Roasted cashews are already pretty wonderful, but this recipe takes them somewhere extra. A toss in honey or maple syrup, coconut, cinnamon, and cayenne transforms them into something sweet, spicy, and completely addictive. And those little crystallized pieces that form on the pan while they roast? Pure magic. Snatch some for yourself before they make it to the bowl. You’ll thank me later!

Cashews also happen to be nutritional overachievers — heart-healthy fats, plant protein, and key minerals like magnesium and zinc. So every crunchy handful is doing good work.

These make a perfect homemade gift tucked into a jar with a ribbon… they’re also a great addition to any party spread and an excellent solo snack for a TV night when you just deserve something a little special. 

How to enjoy them (other than straight out of the bowl)

This recipe is also featured on TODAY.com!

Try my Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Seeds!

(5 stars) 6 ratings

Homemade Coconut Cashews (Sweet and Spicy!)

It’s hard to improve upon the buttery, crunchy delight of roasted cashews, but this sweet and spicy coconut cashew recipe kicks it up a notch, infusing them with flavors that bring the fulfillment of homemade goodness right to your tastebuds. 
Yield: 4 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup flaked/grated sweetened coconut
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350˚. Mist a baking sheet with oil spray and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the raw cashews and oil and toss to coat. Then mix in the honey or maple syrup, shredded coconut, 1½ teaspoons salt, cinnamon and cayenne. Toss well to ensure the nuts are evenly coated with mixture.
  • Lay the nuts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Toss in any honey or maple syrup clumps left in the mixing bowl and distribute them as best you can. Roast in oven for about 5 minutes, then toss the nuts and rotate the pan (the topping will now be all melty and you’ll be able to distribute it throughout the nuts as you mix them around).
  • After tossing, cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cashews become golden brown. Mine tend to be perfect at the 8-minute mark, for a total of 13 minutes in the oven. Be sure to keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes because they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in record time.
  • After removing the nuts from oven, place on the countertop and gently toss with wooden spoon or spatula to scatter any clumps that may have formed.
  • Sprinkle the remaining salt (1½ teaspoons) evenly over the top. Taste a few and if you’d like more heat, sprinkle a dash more cayenne over the top. Go easy as cayenne is potent.
  • Allow the nuts to slightly cool; they’ll continue to harden and crunch up as they sit. The crystallized pieces are super delicious, so be sure to add them to your serving bowl.
  • You can serve warm or room temperature—they’re SO. DARN. GOOD.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to a week or two (on the counter or in the fridge), or freeze for two to three months.

Notes

You can use either honey or maple syrup in this recipe—both yield delicious results. Honey tends to produce a softer, stickier coating on the nuts, while maple syrup results in a drier, crunchier texture. My taste testers are consistently divided in their preferences!
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 0.25cupCalories: 220Carbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gTotal Fat: 16g— Unsaturated Fat: 12g— Saturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 370mgFiber: 2gTotal Sugar: 8g— Natural Sugar: 3g— Added Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!