Description
Sweet, nutty caramel cashew clusters dance with rich, golden caramel and crunchy cashews, creating an irresistible homemade treat. Chocolate drizzle and sea salt elevate these clusters, promising pure indulgence for anyone craving a luxurious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Seeds:
- 2 cups cashews
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup pecans
Caramel Components:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal of the clusters.
- Combine cashews, almonds, and pecans in a large mixing bowl, creating a mixed nut base for the clusters.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning until it turns golden amber, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully add heavy cream to the caramelized sugar, whisking vigorously to create a smooth caramel sauce. The mixture will bubble intensely, so use caution.
- Incorporate unsalted butter and corn syrup into the caramel, continuing to stir until fully integrated and glossy.
- Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the caramel and whisk rapidly to create a lighter, airier texture that will help coat the nuts evenly.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel over the mixed nuts, stirring quickly to ensure complete coating of all nuts.
- Working swiftly, drop spoonfuls of the caramel-coated nuts onto the prepared baking sheet, creating individual clusters.
- Allow the clusters to cool and set at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until the caramel hardens and becomes crisp.
- Once completely cooled, break apart any connected clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their natural nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the caramel for an unexpected and sophisticated flavor twist.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled clusters for an extra decadent gourmet touch that elevates the entire treat.
- Use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and more complex caramel flavor for health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg