Easy Homemade Candied Cashews
Candied Cashews are a sweet, crunchy snack that's wonderfully easy to prepare. Made with whole cashews, cinnamon, sugar, and maple syrup, they're perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 2 ½ cups whole cashews
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray parchment with nonstick spray if needed.
Coat the Cashews
- In a large bowl, whip the egg white with a hand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes).1 large egg white
- Add the cashews and vanilla extract, stirring until fully coated.2 ½ cups whole cashews, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sprinkle in the sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir again to coat evenly.⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Bake and Stir
- Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Stir the cashews and bake for another 15 minutes. Stir once more and bake for a final 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Store
- Let the cashews cool completely on the baking sheet. Break them apart if needed and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Recipe Tips:
- Use fresh spices. Old spices lose potency and flavor. For bold taste, replace ground spices every 6-12 months.
- Don't rush the cooling time, it helps the candy coating harden properly.
- Deeper Maple Flavor: Use dark or Grade B maple syrup for a more intense, molasses-like richness.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet heat kick.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 300°F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Vegan Option: Use aquafaba instead of egg whites.
- Sugar-Free Version: Substitute granulated sugar with erythritol.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
