If you love a snack that hits all the right notes of sweet, crunchy, and nutty, then this Cashew Crunch Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful treat combines crispy cereal, rich cashews, and toasted coconut all baked with a buttery, caramel-like coating that clings to every bite. Perfect for munching any time of day, this Cashew Crunch Recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a casual snack or a unique homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to share and revisit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of this Cashew Crunch Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect harmony of textures and flavors—from the crispy cereal and crunchy cashews to the sweet coconut and buttery caramel glaze that ties it all together beautifully.
- 9 cups Crispix cereal: Provides the light and crispy base that absorbs the sweet coating without getting soggy.
- 1 (8-oz) can cashews: Adds a wonderful nutty crunch and a subtle buttery flavor.
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut: Brings a touch of tropical sweetness and chewy texture.
- ½ cup butter: Creates a rich, luscious foundation for the caramel coating.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Gives warmth and depth to the sweetness.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds glossy shine.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor by adding a smooth, aromatic note.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Lightens the caramel sauce and creates a delicate, airy texture.
How to Make Cashew Crunch Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 250ºF. This low temperature is key for slowly baking your Cashew Crunch Recipe, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly without burning the sweet coating.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the Crispix cereal, the whole can of cashews, and the sweetened flaked coconut. This trio is the heart of the snack, each element adding its unique texture and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
On medium-high heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the light brown sugar and corn syrup, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble slightly, creating a light and airy caramel coating.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Pour the warm caramel sauce over your cereal mixture and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with that gorgeous, sticky sweetness. Spread this mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, then bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. This slow baking step crisps up the cereal and caramel, transforming it into heavenly Cashew Crunch.
Step 5: Cool and Break into Pieces
Once baked, dump the mixture onto wax or parchment paper to cool. After it has set, break it into bite-sized pieces. This is the fun part—watch as the golden clusters form, promising big flavor in every crunch!
How to Serve Cashew Crunch Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of your Cashew Crunch for an extra flavor boost. These small touches can really elevate the snack, balancing sweet and savory notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Cashew Crunch makes an excellent partner to a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a more substantial snack spread, pair it with fresh fruit or cheese for a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cashew Crunch Recipe in mini mason jars or colorful snack bags for parties or gifts. Layer it with yogurt and fresh berries in parfait glasses for a creative breakfast or dessert treat. The crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it versatile and fun to present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cashew Crunch Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep your batch even longer, you can freeze the Cashew Crunch. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While this snack is best enjoyed as-is for maximum crunch, you can refresh it by warming the Cashew Crunch Recipe in a 300ºF oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the crisp texture if it has softened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cereal instead of Crispix?
Absolutely! While Crispix is ideal for its light crunch and texture, you can experiment with similar cereals like rice and corn blends. Avoid overly fragile cereals as they might get soggy or break down during baking.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
If corn syrup isn’t available, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind these will slightly alter the flavor and may affect the final texture a bit, but the Cashew Crunch Recipe will still be tasty!
Is it possible to use roasted cashews instead of canned?
Yes, roasted cashews add an even deeper flavor and crunch. Just watch the baking time closely to avoid over-toasting the nuts since they are already cooked.
Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Feel free to customize! Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds can add different textures and flavors. Adjust quantities to keep the balance as close as possible to the original recipe.
How should I serve Cashew Crunch for a party?
Serve the Cashew Crunch Recipe in small bowls or decorative cups so guests can easily grab a handful. Pair it with other snacks and a beverage station for an inviting setup everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Cashew Crunch Recipe is one of those magical snacks that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but impressive enough to share with company. I can’t wait for you to try it, savor that perfect sweet-nutty-crisp combo, and watch it become a go-to treat in your kitchen. Happy crunching!
Print
Cashew Crunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 14 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cashew Crunch is a delightful sweet snack mix combining Crispix cereal, crunchy cashews, and sweetened flaked coconut coated in a buttery, caramel-like sugar syrup. Baked low and slow to achieve a crispy texture, this treat is perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Crispix cereal
- 1 (8-oz) can cashews
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Syrup Mixture
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250ºF to prepare for the slow baking process that will crisp up the cereal mixture evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Crispix cereal, canned cashews, and sweetened flaked coconut ensuring an even distribution.
- Make Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda to add flavor and help create a light texture.
- Toss Mixture: Pour the hot syrup over the cereal, cashew, and coconut mixture. Toss quickly but gently to coat all pieces evenly with the syrup coating.
- Bake Mixture: Spread the coated mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent clumping or burning.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, spread the mixture onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely. Break into pieces once cooled and store in an airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
- Stirring every 20 minutes during baking is essential to prevent burning and to promote even crispiness.
- Allow the Cashew Crunch to cool fully on parchment or wax paper to ensure it hardens properly and breaks into crunchy pieces.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a nut-free version, omit cashews and replace with extra cereal or seeds.
