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Honey Roasted Cashews

Honey-roasted cashews are a great snack, offering a nice mix of sweet, salty, and a bit of spice. The blend of honey and maple syrup forms a sweet glaze that pairs well with the nutty taste of the cashews, making them a delicious treat.

honey roasted cashews in a bowl with a jug of milk in the background

Honey-roasted cashews are made by coating the nuts in a sweet glaze; in this recipe, we use honey and maple syrup to make the glaze.

We’re using cashews for their buttery texture and rich, nutty flavor, which make them perfect for this recipe. Once the cashews are mixed in with the sweet glaze, they’re roasted so the sugars caramelize, giving them a crunchy, sweet outer layer. The cashews should be left to cool so the glaze hardens and forms a crispy, crunchy coating.

The glaze: honey & maple syrup

Our recipe uses a mixture of honey and maple syrup to glaze the cashews. This combination provides a sweet coating, covering each cashew nicely. When the cashews are roasted in the oven, the glaze caramelizes a bit, and when it cools down, it creates an irresistible crunchy coating.

honey roasted cashews in a bowl with a small bowl of honey to the side

A little bit of spice

We add a little cayenne pepper to the honey and maple syrup mix to enhance the taste. Once roasted, we top the cashews with a bit of salt. The blend of sweet, salty, and spicy tastes is delicious, and if you’re not a fan of spicy snacks, you can skip the cayenne pepper. The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to modify it to your liking so everyone can savor these tasty honey-roasted cashews.

Make it your own

Here are a few ways to customize your honey-roasted cashews to make them your own;

  • Vanilla almond: Mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a few drops of almond essence for a sweet, fragrant variation.
  • Rosemary and sea salt: Incorporate chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt for an aromatic, savory option.
  • Chocolate drizzle: After roasting, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and let cool for a sweet and nutty treat.
  • Orange zest and ginger: Add orange zest and a hint of ground ginger for a zesty, tangy flavor.
  • Coconut and lime: Toss with lime zest and some coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
  • Curry spiced: Mix in some curry powder for an exotic, Indian-inspired version.
  • Brown sugar and bourbon: Use brown sugar instead of honey and add a splash of bourbon for a richer, deeper flavor.
  • Chili lime: Mix in chili powder and lime zest for a tangy, spicy flavor.
  • Pumpkin spice: Add a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a seasonal fall flavor.

Beautifully glazed honey roasted cashews in a bowl with a small bowl of honey to the side

More than just a snack

Looking for more ways to enjoy your honey-roasted cashews besides snacking? We’re here for it;

  • Trail mix: Mix with dried fruits and other nuts for a custom trail mix.
  • Fruit salad: Use as a topping for fruit salads.
  • Baking: Chop and sprinkle over baked goods like muffins, breads, and cookies.
  • Granola: Mix into your homemade granola or energy bar recipes.
  • Desserts: Incorporate into ice cream or frozen yogurt as a mix-in or use as a topping for sundaes or parfaits.
  • Cheese boards: Add as a sweet element to a cheese platter.
  • Gifting: Package nicely and give as a homemade gift.
  • Yogurt and cereal: Stir into yogurt or sprinkle over cereal for added texture and sweetness.

Nuts about nuts?

We are, and we have some nutty recipes for you to try out;

What is the best way to store honey roasted cashews?

To maintain freshness, keep the honey roasted cashews in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life to three weeks.

Is it possible to use different nuts instead of cashews in this recipe?

Absolutely, feel free to replace cashews with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts. For a delightful variety, you can also try a mix of different nuts.

Can honey roasted cashews be frozen for longer storage?

Yes, you can freeze honey roasted cashews. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer. This is a great way to extend their shelf life while retaining flavor.

Honey Roasted Cashews

Honey roasted cashews are a delightful snack, offering an exquisite blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The sweetness, derived from the natural sugars of honey and the rich, amber maple syrup, coats the cashews in a glossy, appetizing glaze.

Cuisine
American

Serves
6

Prep
0 mins

Cook
10 mins

Total
10 mins

Calories
220 kcal

A bowl full of honey roasted cashews placed on a rustic wooden table served with a jar of milk. The background shows another bowl of cashew nuts, a small bowl of sugar and other small kitchen utensils.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

  • 7 ounces cashews

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon butter in a pot then heat on low-medium heat until the butter is completely melted. Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

  3. Add cashews to a tray lined with baking paper. Pour the honey, maple syrup mixture onto the cashews and coat the mixture on the cashews completely. Once the cashews are coated, spread the cashews on the baking paper in a single layer.

  4. Bake the cashews in the oven for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, toss the cashews and then bake for another 5 minutes. Once the cashews are golden brown, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle a pinch of salt onto the cashews. Allow the cashews to cool completely. If any nuts stick together, then break them apart once they cool.

Notes

  • You can melt the honey, maple syrup, and butter mixture in the microwave instead of the stove. Put the mixture in the microwave on a medium setting for 30 seconds.

Nutrition

  1. Calories 220 kcal | 
  2. Carbohydrate Content 15.2 g | 
  3. Cholesterol Content 5.1 mg | 
  4. Fat Content 16.5 g | 
  5. Fiber Content 1.1 g | 
  6. Protein Content 6.1 g | 
  7. Serving Size 1 portion | 
  8. Sodium Content 53.2 mg | 
  9. Sugar Content 6.9 g | 

About the author

Emma Donin is the culinary maestro behind this blog that serves as a melting pot of global cuisines and gastronomic adventures. Her culinary journey began in her grandmother's kitchen, where she learned the fundamentals of cooking and the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients.

Headshot of the author, Emma Donin