The perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy, these honey-roasted cashews are a scrumptious healthy snack, make a great gift and will be a huge hit at game night!
Nuts are just amazing. You can use them in so many ways, they taste great and are very healthy!
Sometimes I get a little overzealous when I go to Costco and come back with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and cashews... but hey, I actually use them, so it's okay.
I love making my own nut milk (usually with almonds or walnuts, or a combo of almonds and hazelnuts-delish!), adding nuts to my granola, oatmeal, muffins, cookies, and yes, as a topping for these chocolate-dipped popsicles!
Making nut butter is another way to use them and it's SO much better than storebought. I also soak and dehydrate them and eat them as a good ol' snack with some fruit.
And ROASTING them is just a great way to make them fancier, tastier and a little more fun!
I love this roasted cashews recipe. It takes the nuts to a whole new level. It's a great one to bring to a party, give as a Christmas gift to your neighbours or just eat. All by yourself.
Why Soak Cashews Before Roasting?
Like most grains and nuts, cashews contain phytic acid, an "anti-nutrient". Phytic acid blocks the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals into your body, so if you consume it, you actually may not gain much, as far as health benefits, from your food. Soaking nuts in a little salt and water neutralizes phytic acid, making the nutrients in the nuts available for your body to use!
Are Honey Roasted Cashews Good for You?
Like all nuts, cashew nuts are nutrient-dense! When you soak them before roasting, you truly unlock the nutrient potential! They are a great source of protein, dietary fiber and healthy fats, as well as copper, manganese and magnesium. Full of antioxidants, cashews may contribute to reduced inflammation in the body, resulting in a lowered risk for many diseases.
Storebought roasted cashews may contain unhealthy added fats and excess salt and sugar- not the healthiest option. When you make them from scratch, you have complete control over the types and amounts of certain ingredients. I always strive to use the least amount of sweetener possible to achieve a still delicious final product. As a result, these homemade roasted cashews are lightly salted and sweetened, and that's how I like them. Delicious, and with no guilt!
Are Roasted Cashews Better Than Raw Cashews?
Whenever food is cooked, some nutrients are always lost, but it's usually not a significant amount. The lower the heat, the more nutrients are retained, which is one of the reasons I decided to roast these at such a low heat. So raw nuts do contain more nutrients, but roasted nuts come in at a close second, especially if you use this cooking method.
What to Do With Roasted Cashews
- Eat on their own as a sweet snack
- Use it as a topping on your morning oatmeal, smoothie bowls, granola, yogurt, or ice cream for dessert!
- Add a lovely, sweet crunch to salads
- Use as part of a homemade trail mix
- Present in a mason jar as a delicious, homemade hostess gift at Christmas time
Tools You May Need
Spatula or wooden spoon
How to Make Honey Roasted Cashews
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups raw unsalted cashews
- 3 teaspoon sea salt (for soaking)
- filtered water (we use the Berkey- read my review here)
- 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
- 4 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
Soak cashews with 3 teaspoons sea salt in about 4 cups of water for 2 hours. Strain and let drain for about 15 minutes in the strainer.
Preheat oven to 200°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, vanilla and cinnamon over low-medium heat until melted and stir until combined.
Place cashews in a dry bowl and add in honey mixture. Toss well to coat.
Spread cashews on your prepared baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 2 hours and 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. (I know it's a lot, but trust me, it will be worth it!) The cashews will be a lovely golden brown.
Remove from oven, pour into the previous mixing bowl, add in coconut sugar and toss. Taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary, to achieve that perfect sweet and salty combination. Enjoy!
How to Store Roasted Cashews
Allow cashews to cool completely. Store in mason jars or other airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the nuts for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe airtight container or Ziploc bag. Just be sure to thaw before serving!
Did you try this recipe and love it? I would so appreciate it if you give it a 5-star rating and pin it to Pinterest!
More Healthy Snack Recipes
- HOW TO CUT CARROTS STICKS
- HOW TO EAT PATE
- HEALTHY BANANA BREAD
- HONEY POPCORN
- HOW TO DRY PEACHES IN A DEHYDRATOR
More Proper Grain & Nut Prep
- SOAKING NUTS AND SEEDS + HOW TO DEHYDRATE THEM
- HOW TO MAKE ALMOND MILK
- HOW TO SPROUT WHEAT AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT!
- CINNAMON AND HONEY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
📖 Recipe
Honey Roasted Cashews
The perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy, these honey roasted cashews are a scrumptious, healthy snack, make a wonderful gift and are sure to be a hit at parties!
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw unsalted cashews
- 3 teaspoon sea salt (for soaking)
- water
- 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
- 4 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Soak cashews with 3 teaspoons sea salt in about 4 cups of water for 2 hours. Strain and let drain for about 15 minutes in the strainer.
- Preheat oven to 200°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, vanilla and cinnamon over low heat until melted and stir until combined.
- Place cashews in a dry bowl and add in honey mixture. Toss well to coat.
- Spread cashews on your prepared baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 2 hours and 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. (It will be worth it!) The cashews will be a lovely golden brown.
- Remove from oven, pour into the previous mixing bowl, and add in coconut sugar and toss. Taste and add a little salt if necessary, to achieve that perfect sweet and salty mix. Enjoy!
Notes
Allow cashews to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the nuts for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe airtight container or Ziploc bag. Just be sure to thaw before serving!
Easily make a double batch, just use 2 cookie sheets so the cashews aren't crowded on the pan!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: ¼ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 235Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 956mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 5g
This nutrient calculation is done by an automated calculator and may not be accurate.
Danielle
I have never heard of soaking nuts before. I love cashews - they're so creamy, and of course roasting with honey, cinnamon and sugar sounds delicious! I'm going to save this recipe for sure.
Errika
Yeah, soaking them in saltwater makes them more nutritious and digestible. An easy added step for lots of benefits! I hope you enjoy them.
Stacey
These look delicious! My husband would love them. Thanks for sharing!
Errika
Thanks, Stacey! They are yummy, for sure. Hope you guys enjoy!
Kyrie
Oh my gosh YUM! So easy too! Can’t wait to try these.
Errika
Thanks, Kyrie! I'm a little obsessed with them right now.
Lauren
Looks delicious!
Errika
Thanks, Lauren!
Allie
I’ve never heard of soaking nuts. These look fabulous and cannot wait to try these. Thanks so much for sharing.
Errika
Yes, it makes them so much more nutritious and digestible! Hope you enjoy them.
Ada
I'm always looking for healthy snacks. This looks super delicious. I can't wait to try it! Thank you for sharing!
Errika
Me too, I hope you enjoy them!!