Sweet Heat Cashews

Experience the ultimate snack sensation with these incredible Spicy Sugared Cashews. Boasting a perfect blend of a crunchy, sweet coating and an exciting touch of heat, these award-winning candied nuts are truly irresistible. Prepare to elevate your snacking game to an entirely new level!

There’s nothing quite like homemade candied cashews to make a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift. Imagine packaging these delectable treats in a clear cellophane bag, adorned with a festive ribbon and a coordinating gift tag – a simple yet elegant present that speaks volumes. They are not only a delightful snack but also a versatile addition to any celebration, perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or simply enjoying as a well-deserved treat.

Spicy Sugared Cashews in a white serving bowl.

Contents

Why You Must Make These Award-Winning Candied Cashews

If you’re searching for a snack that truly stands out, look no further than our Spicy Sugared Cashews recipe. These aren’t just any candied nuts; they are a recognized culinary delight, designed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your kitchen:

Award-Winning Excellence: This exact recipe, along with a unique rosemary-spiced variation, proudly secured 3rd place at the prestigious Eat Write Retreat food bloggers’ conference. This accolade is a testament to their exceptional flavor, perfect texture, and innovative approach. When you make these, you’re crafting a treat that has already won over expert judges.
Remarkably Simple to Prepare: Despite their gourmet appeal, these sweet and spicy cashews are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to achieve professional-level results. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous cravings.
The Ultimate Gift Solution: Beyond personal enjoyment, these homemade candied cashews are fantastic as thoughtful hostess gifts, holiday presents, or even a delightful “just because” gesture. Package them beautifully in a cellophane bag, tie it with a charming ribbon, and add a personalized tag. They’re a homemade gift that truly shows you care, perfect for friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a unique and delicious snack.
Versatile Snacking: While they shine as a standalone snack, these cashews also make an excellent addition to cheese boards, salads, or even as a crunchy topping for desserts like ice cream sundaes. Their sweet, spicy, and savory profile adds an unexpected burst of flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Spicy Sugared Cashews

Crafting the perfect batch of Spicy Sugared Cashews begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality matters, and a few simple tips can make all the difference in achieving that irresistible crunch and balanced flavor profile.

Kitchen Staples: You’ll need basic pantry items like water, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the sweet coating. Kosher salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor; its larger crystals also provide a subtle textural element. For spice, ground cinnamon offers a warm, classic candied nut flavor, while fresh rosemary provides a sophisticated, savory alternative.
Egg White (Room Temperature): The egg white acts as a crucial binder, helping the sugar and spices adhere evenly to the cashews. Using it at room temperature allows it to whip up more easily and achieve the desired foamy consistency, which is key for a light, crisp coating. Avoid cold egg whites, as they can be harder to work with.
Whole Cashews (Unsalted Recommended): Opt for whole, unsalted cashews to have complete control over the salt content in your recipe. If you happen to use lightly salted cashews, remember to adjust and significantly reduce the amount of kosher salt added to the sugar mixture to prevent over-salting. Raw or roasted cashews both work, but raw cashews will absorb the flavors more intensely during baking.
Fresh Rosemary (Finely Chopped): If you choose the rosemary variation over cinnamon, ensure the rosemary is fresh and very finely chopped. This maximizes its aromatic contribution and prevents large pieces from being unpleasantly fibrous. Rosemary offers a fragrant, piney note that beautifully complements the sweetness and heat.
Cayenne Pepper: This is where the “spicy” in Spicy Sugared Cashews comes from! The recipe provides a range (¼ to ½ teaspoon) for a reason. Start with the smaller amount if you prefer a milder kick, or go for the full ½ teaspoon for a more pronounced heat that truly awakens the palate. You can even adjust this based on your personal heat tolerance or the preferences of those you’ll be sharing them with.

