Description
Creamy cashew crunch delight promises a luxurious blend of textures and flavors from Southeast Asian kitchens. Global ingredients merge into a quick dessert experience that delights palates with its rich nutty complexity.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cashew halves and pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning rack centrally. Cover a large baking sheet with silicone mat or foil, generously spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Sugar Transformation: In a microwave-safe bowl sprayed with non-stick coating, combine granulated sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until liquid becomes translucent and lightens, stirring intermittently.
- Cashew Integration: Fold cashew halves and pieces into the caramelized mixture. Return to microwave, cooking on high for an additional 3 minutes until achieving a golden brown color. Carefully mix in butter and vanilla extract, microwaving for 1 more minute to develop a rich amber tone.
- Aeration and Expansion: Sprinkle baking soda over the caramelized mixture, gently stirring to witness dramatic foaming and color enhancement. Quickly spread the molten brittle onto prepared baking sheet using a non-stick sprayed spatula, ensuring an even, thin layer.
- Cooling and Fragmentation: Allow cashew brittle to cool completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Once hardened, break into irregular, bite-sized pieces using hands or a clean knife for rustic, crunchy segments.
Notes
- Precise Preparation: Generously spray all utensils and baking surfaces to prevent sticky caramel from clinging and ensure easy cleanup.
- Temperature Vigilance: Monitor microwave cooking closely to avoid burning, as caramel can quickly transform from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Safety First: Always use oven mitts when handling hot sugar mixtures, as caramel reaches extremely high temperatures that can cause severe burns.
- Texture Tip: Allow brittle to cool completely at room temperature for a crisp, satisfying crunch that breaks cleanly into delightful pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg