Glazed Maple Cashews
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Glazed maple cashews are raw cashews tossed with pure maple syrup, chia seeds, and uncooked quinoa, then baked until golden and crunchy. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the toasted seeds balance it with a nutty, toasty bite, making them taste more like a snack than candy. Most candied cashews use egg whites for the crunch, but these get it from the seeds.
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I make these year-round, but they are a holiday staple. They’re delicious on their own and pair well with a cheese or mezze board or dessert spread.
Recipe Highlights
- Made with only four ingredients: raw cashews, pure maple syrup, chia seeds, and uncooked quinoa.
- No egg whites and no oil. The chia and quinoa make the crunchy coating.
- About 15 minutes in the oven, plus 20 minutes on the counter to crisp up.
- They keep for up to a month in a jar, which makes them a good make-ahead snack or holiday gift.
Ingredient Notes
- Raw cashews: Use raw, not roasted. They roast in the oven with the coating, and already-roasted cashews will get too dark.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Pancake syrup is mostly corn syrup and doesn’t have the same maple flavor. Honey works too, but then they’re no longer vegan and can get a little bit sticky.
- Chia seeds: They stick to the syrup and make up most of the crunchy coating.
- Quinoa: Use uncooked quinoa, preferably rinsed and thoroughly dried. Quinoa straight from the bag may taste bitter. I’ve used it both ways, but if you have time, rinse and dry it a day ahead.
How to Make Maple Roasted Cashews
- Prepare: Measure the ingredients, preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the cashews, maple syrup, chia seeds, and quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until every cashew is coated in syrup and seeds.
- Spread the cashews in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, stir, then bake about 7 minutes longer, until golden brown.
NOTE: Let the cashews sit at room temperature in the pan for at least 20 minutes so they can crisp up.
Why Are My Candied Cashews Sticky?
When they come out of the oven, the maple coating is still soft, so the cashews will feel sticky or a little chewy. That’s normal. Leave them on the pan for at least 20 minutes and the coating hardens into a crunchy shell.
Don’t put them in a jar while they’re still warm. Trapped heat turns the coating soft again.
Make It Your Way
This is an easy recipe to change up. Keep the maple syrup and seed coating, then swap the nuts or play around with the seasoning.
- The nuts: Use almonds, peanuts, or a mix of whatever you have.
- The sweetener: Honey works in place of the maple syrup, using the same amount. You can also try brown rice syrup or agave nectar.
- Sweet and salty: Add 1 teaspoon of tamari or sea salt for a more savory version.
- Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixing bowl.
- Warm spiced: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Finish: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, almond extract, or peppermint extract before baking.
When I make these for a charcuterie board, I like adding soy sauce with a little bit of cayenne pepper for a sweet, salty, spicy bite.
How to Store Maple Glazed Cashews
Store maple candied cashews in your pantry at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a month.
What to Serve With Maple Glazed Cashews
Serve these tasty cashews as they are perfect for a snack, on a charcuterie board, add them to a salad, or sprinkle them on top of Greek yogurt or ice cream.
They also make a great homemade gift for the holidays; place them into a jar and tie a pretty ribbon around it!
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Glazed Maple Cashews
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons uncooked quinoa, rinsed and dried (see notes)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until the cashews are fully coated with the syrup and seeds.
- Spread the cashews in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 7 minutes, then stir.
- Bake about 7 minutes longer, until golden brown.
- Let the cashews cool on the pan at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to crisp up before serving or storing.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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these look really interesting! I love nuts that have been jazzed up!
Thank you!
These look so delish and perfect for a cozy day inside! Yum.
Thank you Suzanne!
I love coming across new and exciting recipes like this. It’s a healthy snack, but can still appeal to my sweet tooth. On top of that, it looks amazingly delicious.
Thank you AmberLynn
I love cashews so your recipe danced before my eyes. I must give it a try…. looks delicious.
Thanks Elizabeth!
What a great snack and these would make a great gift, too!
Thanks Lisa, they do make a great gift!
I never tried adding chia to nuts but it sounds like a great idea to add some extra crunch!
I love making homemade food gifts for the holidays and these will be perfect!
I’m excited to try this unique twist on a seasoned nut!
Enjoy!
These would make amazing holiday gifts! They sound delicious.
What an awesome snack! I love the maple coating with chai and quinoa!
I love the idea behind these. Do I need to pre-cook pre-soak quinoa or the baking part enough? Going to try these!!!
Irena you do not have to pre cookk the quinoa it toasts nicely just like the chia seeds!
I love the crunchy coating on these cashews! Roasted nuts are always my favorite and I can’t wait to try these.
Yes they are nice and crunchy Jean!
Crunchy and delicious! I was So excited to try these, and they did not disappoint! The added crunch was really nice!
Thanks Tessa I am glad that you liked them!
These cashews are absolutely divine! I love the maple flavor!
These nuts look great, love the crunchy healthy coating too!
Love the sweetness and the crunch going on here. I could eat these all very quickly.
There are so many reasons not to indulge in store bought candied nuts. I love that this recipe feels like dessert but no guilt involved!
I loved the idea of sprinkling on top of yogurt!
Thanks Heather!
What an awesome snack, or perfect for salads too!
Loved the quinoa!
Such a great, crunchy, sweet, satisfying snack! I love the maple flavor 🙂
These are so delicious! I love the crunchy toppings.
These would be perfect as a gift for the kids teachers. Thanks for the suggestion. Adding this to my list.
Delicious snack! I love the addition of seeds and grains. 🙂
Gosh I love snacking on nuts during the day while working! I’ve never thought to use quinoa or chia seeds before, it’s brilliant!
Wow, way to change it up with the addition of the seeds & quinoa. Delicious!
What a terrific snack! I love glazed nuts.
Pinning to try – I love making a roasted or sugared nut for a munchie when entertaining and I love that these are healthier than most!