Dry fruits Chikki | caramel nuts brittle are crunchy and tasty. Loaded with nuts this makes a great sweet treat for kids’ birthday party, after school snacks.
Mixed nuts 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 and pre-roasted pistachios and almonds. You can roast the nuts according to your taste.
nuts for caramel squares
I used a mix of cashews, pistachio, and almonds. You can use pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, walnut, etc. based on the nut you use, the taste of nuts chikki might vary.
KEY TIPS FOR perfect dry fruits squares
Always buy fresh nuts for making chikki. Old nuts won’t yield tasty dry fruits brittle.
Can I prepare vegan caramel nuts square sweet treats
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
how to make mixed nuts brittle
reduce the mixed nuts quantity and follow the same recipe.
urundai or squares
If you are shaping Urundai, make them immediately. To make squares, rest for 5 mins.
Amount of mixed nuts
I prefer mild sweet nuts squares so I use 1+1/2 cups of mixed nuts for 1/2 cup of sugar. You can reduce nuts if you like 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 nuts 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 fruitty, dried coconut, or use any other add-ons of choice
Dry fruits based recipes
caramel based recipes
squares | bars
Indian sweets
Ingredients
Caramel
1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 tablespoon water
Puffed rice bars
190 grams of mixed nuts (I used roasted almonds, roasted pistachio, and cashews ) Pinch of cardamom powder
how to make mixed dry fruits chikki with step-by-step pictures
Preparation
grease two parchment papers with ghee
Chop nuts 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 low flame
furthermore, add cardamom powder; mix well and cook till you smooth caramel
turn off the stove immediately finally, add mixed nuts; mix well and transfer to the greased parchment paper
Place one more parchment paper on top roll and flatten to desired thickness
remove the parchment paper and level it with a greased bowl
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 15 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
