Honey Sesame Cashews (Printer-friendly)

Crunchy roasted cashews in a sweet honey-sesame glaze, ideal 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 Make It:

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 large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey-butter mixture 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 distribute evenly. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired for added 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 clusters that have formed.
08 - Transfer the cooled cashews to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The honey glaze caramelizes in the oven and creates this brittle like shell that shatters when you bite into it.
  • They taste like something from a fancy gourmet shop but cost a fraction to make at home.
02 -
  • The cashews will feel soft and sticky when they come out of the oven but they crisp up dramatically as they cool, so do not over roast trying to get crunch.
  • Burned honey is bitter and unforgiving, so set a timer and check at the 3 minute mark during the second roast.
03 -
  • Use a silicone spatula for tossing because it scrapes the bowl clean better than anything else and saves you from wasting that precious glaze.
  • Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for one minute before using them to deepen their flavor and make them noticeably more fragrant.

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