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

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 holidays easier on yourself is to make some easy recipes. These candied cashews can serve a dual purpose. They make a great homemade gift and they make a wonderful appetizer.
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 last a long time. I've been known to have some around 2 months after making mine!
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🧾 Ingredients
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.
- Cashews: I used unsalted roasted cashews because I like to control the amount of salt. I like roasted for the crunchy roasted taste. You could use salted 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.
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🔪 Instructions
- Mix spices and maple syrup.
- Put cashews in a skillet. Add maple spice mixture and salt.
- Cook on medium heat for several minutes.
- Spread cashews on parchment or foil until they cool.
🥡 Storage
These will last for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container in the pantry, and even longer if stored in the fridge or freezer.
🍽 Serving
- Snack or appetizer
- Salad
- Ice cream
- Overnight oats
- Pancakes
These stovetop maple glazed cashews with cinnamon and cayenne are an easy gift or appetizer for the holidays. Look out, they are quite addictive!
*Don't forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.
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🧂 You May Need
If you're giving these cashews as a gift, these jars are a great way to present them.
📋 Recipe
Foolproof 5 Minute Spiced Candied Cashews
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch salt
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 liquid dissolves. Spread cashews on parchment paper or aluminum foil to cool.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Kathy says
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.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Kathy, I am so glad you like them!
Helen Schutt says
Yum and so easy!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Helen!
Amy Mitchell says
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!
Jill Johnson says
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.
Willow Moon says
I'm glad that you liked them Jill!