These Honey Roasted Cashew Nuts are sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally snackable. They come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but taste like something you'd buy from a gourmet shop.
Quick Glance at the Recipe
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 10 - great for entertaining!
- 📊 Calories: ~190 per serving
- 🔥 Cook Method: Roasted in the oven
- 👩🍳 Flavor Profile: Perfect balance between sweet and salty
- ⭐ Difficulty: Super simple! Anyone can make this quick appetizer, making it great for entertaining or gifting!
The cashews get tossed in a buttery honey mixture, roasted low and slow until golden, then finished off with a cozy cinnamon-sugar coating. They're perfect for setting out at a party, packing into lunchboxes, or just grabbing by the handful throughout the day.
Make a batch for holiday gifting or keep them on hand for whenever the craving hits. Trust me, they won't last long.
If you are looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our: Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe With Lemon Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese Crostini or Salmon Carpaccio.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Simple: This recipe comes together with just a few everyday ingredients. There are no special tools or techniques required. It's easy to pull off but fancy enough to impress.
- Sweet & salty: The buttery honey coating paired with a touch of salt and a cinnamon-sugar finish gives these crunchy cashews that delicious sweet and salty combo.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether you're setting them out for a party or packing them up as a thoughtful gift, these cashews are the kind of snack that disappears fast and always get a thumbs-up.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this honey roasted cashews recipe:
- Cashews: Using raw cashews is key. They roast up perfectly crunchy and soak up the honey coating better than pre-roasted nuts.
- Honey: Choose a mild, high-quality honey for a smooth sweetness that won't overpower the nuts. Local honey is a great choice if you have it on hand.
- Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter for this.
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make this recipe together!
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, butter, salt, and vanilla. Stir constantly and simmer gently until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 2: Place the cashews in a large bowl and pour the warm honey mixture over them. Stir until the cashews are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cashews are golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the cashews and toss gently to coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for these easy honey roasted cashews. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Baking sheet: Use a sturdy, good-quality baking sheet to help the cashews roast evenly and develop a perfect golden crunch.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the cashews from sticking while they roast.
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this honey roasted cashew recipe:
- Keep the heat low when melting the honey mixture: This helps prevent burning and keeps the flavors smooth and balanced.
- Don't skip stirring halfway through baking:: It keeps the nuts from sticking or burning and ensures an even roast.
- Let them cool completely before storing: This helps the coating set up nicely and keeps the nuts crunchy.
FAQ
The cashews are ready when they turn a warm golden color and fill your kitchen with a nutty, fragrant aroma. Keep an eye on them during baking and stir halfway through to ensure even roasting without burning.
Once completely cooled, store the cashews in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them great for snacking or gifting ahead of time.
It's best to use raw cashews for this recipe because they absorb the honey coating better and roast up crispier. Using pre-roasted or salted cashews can result in a less even coating and a different texture, plus the salt level might be harder to control.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
Easy Homemade Honey Roasted Cashews Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the honey coating: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, butter, salt, and vanilla. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and fragrant.
- Coat the cashews: Place the cashews in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey mixture over the nuts and stir until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the cashews in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the cashews and toss gently to coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Recipe Substitutions/Variations:
- Cashews: Swap cashews for almonds, pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts depending on your preference. Just adjust roasting time if needed.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Additions: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick, or try nutmeg or ground ginger for a warm twist.
Recipe Storage:
- The best way to store these honey roasted cashews is in an airtight container at room temperature once they've completely cooled; this keeps them crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks without any loss of flavor or texture.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Emily Fleckenstein says
These were a hit with everyone at my Thanksgiving. And so easy to make!
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you liked the recipe!! I love these for a holiday dish as well - they are always a crowd favorite!