Cashew Candy(You Can'T Eat Just One!)
A rich, crunchy candy combining caramelized nuts with chocolate and fruit flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for nut lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 can cashews ⓘ
- 1 can Chinese noodles ⓘ
- 2 packages semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 8 oz. package cream cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1 can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 large Cool Whip ⓘ
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Add sugar, light corn syrup, and water to the melted butter.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches crack stage (300°F), carefully monitoring after 280°F.
- Stir in coarse chopped nuts (walnuts) immediately at 300°F.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Scrape the pan quickly and spread the mixture evenly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using roasted cashews instead of plain ones. If you can't find Chinese noodles, pretzel sticks can be a fun substitute. Make sure to monitor the candy closely as it approaches crack stage; too high a temperature can lead to burning. If desired, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty balance.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the candy into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Mess for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. This candy is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack during movie nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cashew candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain its texture, avoid refrigerating. If you prefer a softer candy, you can reheat it gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Candy(You Can'T Eat Just One!) contains roughly 1016 calories, with 15g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a nice crunch, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like almonds or pecans. Just ensure they are chopped roughly to maintain texture in the candy.
How can I tell when the caramel is at crack stage?
The crack stage occurs at 300°F. You can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it hardens instantly and breaks when you try to bend it, it's ready. A digital candy thermometer is a handy tool for accuracy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free chocolate chips. For the cream cheese, opt for a vegan cream cheese to keep the recipe entirely plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).