Spicy Sugared Cashews on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Nuts

Achieving perfectly crisp, evenly coated candied nuts is simpler than you might think, especially with these insider tips:

Mastering the Egg White Consistency: When beating your egg whites with water, aim for a frothy, foamy texture, similar to a light soap foam. It’s crucial not to over-beat them to the point where they become stiff and white, like meringue peaks. Over-whipped egg whites can create a thick, meringue-like coating that might not dry properly or adhere as smoothly to the nuts, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Customize with Your Favorite Nuts: While cashews are the star of this recipe and offer a wonderfully buttery base, don’t hesitate to experiment! If you’re not a cashew connoisseur, this recipe works beautifully with other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Each nut will impart its unique flavor and texture to the candied coating, offering endless possibilities for customization. Ensure they are whole and unsalted for best results.
The Essential Baking Sheet Liner: To prevent your delicious spicy sugared cashews from sticking to the baking sheet, always line it with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil. This step is non-negotiable! Without a proper liner, the caramelized sugar can bond stubbornly to the pan, making removal difficult and potentially damaging your candied nuts. A good liner ensures easy release and quick cleanup.
Even Browning for Optimal Crunch: Stirring the nuts every 10 to 15 minutes during baking is a critical step for achieving an even, golden-brown coating and consistent crunch. This prevents some nuts from burning while others remain undercooked. It also helps redistribute the sugar mixture, ensuring every cashew is perfectly caramelized and infused with flavor.
Beyond Snacking: Creative Uses for Candied Cashews: These versatile candied nuts are fantastic for more than just snacking straight from the bowl. They make sophisticated additions to salads, adding a sweet and spicy crunch that complements fresh greens and vinaigrettes. Sprinkle them over ice cream sundaes, yogurt parfaits, or oatmeal for an extra layer of texture and flavor. They’re also a show-stopping inclusion on charcuterie boards, pairing wonderfully with cheeses and fruits. Of course, they remain an exceptional and much-loved homemade gift.

The Health Benefits of Nuts: A Superfood Snack

In a world full of processed snacks, these spicy sugared cashews offer a deliciously satisfying and remarkably healthier alternative. Nuts, especially cashews, are truly nature’s superfoods, packed with an array of beneficial nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. This makes our candied cashews a smart choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.

Cashews, like many other nuts, are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. They are also rich in “good fats,” specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health and help lower bad cholesterol levels. Beyond macros, cashews deliver a potent dose of antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body, and vital minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and copper, crucial for bone health, immune function, and energy production.

By coating these nutritional powerhouses in a balanced mixture of whisked egg whites, a touch of sugar, and an exciting blend of cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and either aromatic cinnamon or fragrant fresh rosemary, we transform them into an irresistible treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. While there is some sugar, the inherent benefits of the cashews make them a far superior choice to many conventional sweet snacks.

So, whether you’re fueling up for a busy day, looking for a delicious party appetizer, or searching for the perfect holiday gift, these spicy sugared cashews are a fantastic choice. Pin this recipe now for your next gathering or to surprise your “nutty friends” with a truly special homemade delight!

Top view of a bowl of Spicy Sugared Cashews.

How to Make Candied Nuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making your own candied nuts is a delightful culinary experience that yields fantastic results perfect for food gifts, game day snacks, or elegant cocktail party appetizers. Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Prepare the Egg White Mixture: In a mixing bowl, gently whip your egg whites with a small amount of water. Beat until the mixture is light and foamy, resembling a soft lather. Remember, the goal is not stiff peaks like meringue; a delicate foam ensures a thin, even coating.
Coat the Nuts: Add your chosen nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, or walnuts) to the foamy egg white mixture. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every single nut is completely coated. This sticky layer is essential for the sugar and spices to adhere.
Season the Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine your sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. This is also the stage to mix in your preferred spice—either the warm ground cinnamon or the finely chopped fresh rosemary. Whisk everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Combine and Toss: Pour the seasoned sugar mixture over the egg white-coated nuts. Toss vigorously until all the nuts are beautifully and evenly coated with the sweet and spicy sugar blend.
Spread and Bake: Spread your coated nuts in a single, even layer across a baking sheet that has been meticulously lined with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Roast to Perfection: Bake the nuts in a preheated oven, stirring them every 10-15 minutes. This regular stirring is crucial for even roasting and caramelization, ensuring a consistent crunch and preventing any hot spots from burning the sugar. Continue baking until they are golden brown and smell wonderfully fragrant.
Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, creating that signature crisp, candied texture. Break apart any clumps, then store them in an airtight container, or simply dig in and savor your delicious homemade treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Nuts

What Exactly Are Candied Nuts?

