These candied cashews are made with nutrient-rich whole cashews, cardamom, saffron, and a luscious sweet syrup coating. This quick and easy recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients, and its rich flavors are bound to evoke the essence of the beloved Indian sweet – Kaju Katli.
Inspiration
During Diwali, I did a fun Instagram live with my friend and Masterchef Indian finalist Neha Deepak Shah. We cooked festive recipes while answering questions from our live audience. Neha made my Spinach Sev while I made her Kesariya Kaju which I am obsessed with.
The recipe is simple, uses 4 main ingredients, and is practically fail-proof. I’ve made multiple batches to share with friends and family for Diwali and the holiday season. Everyone who has tasted them agrees with me that the flavors remind them of Kaju Katli.
I love this recipe and I am so grateful that Neha allowed me to publish this recipe on my blog.
Homemade Food Gifts
Call it a snack or a treat, these cashews are satisfying and wonderfully flavorful. Candied cashews make for a perfect homemade food gift for the holidays and festivals as well as a tasty hostess gift. I am excited to add it to my list of favorite treats along with, Chocolate Peppermint Bark, White Chocolate Bark with Cardamom, Date and Nut Truffles, Masala Nuts, and Almond Granola!
Ingredients
- Cashews – raw unsalted whole cashews
- Sugar – pantry staple granulated or cane sugar
- Saffron – adds a beautiful yellow hue to the cashews while adding an exotic-floral aroma and flavor
- Cardamom – cardamom powder adds citrusy-warm notes to the cashews. Ground cardamom is readily available but you can also finely grind whole green cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Garnish – thinly sliced raw pistachios and dried rose petals make the cashews pretty while adding the nutty flavors of pistachios and the floral aroma of rose
How to Make Candied Cashews
- Roast cashews on low to medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Note: You can also air fry cashews at 300 F for 3 minutes without preheating the air fryer. - Add water, sugar, saffron and cardamom to a medium pan and bring it to a boil. Once the syrup starts bubbling, check for the one-string consistency.
- Add the cashews. Turn the heat off. Add rose petals and pistachios if using. Mix well. Keep stirring as the sugar syrup thickens and coats the cashews. The sugar syrup will completely dry out after 5 to 7 minutes.
- Take out the cashews in a tray. Separate any that are sticking to each other. Allow the cashews to completely cool. Store in an airtight container.
Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 4 weeks.
Serving Ideas for Candied Cashews
Candied cashews are a versatile and delicious treat that can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some ideas for serving candied cashews:
- Perfect movie night/game night snack or treat
- Add candied cashews to a mixed nut platter at parties or gatherings. The sweet and spiced flavor profile adds a unique twist to the assortment.
- Sprinkle candied cashews on salads for a nutty bite and burst of flavor.
- Layer candied cashews with yogurt and fresh fruits to create a delicious parfait. This adds texture and a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or dessert.
- Top your favorite ice cream with candied cashews for a delightful sundae experience. The combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy cashews is simply irresistible.
- Include candied cashews on a charcuterie or cheese board. They pair well with cheeses, dried fruits, and cured meats.
- Mix candied cashews with other nuts, dried fruits, and chocolates to create a customized trail mix. It’s a convenient and tasty snack for hikes, picnics, or road trips.
- Package candied cashews in decorative jars or bags to create personalized gifts or party favors. They make for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
- Serve candied cashews alongside cocktails or mocktails.
- Add candied cashews to your holiday treats. They can be part of a dessert table or offered as a festive treat during holiday gatherings.
Tips
- You can roast the cashews in the oven (325 F for 5 minutes) or air fryer (300 F for 3 minutes).
- Make sure the cashews do not brown at all as it will change the taste.
- Turn the heat off once the syrup reaches one-string consistency to avoid overcooking.
- Allow the cashews to completely cool down before storing.
