Smoky Maple Glazed Cashews
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.
- Total Time20 minutes
- Yield6 (approx. 1/4 cup each) 1x
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
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.
Nutrition Facts per Serving: Calories 157 kcal | Total Fat 12.3 g (Saturated Fat: 2.2 g) | Total Carbs 9.6 g (Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Total Sugars: 3.4 g, Includes Added Sugars: 2 g, Net Carbs: 8.6 g) | Protein 4.5 g | Sodium 5 mg | Potassium 170 mg | Magnesium 73 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Global-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 157