The Perfect Cashew Crunch Delight Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Cashew crunch delights represent a tantalizing fusion of nutty richness and sweet indulgence.

These irresistible treats combine crisp textures with smooth, mellow undertones that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe revamps humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a symphony of contrasting sensations—crackly exterior giving way to creamy nutty centers.

Crafted with precision, these delectable morsels showcase the magic of simple culinary techniques.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a sensory experience that elevates snacking to an art form.

Strategic layering and careful preparation unlock the full potential of these delightful bites.

Cashew Crunch Bars Made Simple

• Craft Caramel Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning cashew brittle through an exciting microwave technique that makes candy-making accessible and foolproof for home cooks.
• Textural Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crunchy cashew pieces and smooth, glossy caramel that shatters perfectly with each bite, creating a satisfying sensory experience.
• Quick Homemade Treat: Whip up this delectable dessert in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute gift or spontaneous sweet indulgence for unexpected guests or sudden sugar cravings.

What’s in Cashew Crunch Bars

• Granulated Sugar, Corn Syrup: Essential for creating a sweet, caramelized base with rich golden color and crisp texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps create airy, light texture and promotes caramelization with its chemical reaction.

• Cashew Halves, Cashew Pieces: Provides rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture to the brittle, adding protein and nutty depth.

• Butter: Adds richness, smoothness, and helps develop a deep caramel flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings subtle warmth and complex undertone to complement the sweet caramel.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Critical for preventing sticking and ensuring easy release of brittle from surfaces.
• Silicone Mat or Heavy-Duty Foil: Provides a clean, non-stick surface for cooling and shaping the brittle.

How to Make Cashew Crunch Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with silicone mat or heavy-duty foil. Spray the baking sheet, a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, and a table knife with non-stick cooking spray. Place baking sheet in the oven to warm up.

Step 2: Create Sugar Base

In the microwave-safe bowl, combine granulated sugar and corn syrup. Mix until thick and sugary. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until the mixture becomes clear and light-colored.

Step 3: Add Cashews

• Cashew halves
• Cashew pieces

Return to microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes until mixture turns light golden brown.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Flavor

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Microwave for 1 additional minute until mixture reaches medium amber color.

Step 5: Create Caramel Transformation

Sprinkle baking soda over the mixture and stir gently. The mixture will foam and turn into a beautiful caramel color.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Remove hot baking sheet from oven. Quickly pour brittle mixture onto sheet, spreading evenly with a non-stick sprayed spatula. Allow brittle to cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Cashew Crunch Bar Tips to Know

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir sugar and corn syrup gently to ensure smooth caramelization without creating sugar crystals.
• Master Microwave Timing: Watch carefully during cooking stages to avoid burning, as caramel can quickly turn from golden to burnt.
• Use Fresh Cashews: Select high-quality, fresh cashew halves for the best flavor and crunchiest texture in your brittle.
• Prepare Safety Gear: Always wear oven mitts and use long-handled utensils when handling hot sugar mixtures to prevent burns.
• Cool Completely: Let the brittle cool entirely at room temperature to achieve the perfect crisp texture and easy breaking.

Storing Cashew Crunch the Easy Way

• Refrigeration: Place cashew brittle pieces in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from humidity to prevent stickiness.
• Room Temperature Storage: Transfer brittle to a sealed container with a tight lid. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature for 5-7 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might cause melting.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as this can alter the texture and crunch.

Snacks to Pair with Cashew Crunch Bars

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve this crunchy cashew brittle alongside a smooth vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, rich creaminess perfectly balances the sweet caramelized crunch of the candy.
• Sip and Savor Coffee Companion: Enjoy a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the deep caramel notes. The bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Select a sweet dessert wine like a Pedro Ximénez sherry or a late-harvest Riesling. These wines echo the caramel's richness and provide a luxurious tasting experience that enhances the cashew brittle's complex flavors.
• Tea Time Elegance: Brew a cup of chai tea or Earl Grey to bring out the warm, spicy undertones of the brittle. The aromatic tea adds depth and sophistication to this sweet treat.

Fun Spins on Cashew Crunch Bars

• Nutty Medley Brittle: Replace cashews with a mix of almonds, pecans, and pistachios for a diverse and crunchy texture that adds complexity to the classic recipe.
• Coconut Caramel Crunch: Incorporate shredded coconut into the brittle mixture and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired sweet treat with added depth.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Cashew Brittle: After cooling the brittle, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top, creating a luxurious layer that complements the caramel and nutty flavors.
• Spiced Cashew Brittle: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a warm, slightly spicy kick that elevates the traditional brittle recipe.

Cashew Crunch Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich Cashew Crunch Delight delivers a symphony of textures and flavors from Korean street cuisine. Crispy cashews, tangy sauce, and perfect balance make this quick snack an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup cashew halves and pieces

Fat and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening Agent:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation Aid:

• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or heavy-duty aluminum foil, then generously coat with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Spray a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl and a table knife with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Combine granulated sugar and corn syrup in the prepared bowl, mixing until the consistency becomes thick and sugary.
4. Microwave the sugar mixture on high power for 3 minutes, until the liquid becomes clear and significantly lighter in color.
5. Carefully extract the hot bowl using oven mitts, then fold in cashew halves and pieces. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on high for an additional 3 minutes, watching for a light golden brown transformation.
6. Remove the bowl and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly. Microwave for 1 more minute until the mixture develops a medium amber hue.
7. Sprinkle baking soda over the caramelized mixture and gently stir, observing the dramatic foaming and color change to a rich caramel tone.
8. Transfer the molten brittle onto the preheated baking sheet, using a non-stick sprayed spatula to spread it evenly and thinly.
9. Allow the cashew brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.
10. Once fully cooled and hardened, break the brittle into irregular, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a clean knife.

Notes

• Precision is key when working with hot sugar mixtures, so use oven mitts and be extremely careful to avoid burns.
• Always spray tools and surfaces with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticky situations and ensure easy handling.
• Watch the caramel closely during microwaving to achieve the perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• The baking soda creates a magical foaming effect that transforms the mixture into a light, crunchy brittle.
• Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg