Vegan Sugar 'n Spice Cinnamon Cashews
These sugar-coated cinnamon cashews combine sweet caramel coating with warm spice and a touch of heat from optional cayenne pepper. The cashews are coated in a homemade caramel mixture, baked until crispy, then finished with a chocolate drizzle for an irresistible sweet and spicy snack. Perfect for holiday gifting, entertaining, or satisfying a craving for something both crunchy and indulgent. The combination of cinnamon warmth and optional cayenne kick makes these nuts addictively delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons Gefen Cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Haddar Salt
- 6 tablespoons parve milk (almond milk)any plant milk1:1vegandairy-freeadds dairyFull guide →
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound dry roasted cashewspecans or almonds1:1tree-nutsFull guide →
- cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ ounces baking chocolatedark chocolate chips1:1
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, and parve milk in a medium pot
- 3
Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for about eight minutes until deep caramel color forms
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- 5
Add cashews to pot and mix to coat completely
- 6
Turn coated cashews onto parchment-lined baking pan
- 7
Sprinkle with cayenne pepper if desired
- 8
Separate nuts with a fork and bake for three to four minutes until no longer sticky
- 9
Remove from oven and allow to cool
- 10
Place chocolate in plastic bag, seal, and immerse in boiling water to melt
- 11
Snip end off bag and drizzle melted chocolate over cashews
- 12
Allow chocolate to harden before storing
Tips
Watch the caramel mixture carefully during simmering to prevent burning - it should reach a deep amber color.
Work quickly when coating cashews as the caramel hardens fast once removed from heat.
Use a fork to separate nuts on the baking pan to prevent them from clumping together.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in airtight container
Serve at room temperature as snack or gift
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook caramel mixture or it will become bitter and hard
Work quickly when coating nuts to prevent caramel from hardening in pot
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of parve milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular dairy milk for parve milk in equal amounts, though this will make the recipe no longer dairy-free.
What if I don't have cayenne pepper?
The cayenne is optional and can be omitted entirely, or you can substitute with a pinch of chili powder or paprika for mild heat.
How long will these keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, though they're best consumed within the first few days.