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This tangy lime and chipotle candied cashew recipe transforms ordinary nuts into an irresistible sweet, salty, and spicy snack that's perfect for entertaining or gifting. The combination of honey-lime glaze with smoky chipotle creates a flavor profile that keeps everyone reaching for more.
I first made these candied cashews for a neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty container and multiple recipe requests. Since then, they've become my signature hostess gift during the holidays packed in decorative jars with ribbon.
- Whole roasted unsalted cashews: Provide the perfect canvas for our flavors while offering healthy fats and protein
- Vegetable oil: Helps the coating adhere evenly to each nut
- Light brown sugar: Brings caramel notes that complement the nuts perfectly
- Honey: Creates that signature sticky sweetness and helps achieve the perfect glaze
- Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness that cuts through the richness
- Ground chipotle powder: Delivers smoky heat that intensifies as it bakes
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and creates that irresistible sweet salty balance
How To Make "Tangy Lime and Chipotle Candied Cashews"
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Position your oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F. Take time to properly oil your rimmed baking sheet ensuring no spots are missed. This prevents sticking which can be frustrating when working with sticky glazes.
- Create The Oil Base:
- In a large bowl toss the cashews with vegetable oil using your hands or a spatula to ensure every nut gets a light coating. This initial oil layer helps the sweet spicy mixture adhere properly to each cashew.
- Mix The Flavor Coating:
- Whisk together brown sugar honey lime juice chipotle powder and salt until completely incorporated. Make sure there are no sugar lumps for even distribution of flavors. The mixture should have a pourable consistency with the honey fully integrated.
- Coat The Nuts:
- Pour your prepared mixture over the oiled cashews and toss thoroughly. Take your time here working the coating into every crevice ensuring no cashew is left unglazed. The nuts should look evenly coated with a wet shiny appearance.
- Bake With Attention:
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan. Bake for exactly 24 minutes stirring thoroughly every 8 minutes to prevent burning. The stirring is crucial as it redistributes the nuts allowing even caramelization throughout.
- Achieve Perfect Color:
- Continue baking for those final crucial minutes until the nuts reach a golden brown color and the coating appears set. Watch carefully as the difference between perfect and burnt happens quickly at this stage.
- Cool With Care:
- Transfer immediately to a clean sheet pan using a slotted tool to leave excess sticky coating behind. Stir frequently during cooling to prevent clumping. This movement keeps air circulating around each nut helping them maintain individual separation.
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The lime juice is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance completely by accident when I ran out of orange juice one day making a different candied nut recipe. The brightness of lime paired with smoky chipotle created such a memorable flavor combination that my friends now request these yearly for holiday gatherings.
Storage Solutions
These candied cashews maintain their perfect texture and flavor for up to two weeks when stored properly in airtight containers at room temperature. Glass jars work particularly well as they prevent any moisture from making the nuts lose their crunch. For longer storage you can refrigerate them for up to a month though I find they rarely last that long in my household. Avoid storing in plastic bags which can trap moisture and compromise the texture.
Flavor Variations
While this recipe features the wonderful combination of lime and chipotle you can easily adapt it to create different flavor profiles. For a more traditional approach substitute cinnamon and vanilla for the chipotle and lime. For a tropical twist try replacing lime with orange juice and adding a teaspoon of ground ginger. If you enjoy herbaceous notes rosemary pairs beautifully with honey glazed nuts just add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary to the coating mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile candied cashews elevate almost any occasion. Serve them in small bowls as part of a cocktail hour spread they pair particularly well with margaritas or craft beers. Chop them coarsely to sprinkle over salads especially those featuring fruits like mango or avocado. They make an outstanding topping for vanilla ice cream or add them to a cheese board for a sweet contrasting element. I particularly love wrapping them in decorative packaging for homemade holiday gifts.
Beyond Cashews
Though cashews create a luxurious version of this treat the coating works beautifully with other nuts as well. Pecans develop an almost praline like quality when prepared this way while almonds offer a satisfying crunch. For the most interesting texture try a mixed nut version using equal parts cashews pecans and almonds. Just ensure all nuts are similar in size for even cooking or adjust cooking times accordingly for smaller varieties like peanuts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use raw cashews instead of roasted?
Yes, but you may need to roast the raw cashews first to enhance their flavor and texture before following the coating and baking steps.
- → Is there a substitute for chipotle powder?
Yes, you can replace chipotle powder with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- → How do I ensure the coating sticks evenly?
Mix the cashews thoroughly with the oil before adding the coating mixture. Stirring the nuts during baking also helps ensure even coating.
- → How should I store these cashews?
Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey for less sweetness, and adjust the amount of chipotle powder to control the spice level.