Have you ever wondered how to roast cashews at home? These Maple Sesame Roasted Cashews are simple to make, naturally vegan and gluten-free, and work equally well as a snack, salad topper, or a small homemade gift.
A handful of warm, roasted cashews—or pecans or walnuts when you want a variation—is one of the simplest, most satisfying snacks. These maple-coated cashews get a nutty crunch from sesame seeds and a balanced hint of salt that brightens the flavors.
Roasted Cashews: A Favorite Snack
These Maple Sesame Roasted Cashews are an easy at-home version of the sesame cashews you might find at specialty stores. They contain no additives or unnecessary sugars beyond the natural sweetener, and they come together with just a few pantry staples.
- 4 Ingredients: simple pantry items are all you need.
- Ready quickly: prep and roast in about 30 minutes total.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: naturally suitable for both diets.
- Versatile: snack straight from the jar, sprinkle them over salads, or package as a small gift.
What You Need
This recipe uses four straightforward ingredients. Choose whole, raw cashews when possible for the best texture.
- Whole, raw cashews: raw pieces can work, but whole cashews roast more evenly.
- Maple syrup: provides natural sweetness and helps the sesame seeds adhere to the nuts.
- Sesame seeds: white or black sesame seeds both work and add a toasty crunch.
- Salt: a small pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it.
Do I have to use raw cashews?
Yes—use raw cashews. This recipe is intended to roast and caramelize the nuts; starting with pre-roasted cashews won’t deliver the same fresh roasted flavor and texture.
Can I use different nuts?
Try the method with pecans, walnuts, or peanuts if you like. Keep in mind cook times may vary slightly depending on nut size and oil content.
How to Roast Cashews
Roasting cashews is straightforward. Follow these steps for even coating and golden, crunchy results.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Drizzle maple: Spread raw cashews in a single layer on the sheet and drizzle the maple syrup evenly over them. Toss or stir so each nut is lightly coated.
- Add sesame and salt: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the coated cashews, add a small pinch of salt, and gently toss again so seeds adhere.
- Roast and toss: Roast at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Stop to toss the nuts every 3 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Cool to crisp: Remove from the oven once golden brown and let the cashews rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. They will harden and become crunchy as they cool.
Quick tip
Tossing the cashews with maple syrup first, then adding sesame seeds, helps the seeds stick better than adding everything at once. If you love sesame, feel free to add extra seeds before roasting.
Recipe Variations
Use honey instead: honey can replace maple syrup if you prefer.
Add spice: a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives an enjoyable sweet-and-spicy contrast.
Go savory: skip the maple and toss nuts lightly with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and rosemary for a savory snack.
Serving Suggestions
Snack: Enjoy the cashews straight from the jar by the handful.
Salad topper: Add a cup to salads for a sweet, crunchy contrast—great on kale or mixed greens.
Gift idea: Pack cooled cashews into a jar or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage
Allow the roasted cashews to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one week for best crunch and flavor.
More Recipes with Cashews
- Homemade Cashew Butter
- Cashew Chicken Quinoa Casserole
- Creamy Cashew Curry
- Cake Batter Cashew Butter Cups
Maple Sesame Roasted Cashews Recipe
These cashews roast to crunchy perfection with a sweet maple coating and toasty sesame seeds—ideal for snacking and topping salads.
Author: Lee Funke
Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 10 mins • Total: 15 mins • Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole, raw cashews
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Spread the raw cashews in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Drizzle the maple syrup over the nuts.
- Toss the cashews so they are evenly coated with maple syrup. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the nuts, add the salt, and toss gently again.
- Roast for about 10 minutes, stopping to toss at roughly 3, 6, and 9 minutes to ensure even coloring and to prevent burning.
- When the cashews are a nice golden brown, remove the pan from the oven and let the nuts rest on the sheet for at least 10 minutes—this allows them to crisp up.
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips & Notes
- As the cashews cool, they will harden. If they feel slightly soft right out of the oven, give them time to set.
- Store fully cooled cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika before roasting.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 198 kcal • Carbohydrates: 15 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 13 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 8 g
Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.