Cashew Chikki | Kaju Chikki | cashew brittle is crunchy and tasty. Loaded with nuts this makes a great sweet treat for kids’ birthday party, after school snacks.
Cashew chikki
Chikki is a popular Indian snack. Traditionally it is either prepared with jaggery or sugar. Mixed nuts chikki with sugar stays crunchy for weeks. Perfect for holiday treats, kids’ snacks box, and after-school snacks.
should I roast nuts?
no, it is optional. I used raw cashews. You can roast the nuts according to your taste.
KEY TIPS FOR perfect kaju mittai squares
Always buy fresh nuts for making chikki. Old nuts won’t yield tasty kaju brittle.
Can I prepare vegan caramel cashew nuts chikki
Yes, replace butter with coconut oil or use vegan butter
Can I use other varieties of sugar?
I have tried this recipe only with white sugar so not sure how other sugar varieties will work
can I reduce sugar?
you can add little honey, but sugar gives the best taste.
urundai or squares
If you are shaping Urundai, make them immediately. To make squares, rest for 5 mins.
Amount of cashews
I prefer sweet cashew brittle so I use 1+1/2 cups of cashews for 1 cup of sugar. You can increase nuts if you like mild sweet caramel nuts brittle.
Tips for the perfect caramel
Always use a heavy-bottomed deep pan I prefer using a nonstick pan Cook the caramel on low flame. Avoid high flame Never stir the sugar. You can mix only after you see traces of caramel color and sugar syrup If you see sugar crystal, use a silicone brush or ladle; avoid mixing it Add the add-ons only after the caramel is 75% done Turn the flame to the lowest setting after that cook till you see smooth caramel without sugar crystal Always turn off the stove right after the previous point
Variations for caramel cashews square
Vanilla extract, almond extract, or any other flavors of choice You can add dates, apricot, prunes, etc. along with nuts If kids like chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips while adding nuts Little Peanut butter, almond butter, honey, etc. can be added. In that case, increase the nuts Tutti fruity, dried coconut, or use any other add-ons of choice
Dry fruits based recipes
caramel based recipes
squares | bars
Indian sweets
Ingredients
1 cup sugar 1/4 to cardamom powder 1 tablespoon butter, softened 1/2 cup + 1 cup cashews, chopped 1 tablespoon water
how to make cashew nuts chikki with step-by-step pictures
Preparation
grease two parchment papers with ghee Chop cashews and keep them ready
Caramel
Use a deep heavy bottomed pan. I prefer using nonstick Add butter and turn on the stove on low- medium flame
Furthermore add water and melt the butter
Turn down to low flame and add sugar
Gently spread the sugar. Avoid stirring. Never stir the sugar till you see traces of caramel
If you notice sugar crystallize, use a silicone brush to wipe. Avoid stirring When you see nice caramel color and 75% of caramel, mix well and turn down to the low flame
furthermore, add cardamom powder; mix well and cook till you smooth caramel
turn off the stove immediately
finally, add cashew nuts; mix well and transfer to the greased parchment paper
Place one more parchment paper on top
roll and level to desired thickness
remove the parchment paper rest for 5 minutes
If required press and tighten Use a sharp knife and cut. squares are not set at this stage but it is better to cut now or at least partially cut else it will be difficult to cut bars when it is fully set Leave it for at least 30 minutes then enjoy the bars
When it is completely cool, store it in an airtight container. It stays good for at least a week at room temperature
