If you’re looking for a delicious, crunchy, and sweet snack, honey roasted cashews are a perfect choice! These homemade treats are super easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and taste way better than store-bought versions. Plus, they make a great healthy snack or gift idea for friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples needed.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: A blend of sweet honey, buttery cashews, and a hint of salt.
- Great for Snacking: Ideal for parties, movie nights, or on-the-go munching.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice kick)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Honey Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and honey together, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract (if using) and cinnamon.
3. Coat the Cashews
Place the cashews in a mixing bowl and pour the honey mixture over them. Stir well to ensure all the cashews are evenly coated.
4. Bake Until Golden
Spread the cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
5. Coat with Sugar and Cool
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cashews with salt and granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet – they will harden as they cool.
6. Enjoy or Store
Once cooled, enjoy your honey roasted cashews right away! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Honey Roasted Cashews
- Use Fresh Cashews: The fresher the nuts, the better the flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Cashews can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Add a Spicy Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Make It Healthier: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or skip it altogether.
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes! This recipe works great with almonds, pecans, or peanuts.
2. How do I keep them from getting sticky?
Coating them with sugar after roasting helps prevent stickiness. Also, make sure they cool completely before storing.
3. Can I use salted cashews?
You can, but adjust the added salt in the recipe to avoid making them too salty.
4. How long do honey-roasted cashews last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to a week.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Conclusion
Homemade honey roasted cashews are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. They make a fantastic snack for any occasion, whether you’re craving something sweet or need a quick energy boost. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Try making a batch today and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat!