Salty, sweet, and just a little sassy-that's what these Chocolate Covered Cashews Recipe bring to the table! Crunchy cashews get coated in a melty mix of chocolate and peanut butter chips with just a whisper of chili powder for a surprising kick.
These are the kind of treats you'll want to stash in the fridge and "forget about" until that sweet tooth comes calling.
Chocolate Covered Cashews
These cashew clusters prove that you don't need fancy techniques like tempering chocolate to make something gorgeous and delicious. A handful of pantry ingredients, a microwave, and a baking sheet are all you need.
The cashews bring the crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter chips bring the melt-in-your-mouth factor, and the chili powder? That's the little spark that makes people say, "What's in this?!" Mmmmm!!
Cashew nut chocolate YouTube video
Watch this quick video to see just how easy it is to make Chocolate Covered Cashews step by step. Your sweet tooth will thank you!!
Chocolate Covered Cashews Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz. whole cashews
- 10 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
- 8 oz. peanut butter morsels
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder Optional, but that little pinch of chili powder enhances the flavor. If you'd pref, you can skip it or use cinnamon for a sweeter twist.
Instructions
- Add the chocolate and peanut butter morsels to a heavy bottom pan on the stove. Place it over medium/medium low heat, stirring the entire time.
- Add the canola oil and chili powder.
- Melt the chocolate, continue stirring.
- Stir in the nuts.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate immediately for at least one hour to allow them to harden. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
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Nutrition
Step by step photos how to make chocolates
For complete instructions to make the chocolates, refer to the recipe card.
FAQ's
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to, but you can use dark chocolate for a richer bite or milk chocolate if you like things sweeter. Choose higher quality chocolate for the best results.
There's no need for this recipe. Melt the chocolate and peanut butter morsels until smooth and luscious and then simply add the nuts. The oil keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny.
Absolutely! While cashews are amazing here, almonds, pecans, peanuts, or even a mix of nuts will work beautifully.
More chocolate treats you'll love
If you're into easy homemade candies, don't stop here! My grandma's recipe for Easy Homemade Fudge is the stuff legends are made of! AND it only takes three ingredients!
For a fun twist, try Chocolate Spoons for Coffee. They make a great teachers gift and you can customize them for the occasion. Hearts for Valentine's Day, holiday sprinkles for Christmas, etc.. or go classic with Homemade Buckeyes. Oh-and Kahlua Chocolate Truffles? Totally addictive!
Looking for a sweet gift? These 20+ Homemade Chocolate Gift Ideas are sure to please!
Wrapping it up
Friends, this recipe is proof that sweet treats don't need to be complicated. A little chocolate, a handful of cashews, and you've got a candy-shop worthy snack without the price tag.
Give this recipe a try, then pop back in and tell me how fast they disappeared at your house! Don't forget to leave a five-star rating and share a photo on Instagram with #bowlmeover-I'd love to see your sweet creations!
Tillie says
These are insanely good! Hard to resist. I’ll be making these for Christmas gifts!
SHELLEY says
Salted or unsalted cashews? Ever tries with mixed nuts??
Bowl Me Over says
Hi Shelley - I've used both salted and unsalted nuts, just shake off any excess salt. You can go either way. I've never done this with mixed nuts, however I have also made it with peanuts - yummy!!! (And more affordable too!)
Mari says
Does regular creamy peanut butter work instead of peanut butter chips? And if so how much please? Thanks !
Bowl Me Over says
I have never used peanut butter and my guess is it wouldn't work because it wouldn't become firm when you went to set the candy. I wish I could tell you give it a try to avoid a trip to the store, but I can't. However, you can use two bags of chocolate chips, you could use butterscotch chips as well. Maybe that will help!
Jean Morgan says
LOL just left store looking pecans! There was none but several bags of cashews. Just read this recipe and now wishing I had brought cashews.
June says
Why the red chili powder? I don’t want them hot or spicy.
Debra Clark says
It doesn't make it hot or spicy June, but enhances the flavor of the chocolate. BUT if that is a deal breaker, omit it from the recipe. It will be amazing. Enjoy the cashews!!
BRENDA DICKSON says
OMG! Could there be anything better than these triple flavored goodies? I will be making these for our family Christmas Eve celebration. Yummy!
Bowl Me Over says
Goodness, these are the BEST!! Enjoy Brenda!!
Mary Davis says
These sound delicious. I am making them for Christmas and am planning to add maybe 5 ounces or more of toffee bits. Do you think they will be okay?
Bowl Me Over says
If they are meltable bits, just adjust and eliminate a bit of the melting chocolate or butterscotch. If it's not melting, I think you can just add the toffee. They will be more than okay, they will be delicious! Happy Holidays to you Mary, enjoy!
Lois says
I made them again yesterday for a potluck this afternoon in our neighborhood. Everybody just loved them.
Bowl Me Over says
That's great!! BEST recipe ever Mom!!!
debi at Life Currents says
These look delicious and easy to make! Cashews are one of my favorite nuts too! Thanks for this impressive and easy recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so happy you enjoy this recipe! Love that it's easy too and sharing my Mom's recipe makes it that much better. Thanks Debi!
Krystal says
Hi there, I have yet to make this recipe but it looks wonderfully delicious! If I only have peanut butter, can I still make this and what do you think the conversion might be? Thanks for your help!
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Krystal - to make sure I understand, do you have peanut butter or peanut butter chips? No chocolate chips, is that correct?
Madi says
What a tasty snack! I love that this is a family recipe too!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Madi - I hope you give these yummy bites a try!
Michaela Kenkel says
Love the photo of your mom! I alway make chocolate covered peanuts. I am going to have to try these!!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Michaela - Mom is my best buddy and pal!!! I can't wait for you to try this recipe, I know you'll love it!
Julie says
I love treats like this one. Easy to put together and mother approved! You are smart enjoying a treat now and then. Life is a balance!
Bowl Me Over says
Can't any better than Mom made and approved! 😀 Thanks Julie, I appreciate you stopping by!
Wonderful Victory says
I will try it very soon
I love cashews 😋😋😋😋
And chocolate 😍😍😍😍
Bowl Me Over says
You'll love it Victory, these are AWESOME!!!
Sandra says
Nice job on the weight loss and I’m with you about keeping on track by keeping a balance to include tasty treats! These totally hit my sweet tooth with crunchy nuts made with both Chocolate and peanut butter chips?! Heavenly!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Sandra we've been working hard and making better choices! Glad I'm not crazy thinking I need a treat every now and then! 😀 Heavenly is a great way to describe these delicious chocolates. Enjoy!
michele says
I love family recipes.... they always seem to work better becasue of the the history of them. I will definitely be making these.... Im kind of loving they have a little chili powder in them, which makes them different than most recipes Ive tried! Love it!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Michele! That chili powder doesn't light them up in any way but really just enhances the chocolate flavor - yum!!!
Fatima says
It looks so yummy! Will it work with pecans?
I gave it 5* for the looks! 😋
Bowl Me Over says
Great question Fatima, yes pecans would be AMAZING! (As would peanuts!!) Make them small, they will be so rich! Enjoy the chocolates, these are a real treat!
Angela says
Your momma is adorable!! This recipe... awesome!! I love chocolate covered nuts but never made them at home. Cant wait to try your recipe
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Angela! My Mom is so pretty and when my folks visit we always have the best time!! Enjoy this recipe!
Sandi says
This would make a fabulous Valentine's (or anytime) treat. We are huge chocolate covered nuts fans!
Bowl Me Over says
Us too Sandi! These are so yummy we just love this sweet treat!
Lois says
I just made them again this morning and they are soooo good. Love them and so easy.
Bowl Me Over says
Haha! I just made more today too mom - this recipe is well tested! 😉 Thank you again for a lovely recipe!!!