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 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tsp water
Optional Twists
- ½ tsp 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.
