Sweet & Salty Sesame Cashews

Sweet and salty sesame honey roasted cashews are the kind of snack that disappears in my house within a day. A crunchy coating of buttery caramel and toasted sesame hugs each cashew for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. I first made these for a holiday gift but ended up keeping most of the jar for myself because every handful was so good.

Back when I first tried these they made my whole kitchen smell like toasted magic and now my friends request them whenever I offer to bring snacks

Ingredients

• Raw cashews: These create the base for the snack Make sure they are fresh and not pre-roasted for best flavor
• Toasted sesame seeds: Add nutty aroma and textural pop Look for seeds that are golden and aromatic for maximum flavor
• Coconut sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor without being overly sweet Opt for brands with a light golden color for the best taste
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the sugar and syrup to create a luscious caramel Make sure it is fresh creamery style
• Honey or agave nectar or maple syrup: Any will work so use your favorite for a slightly different character Local honey adds floral notes while agave or maple keeps it vegan
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness Flakey or kosher salt works best to finish Try to use sea salt with big crystals if you have it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat fully so the cashews roast evenly on all sides

Roast the Cashews:

Spread raw cashews onto a parchment lined baking sheet Make sure they are in a single layer for perfect toasting Roast for fifteen to twenty minutes until they start to become fragrant and lightly golden Gently shake the tray halfway for even color Watch closely since nuts can turn from toasted to burnt quickly

Set Up the Sesame Cashew Bowl:

When roasted transfer the warm cashews into a large mixing bowl Add in your toasted sesame seeds on top This helps the seeds stick to the warm nuts

Prepare the Caramel Mixture:

While the cashews are in the oven place coconut sugar butter and your chosen syrup in a small saucepan over low heat Keep the heat gentle since coconut sugar can scorch easily Stir constantly with a whisk for about five minutes until the mix is glossy smooth and has thickened to a caramel consistency

Combine and Coat:

Pour your warm caramel mixture over the bowl of cashews and sesame seeds Immediately use a spatula to fold everything together until every nut is beautifully coated with the sticky caramel goodness

Bake Again to Set:

Spread the coated cashews out on a fresh parchment lined baking sheet Keep them close together if you want chunky clusters Sprinkle generously with your favorite finishing salt

Cool and Break Into Pieces:

Let the cashews cool completely on the tray This step helps the caramel crisp up Once cool break into pieces or clusters and transfer to a jar or airtight tin for storage

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My favorite part is getting those big caramel clumps that hold together with extra sesame seeds My youngest still talks about the first time he crunched into one right off the cooling tray and demanded more

Storage Tips

Store your roasted cashews in an airtight jar or tin at room temperature for up to two weeks If you want to keep them longer refrigerate them but let them come to room temperature before serving so the texture stays crisp They are also a lovely little snack for lunchboxes and travel days

Substitutions and Swaps

If you are out of coconut sugar regular brown sugar works though your caramel may be slightly sweeter For the syrup choose honey for robust floral notes agave for a neutral sweet or real maple syrup for a cozy twist Pecans or almonds stand in nicely if you ever want a shift from cashews

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cashews as part of a cheese or grazing board with dried fruit and sharp cheddar Pile over yogurt bowls or oatmeal for a salty sweet crunch crumble a handful over salads for a nutty special touch They also make a perfect party snack straight from the jar

Cultural Touch

Sesame coated nuts pop up in cuisines from Asia to the Mediterranean The combo of honey and sesame is classic in Middle Eastern confections like halvah and reminds me of the street market sesame candies I once tried in Istanbul This recipe brings a bit of that ancient comfort to every batch

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Once you get the hang of making these honey roasted cashews you might find yourself doubling the batch next time They are that unstoppable and every step from toasting to tossing up that luscious caramel feels like a little reward in itself

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, this method works well with almonds, pecans, or mixed nuts. Adjust roasting times as needed based on nut variety.

→ Is it possible to substitute coconut sugar?

You can use brown sugar or maple sugar as an alternative, though flavors may vary slightly from the original profile.

→ How do I keep the cashews crunchy?

Allow the coated cashews to cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight jar to maintain their crispness.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan version.

→ What is the best way to serve these cashews?

Enjoy as a snack, add to salad bowls, or use as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal for extra flavor and crunch.

→ How long will the cashews stay fresh?

When stored in a sealed container at room temperature, they can stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.