Buttery Cayenne Cashew Crunch
Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible allure of Buttery Cayenne Cashew Crunch—an elevated take on classic brittle with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. This addictive treat combines rich, roasted cashews with a buttery caramel base, delicately spiced with cayenne pepper and finished with a touch of sea salt for the ultimate flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your dessert table, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with a hint of heat that keeps you coming back for more. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing confection is as easy to make as it is to devour. Keywords: buttery cayenne cashew crunch, sweet and spicy brittle, homemade snack ideas, roasted cashew candy recipe.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the raw cashews evenly over it.
Step 2
Roast the cashews in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside to cool.
Step 3
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and light corn syrup, stirring frequently until fully combined.
Step 4
Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Insert a candy thermometer and cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (149°C), also known as the 'hard crack stage'. Stir gently and frequently to prevent burning.
Step 5
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly—stir carefully until smooth and combined.
Step 6
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the roasted cashews on the prepared baking sheet. Using a heatproof spatula, spread the mixture evenly to coat the nuts.
Step 7
Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until hardened. Once cooled, break into chunks or bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
Store the Buttery Cayenne Cashew Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Serve as a snack or gift it to friends and family.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 665.5 grams (665.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3191 |
| Total Fat 194.50g | 249% |
| Saturated Fat 73.60g | 368% |
| Cholesterol 248mg | 83% |
| Sodium 1850mg | 80% |
| Total Carbohydrate 363.20g | 132% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.30g | 26% |
| Total Sugars 303.00g | |
| Protein 42.50g | 85% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 105mg | 8% |
| Iron 15mg | 84% |
| Potassium 1540mg | 33% |
Source of Calories