Description
Sweet caramel cashew haystacks dance with rich nutty crunch, creating irresistible confections that blend silky caramel and toasted cashews. Dessert enthusiasts will discover pure indulgence in these simple yet elegant treats perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel and Nut Layer:
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Binding and Texture:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later preparation.
- Create the chocolate base by melting semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy.
- Stir vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Toast cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- In a separate bowl, combine caramel sauce, brown sugar, and sea salt, mixing until fully integrated.
- Fold toasted cashews into the caramel mixture, ensuring each nut is thoroughly coated.
- Mix shredded coconut with honey and corn syrup in a large mixing bowl, creating a sticky binding base.
- Incorporate the caramel-coated cashews into the coconut mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the coconut-cashew mixture into the melted chocolate, ensuring each haystack is completely enrobed.
- Carefully transfer chocolate-covered haystacks onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes at 40°F until chocolate sets and haystacks become firm.
- Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to achieve optimal texture.
Notes
- Toast cashews carefully to release their rich, nutty flavor without burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring constantly for even golden color.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for smoother melting and more luxurious coating, ensuring a glossy and even chocolate layer.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using sugar-free caramel sauce for a lower-calorie version that maintains delicious flavor profile.
- Create gluten-free variant by confirming all ingredients, especially caramel sauce and corn syrup, are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 223
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 57 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg