want some, thaw them at room temperature. Though the texture might soften slightly, warming them briefly in the oven restores that delightful crunch you love.
Reheating Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe Without Drying Out
If your cashews soften or you want to freshen them up, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, spread out evenly on a baking sheet. Keep an eye so they don't burn. Alternatively, the air fryer works well at 280°F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the nuts chewy rather than crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be great substitutes. Keep the baking time similar but check frequently, as some nuts roast faster.
Egg whites help the coating stick. You might try a little maple syrup or honey as a binder instead, but results will differ in texture and coating adhesion.
Try reducing the sugar slightly or adding more salt and spices to balance sweetness. Using brown sugar also adds a less sharp sweetness with a molasses depth.
If they're sticky, they likely weren't baked long enough or cooled completely. Make sure to spread them out in one layer and let them cool fully on parchment to crisp up.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen moments where simple ingredients turn into something wonderfully addictive and shareable. The scent of cinnamon, the crunch of toasted cashews, and that hint of spice make these nuts stand out every time. Whether you're gifting them, snacking solo, or adding crunch to meals, they're a keeper in my pantry-and I know you'll enjoy them just as much as I do.
PrintComplete Recipe
Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe
Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews are a delectable snack featuring crunchy cashews coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. This easy recipe bakes the nuts to perfection, delivering a satisfying caramelized crunch with optional warm and spicy twists like vanilla and cayenne. Perfect as a party snack or a gift treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups unsalted cashews
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoon water
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup brown sugar to replace part of granulated sugar for caramelized finish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare egg white mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the two egg whites and 2 teaspoons of water until the mixture becomes frothy. If using vanilla extract, add ½ teaspoon now and mix well.
- Coat cashews: Add the 4 cups of unsalted cashews to the egg white mixture, tossing to coat them evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and if desired, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-spicy kick. Stir to blend well.
- Combine sugar mixture with cashews: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mix over the coated cashews and stir until all nuts are evenly coated with the sugary mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the coated cashews out in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, stirring the cashews halfway through baking to ensure uniform caramelization.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cashews to cool completely on the baking sheet; this step lets them crisp up to the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg whites for a richer flavor balance.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper creates a pleasant sweet-heat contrast.
- Substituting half the granulated sugar with brown sugar adds a deeper caramelized flavor profile.
- Ensure cashews are spaced well on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Once cooled, store these nuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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