Candied nuts are a delightful snack where nuts are coated in a sweet, often crunchy, exterior. This coating can vary widely, from a simple sugar glaze to a rich chocolate shell, or a flavorful mixture of sugar combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a kick of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist. They offer a unique textural and flavor experience.

Where Did Candied Nuts Originate?

The delightful tradition of candying nuts dates back centuries, with roots often traced to France. It’s believed that the earliest forms of candied nuts were created with almonds, which were then coated in a sweet syrup of sugar and various spices. This confection became popular in European courts and eventually spread worldwide, evolving into the many variations we enjoy today, including our modern Spicy Sugared Cashews.

How Can You Use Candied Nuts Beyond Snacking?

While undeniably delicious for direct snacking, candied nuts are incredibly versatile! They make a sophisticated and much-appreciated hostess gift, showcasing your culinary thoughtfulness. Beyond that, sprinkle them over a fresh green salad for an unexpected crunch and burst of flavor, use them as a delightful topping for ice cream sundaes, yogurt parfaits, or oatmeal, or incorporate them into your holiday baking. They also shine on charcuterie boards, complementing cheeses and fruits beautifully.

Are Candied Nuts a Healthy Snack Option?

Absolutely! Despite the sweet coating, candied nuts, especially those made with wholesome ingredients like cashews, offer significant health benefits. Nuts are often referred to as “superfoods” due to their rich nutritional profile. They are packed with essential protein, heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, potent antioxidants that fight cellular damage, and vital minerals such as magnesium and zinc. When enjoyed in moderation, they are a much healthier snack choice compared to many processed alternatives.

Why Do My Candied Nuts Get Sticky?

The primary culprit for sticky candied nuts is often humidity. Sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. If you store your candied nuts in a humid environment, the sugar coating can soften and become sticky. To prevent this, ensure they are stored in an airtight container. If you live in a particularly humid climate, storing them in the refrigerator can significantly help maintain their crispness and prevent stickiness.

How Long Will Candied Nuts Stay Fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at cool room temperature, your homemade candied nuts will remain fresh and delightfully crunchy for up to a month. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature; they will retain their original texture and flavor beautifully.

Spicy Sugared Cashews Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
50 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Yield
3 cups

Delight in these irresistible sugared cashews, perfectly balanced with a touch of spice! Choose between warm cinnamon or fragrant rosemary for your signature flavor.

Rating: 4.9 stars based on 13 reviews

Ingredients

1 egg white, at room temperature
2 teaspoons water
3 cups whole cashews (unsalted, if using lightly salted nuts, decrease the recipe’s salt)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Spice options (choose one)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon OR
1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
Whip Egg White: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer or whisk), beat the room temperature egg white and water until the mixture is light and foamy. Be careful not to over-beat to stiff peaks; you want it just frothy.
Coat Cashews: Add the cashews to the foamy egg white mixture and mix thoroughly until all the cashews are well coated.
Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir well to mix these ingredients evenly.
Add Flavor & Combine: Now, add your chosen spice: either the ground cinnamon or the finely chopped fresh rosemary to the sugar mixture. Pour this seasoned sugar mixture over the egg white-coated cashews and mix vigorously until every cashew is fully coated.
Bake Evenly: Spread the coated cashews in a single, even layer over your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even browning and to prevent the sugar from burning. Keep a close watch, as baking times can vary.
Cool Completely & Store: Once baked to a golden brown, remove the cashews from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, ideally for several hours or even overnight, to allow the coating to fully crisp up. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from culinary inspirations by Averie Cooks and Ina Garten, bringing together the best elements for perfect candied nuts. Feel free to use other favorite nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for delicious variations, adjusting baking time slightly as needed.

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