Candied Cashews

This sweet and spicy candied cashew recipe transforms ordinary nuts into an irresistible snack that perfectly balances sweetness with a subtle kick. The lime juice adds brightness while the chipotle powder brings warmth without overwhelming heat.

I first made these candied cashews for a holiday gathering and they disappeared within minutes. Now I keep a batch on hand for unexpected guests or when I need a quick protein boost during busy workdays.

Ingredients

• Whole roasted unsalted cashews: Provide the perfect canvas for our flavors while offering healthy fats and protein
• Vegetable oil: Helps the seasonings adhere evenly to the nuts
• Light brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses flavor that plain sugar cannot match
• Honey: Creates that signature sticky glaze and natural sweetness
• Fresh lime juice: Cuts through the sweetness with bright acidity
• Ground chipotle powder: Adds smoky heat that elevates these nuts beyond ordinary candied versions
• Sea salt: Enhances all flavors and creates the addictive sweet salty combination

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F. Take time to lightly oil your rimmed baking sheet. This crucial step prevents sticking as the honey caramelizes during baking and makes cleanup much easier.

Create The Base:

Place your cashews in a large bowl with enough room for thorough mixing. Add the vegetable oil and toss until every cashew has a light coating. This oil acts as the glue that will help our flavor mixture stick evenly.

Mix The Glaze:

In a separate bowl whisk together brown sugar honey lime juice chipotle powder and salt until completely combined. The lime juice will help dissolve the sugar creating a pourable consistency. Make sure no dry pockets of spice remain.

Coat The Cashews:

Pour your glaze mixture over the oiled cashews. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss until every nut is evenly coated. Take your time here about 2 minutes of thorough mixing ensures consistent flavor.

Bake With Attention:

Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding which can lead to uneven cooking. Bake for exactly 24 minutes but stir thoroughly every 8 minutes. This prevents burning and ensures even caramelization.

Perfect The Finish:

Check your cashews after 24 minutes. They should be turning golden brown with a shiny glaze. Bake for 1 to 6 additional minutes until they reach the perfect color watching closely to prevent burning.

Cool Properly:

Using a slotted spoon or spatula transfer the hot candied cashews to a clean baking sheet. This stops the cooking process. Stir every minute or two as they cool to prevent them from sticking together. This cooling step is when the glaze sets to create that perfect crunch.

Season And Store:

Once barely warm taste a cashew and add more sea salt if desired. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Proper storage maintains their perfect texture for up to two weeks.

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These candied cashews remind me of my grandmothers holiday treats but with my own spicy twist. The first time I made them my husband declared them better than any store bought version and now requests them for road trips and movie nights.

Storage And Shelf Life

These candied cashews stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The key is ensuring they cool completely before storing as any trapped moisture will make them lose their crunch. If you live in a particularly humid climate consider adding a food safe desiccant packet to your storage container.

Flavor Variations

While the chipotle lime version is my favorite you can easily customize this recipe. Try substituting cinnamon and vanilla for a classic sweet version or curry powder for an unexpected savory twist. For a festive holiday touch replace the chipotle with a combination of cinnamon nutmeg and clove. The base recipe remains the same just swap out the seasonings to create entirely new experiences.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile nuts shine far beyond simple snacking. Chop them coarsely and use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Add them to salads for delicious crunch and protein. Package them in decorative jars tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. I especially love serving them alongside cheese platters where their sweet and spicy profile complements both sharp and creamy cheeses beautifully.

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These candied cashews are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy—dressed to impress for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, you can use almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Adjust the baking time based on the nut's size and texture.

→ How can I make these less spicy?

Reduce the amount of chipotle powder or replace it with a pinch of smoked paprika for a milder flavor.

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different taste profile.

→ How do I prevent the cashews from sticking together?

Stir the nuts frequently while cooling to ensure they don't clump together as the glaze sets.

→ How long do candied cashews stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to two weeks.