If you’re craving a snack that’s perfectly crunchy, sweet, and a little bit spicy, this Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy movie night, a party, or just want a treat to jazz up your salad toppings, these candied cashews bring that toasty, golden magic you’ll love. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home!
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Why You’ll Love This
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet warmth and a gentle spicy kick — it’s a flavor profile that charms every time. I’ve made these cashews for casual snacking and even gift-giving, and they never disappoint.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The lightly toasted cashews maintain a crisp crunch coated with just the right amount of sugary spice.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Baking at a moderate temperature ensures an even golden caramelization without burning the sugar.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely already have all the spices and basics on hand, making this a super accessible treat.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: The hands-on time is just minutes, yet you’ll impress guests or just treat yourself with this gourmet snack.
Ingredient Snapshot
When tackling the Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe, the quality of your raw ingredients really shines through. Picking fresh cashews and aromatic spices makes a big difference in flavor and crunch.
- Unsalted cashews: Go for whole, fresh nuts with no rancid smell to get that rich buttery taste and perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Offers that classic candy crunch; if you want a deeper note, try brown sugar as a substitute for part of it.
- Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon for its warm, fragrant kick that balances sweetness nicely.
- Egg whites: They work as the magic glue for the sugar and spice mixture to stick to every nut.
- Water: Just a splash helps create the ideal coating consistency, so don’t skip it.
- Salt: Enhances flavor contrast and highlights the sweetness and spices.
- Optional spices: A pinch of cayenne adds exciting heat, while vanilla extract lends subtle sweetness and complexity.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cashews from sticking. Next, whisk together the egg whites and water in a large bowl until frothy and slightly bubbly; this ensures your sugar and spices will cling to the nuts perfectly. If you want to add a touch of vanilla, mix it in now. Toss in the raw cashews and stir well so every nut gets coated in the sticky egg mixture. This step ensures that when you add the sugar and spices, they won’t slide off, giving you that signature candied crust.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
In a separate bowl, blend the granulated sugar with cinnamon and salt (plus cayenne if you’re adding that sweet heat) until it’s evenly mixed. This spice blend is where the magic of the Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe really takes shape. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mix over your egg-coated cashews, then stir gently but thoroughly so every nut is hugged by the mixture. Once evenly coated, spread the nuts out in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to help the nuts toast evenly rather than steam.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Bake the nuts for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to keep that caramel coating from clumping or burning. You’ll notice the aroma deepen and the sugar forming a crisp shell as they bake to a toasty golden perfection. When they’re ready, take them out and let them cool completely on the baking sheet — this cooling time is critical because the coating hardens and crisps up as it cools. Patience here pays off with that irresistible crunch. Resist the urge to eat them right from the oven or they might feel soft or sticky.
Smart Little Tips
Getting the best result with this Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is all about watching your timing and temperature, and embracing a little patience while cooling.
- Doneness Cue: The nuts should smell fragrant and lightly toasted with a glossy sugar crust that is dry to the touch once cooled.
- Temperature Trick: Don’t crank the oven too high, or the sugar may burn before the nuts toast evenly; steady low heat is the secret.
- Make-Ahead Move: These cashews keep their crunch for days stored in an airtight container—ideal for prepping snacks in advance.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t skip stirring midway through baking; it helps prevent clumps and promotes even caramelization.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I love tossing these Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews straight into a green salad for a surprising crunch and warm spice. You can also sprinkle them over roasted veggies or even oatmeal to elevate your breakfast game. A quick dusting of flaky sea salt on top after baking boosts the sweet-spicy contrast even more and gives you that perfect flavor pop.
Pair It With
These nuts are fantastic paired with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie on a cheese board. They also complement charcuterie selections beautifully, bringing a sweet, crunchy element that balances salty meats. If you’re having drinks, they’re a great companion to a citrusy cocktail or a rich red wine.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For a quick weeknight upgrade, serve these candied cashews alongside fresh fruit slices and a drizzle of honey. If you’re hosting, try sprinkling them over a stylish bowl of whipped cream or yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store your Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen tends to be humid, keeping them in the fridge helps maintain their crispness. Just be sure to bring them back to room temp before snacking so that crunchy texture shines through.
Freezing Tips
If you’d like to keep these candied cashews longer, they freeze well. Place them in a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature—this helps prevent condensation, which can make the sugary coating sticky.
Reheating Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe Without Drying Out
Warm these cashews gently to bring out their texture without drying them out. I like to spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you’re using a microwave, use short bursts of 15 seconds, checking frequently so you don’t melt the sugar. An air fryer set to low temp for a few minutes is another quick way to refresh their crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work wonderfully with the sweet and spiced coating. Adjust baking time slightly if nuts are smaller or larger, and watch for toasting cues.
Egg whites help the sugar and spices adhere beautifully, but you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for a sticky coating, though the texture will differ slightly.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom to customize the flavor. Just keep the total spice quantity balanced so it doesn’t overpower the cashews.
Sticky nuts usually result from removing them before they're fully cooled and the sugar has hardened. Always let them cool completely on the baking sheet to let the candy shell set properly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe is one of those simple kitchen wins that feels like a treat for you and anyone lucky enough to share them. The warm spices, that perfect crunchy coating, and buttery richness of cashews combine in a snack that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Next time you want an easy homemade gift or crave a cozy snack with attitude, you’ll be glad you mastered this recipe.
PrintPrint Recipe
Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe
Sweet & Spiced Candied Cashews are a delightful snack featuring crunchy cashews coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for enjoying on their own or adding a sweet and spicy crunch to salads and desserts, these nuts are easy to make with simple ingredients and can be customized with vanilla or cayenne for extra flavor.
- 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 Twists
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for a sweet-heat combo)
- Substitute ½ cup granulated sugar with brown sugar (optional for a caramelized finish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cashews do not stick and cook evenly.
- Prepare Egg White Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 large egg whites and 2 teaspoons of water until frothy. If using, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to this mixture for added flavor.
- Coat Cashews: Toss the 4 cups of unsalted cashews into the egg white mixture and mix well until all nuts are thoroughly coated with the frothy mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and if desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Stir these dry ingredients together evenly.
- Combine Coated Cashews and Sugar Mixture: Add the sugar and spice mixture to the bowl with the coated cashews and stir thoroughly to ensure all cashews are evenly covered with the sweet and spiced coating.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them roast evenly and prevents clumping.
- Bake Cashews: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cashews from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet; this allows the coating to crisp up perfectly, giving you crunchy and delicious candied nuts.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For a caramelized flavor, substitute ½ cup of granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- Add vanilla extract to the egg whites for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle sweet and spicy flavor.
- Store cooled candied cashews in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Make sure to stir halfway through baking to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
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