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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers / Small Bites

    Modified: Oct 6, 2023 · Published: Dec 15, 2018 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

    Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews

    Jump to Recipe Pin

    These easy Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews are perfect for a party or gift. They're made on the stovetop!

    Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews spilling out of a mason jar.

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "SO much easier and tasty than other recipes. Super easy. I just poured the maple and sprinked the seasonings on top of the cashews and in 5 min they were done. I'd watch them carefully as they start to burn toward the end if you're not careful. - Kathy"

    For some people, the holidays can be a stressful time of year. Whether you're worried about finding that perfect gift, or you don't have the funds to buy the gifts you want, it can be a tough time of year.

    One way to make the holiday season easier on yourself is to make some easy recipes. These Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews are not only an easy recipe, they can serve a dual purpose.

    They make a great homemade gift, appetizer, or snack. Since they're so easy to make, you'll want to serve them for all your special occasions!

    Not only do candied nuts only take a few minutes to make, but they can be made ahead of time. You can even make them several days in advance. They're made in less time than in an oven.

    My favorite way to use this candied cashews recipe is to sprinkle them on the top of salads. They go well with sweet and savory ingredients, like tahini dressing and dried cranberries.

    I like to reach for them when I am craving a crunchy snack.

    They last a long time. I've been known to have some around 2 months after making mine!

    Other recipes to try are my Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans,  Almond Bits recipe, Roasted Walnuts with Rosemary, Vegan Mexican Chocolate Almonds, and Smoky Candied Walnuts.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love Them
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥡 Storage
    • 🍽 Serving
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • 🥜 Other Candied Nuts
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You'll Love Them

    • They're made in minutes with simple ingredients.
    • They are made on the stovetop for easy cleanup.
    • They have the perfect balance of flavors.

    🧾 Ingredients

    Ingredients on a cutting board with labels.
    • Cashews: I used raw cashews. You could use roasted cashews.
    • Maple syrup: For its sweet maple flavor.
    • Cinnamon: Adds warm spice flavor. You could also use nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or ginger.
    • Cayenne pepper: Adds spice. You could also use paprika or chipotle powder.
    • Salt: Enhances flavors. I like to use sea salt.

    This is an overview of the ingredients. To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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    🔪 Instructions

    See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe instructions.

    Maple syrup, salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon in a smal bowl.

    Step 1: Add spices and maple syrup to a small bowl.

    Mixture being whisked.

    Step 2: Whisk to combine.

    Cashews in a skillet with maple syrup mixture being added.

    Step 3: Put cashew nuts in a single layer into a large pan.

    Cashews in a skillet with mixture added

    Step 4: Add maple spice mixture and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine.

    Cashews in skillet after being cooked in maple syrup mixture.

    Step 5: Cook on medium-high heat for several minutes.

    Candied cashews spread on a piece of parchment paper.

    Step 6: Spread the coated cashew clusters in an even layer on parchment paper until they cool.

    🥡 Storage

    These will last for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature in the pantry, and even longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.

    🍽 Serving

    Make a double batch and use them in these recipes.

    • Vegan charcuterie board
    • Snack or appetizer
    • Berry and Avocado Salad
    • Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
    • Overnight oats
    • Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes
    • Trail mix
    Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews on. parchment paper.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    Do candied cashews go bad?

    These will last 2-3 weeks in an airtight container in the pantry, and even longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.

    Why are my candied cashews so sticky?

    You probably didn't cook them for the full 5 minutes to let the maple syrup cook down. Also, make sure to let them sit on the parchment paper and the maple syrup mixture will harden onto the cashews.

    🥜 Other Candied Nuts

    • Maple Chipotle Cashews on parchment paper.
      Maple Chipotle Cashews
    • Candied Pumpkin Pie Spice Pecans
      Candied Pumpkin Pie Spice Pecans
    • Maple Walnuts
      Maple Walnuts
    • Smoky Maple Walnuts
      Smoky Maple Walnuts

    These stovetop maple-glazed cashews with cinnamon and cayenne are an easy gift or appetizer for the holidays. Look out, they are quite addictive!

    If you tried this Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!

    📋 Recipe

    Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews on. parchment paper.
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    4.67 from 6 votes

    Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews

    These easy Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews are perfect for a party or gift. They're made on the stovetop!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 7 minutes minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 219kcal
    Author Willow Moon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups raw cashews
    • 6 tablespoons maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • Pinch salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.
    • Put cashews in a pan. Add maple syrup spice mixture. Cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the liquid dissolves. Spread cashews on parchment paper to cool and let the maple syrup mixture harden.

    Notes

    The maple syrup mixture will harden onto the cashews after they sit on the parchment paper.
    These will last 2-3 weeks in an airtight container in the pantry, and even longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2.2mg
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    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

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      Maple Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas
    • Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
      Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Tofu Ricotta
    • Turmeric Energy Balls on parchment paper with turmeric and sliced coconut.
      Easy No-Bake Turmeric Energy Balls

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.67 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kathy says

      November 18, 2022 at 11:57 am

      SO much easier and tasty than other recipes. Super easy. I just poured the maple and sprinked the seasonings on top of the cashews and in 5 min they were done. I'd watch them carefully as they start to burn toward the end if you're not careful.5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        November 18, 2022 at 12:25 pm

        Thanks Kathy, I am so glad you like them!

        Reply
    2. Helen Schutt says

      September 22, 2021 at 5:18 pm

      Yum and so easy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        September 23, 2021 at 3:27 pm

        Thanks Helen!

        Reply
    3. Amy Mitchell says

      April 09, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      I just made this and wondered about the raw nuts. I'm trying to bake them now b/c they are chewy and not crunchy like my family enjoys. I would recommend roasting the nuts first and then following these instructions. We like raw nuts just not in this recipe. The candy coating is really good and we like the heat!3 stars

      Reply
    4. Jill Johnson says

      December 18, 2019 at 11:50 am

      I just made these and they are delicious. They don't look like yours; I guess I stirred too long and the syrup crystallized but I don't mind. They came out dry rather than sticky, which makes it a perfect snack at a Christmas party. If I do it again, I will add more salt.5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        December 19, 2019 at 1:48 pm

        I'm glad that you liked them Jill!

        Reply

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