Description

Enjoy these irresistibly crunchy cashews, glazed with smoky paprika and sweet maple. This recipe is designed to be a delicious snack inspired by DASH principles.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup raw unsalted cashews (about 5 oz / 140 g)
2 tsp white sesame seeds
2 tsp avocado oil (or canola oil)
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp smoked paprika
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Oven & Dish Prep: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) glass baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides for easy cleanup.
Initial Nut Toast: Spread the raw cashews in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven to toast for 7 minutes, which helps develop their foundational nutty flavor before glazing.
Prepare the Smoky Glaze: While the cashews are toasting, combine the avocado oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Coat & Combine: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the toasted cashews directly into the bowl with the glaze. Add the sesame seeds and use a silicone spatula to toss everything together until the nuts are thoroughly and evenly coated.
Final Roasting: Transfer the glazed cashews back into the parchment-lined baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. The nuts are done when the glaze is bubbly and they are a deep golden-brown hue.
Cool for Crunch: Remove the dish from the oven. Lift the parchment paper with the nuts out of the dish and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the cashews to cool completely for at least 15 minutes; they will become crisp as they cool. Once cool, break apart any clusters.

Notes

Storage: Keep the cooled cashews in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 5 days for optimal crunch.
Ingredient Swaps: This recipe works beautifully with pecans or whole almonds as well.
Troubleshooting: If the cashews seem sticky after cooling, they may need more time to dry. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing. Spreading them in a single, uncrowded layer is key to achieving a perfect, crunchy texture.

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 157