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Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups unsalted cashews
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 tsp water

Optional Additions

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup brown sugar to replace part of granulated sugar for caramelized finish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. Coat cashews: Add the 4 cups of unsalted cashews to the egg white mixture, tossing to coat them evenly and thoroughly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, stirring the cashews halfway through baking to ensure uniform caramelization.
  8. 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.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/sweet-and-spiced-candied-cashews-recipe/