Honey Sesame Cashews (Printable version)
Crunchy roasted cashews in a sweet honey sesame glaze, perfect for snacking or gifting.
# What you need:
→ Nuts
01 - 2 cups raw cashews
→ Glaze
02 - 1/4 cup honey
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
→ Coating
06 - 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or mixed)
07 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra crunch)
# How To:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and sea salt until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.
03 - Place the raw cashews in a mixing bowl. Pour the honey-butter glaze over the cashews and toss thoroughly until every nut is evenly coated.
04 - Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the cashews and stir gently to coat evenly. Add the granulated sugar if using for extra crunch.
06 - Return the cashews to the oven and roast for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Watch closely during this stage to prevent burning.
07 - Remove the cashews from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up as they cool. Break apart any stuck-together clusters as needed.
08 - Transfer the cooled honey sesame cashews to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The glaze caramelizes in the oven and creates this shattery, candied shell that shatters between your teeth in the most satisfying way.
- They take under 30 minutes from pantry to snack bowl, which means you can make them right before guests arrive and look like you planned it for days.
- You likely have every single ingredient sitting in your kitchen right now.
02 -
- Do not walk away during those last 3 to 5 minutes because burnt honey is bitter and unforgiving and there is no rescuing it once it crosses that line.
- Letting them cool fully is not optional because the glaze is soft and chewy while warm and only becomes that satisfying crunch after it sets completely.
03 -
- Toast your sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before using them if you want an even deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor throughout.
- Using a silicone spatula for tossing saves you from losing precious glaze that sticks to whatever tool you are using.