Here is a quick and simple recipe for Chocolate Almond Clusters -the perfect no-bake addition to any Christmas platter and one of the best homemade gifts. You won’t believe how easy they are to make!
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Introduction
Homemade gifts from the kitchen are always appreciated. This is especially true at Christmas.
Some of the best handmade food gifts are made with almonds. whether it’s biscotti, amaretti, or cookies.
Although these baked goods do require a small investment of time, it can sometimes be challenging to plan -especially during the busiest time of the year.
If you are running short on time, consider making these nut clusters. Just like these cocoa or chocolate covered almonds, this easy recipe is quick and straightforward.
The best part is you only need three simple ingredients.
These homemade almond chocolate clusters are easy to prepare: toast the almonds, melt the chocolate, and combine. Then drop spoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and wait until set to enjoy.
Mise en place
Since we are using roasted nuts, the first thing we are going to do is adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread 2 cups of the almonds onto the parchment paper and toast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until fragrant. Toss them around a couple of times while roasting in the oven. Remove and allow to cool down completely.
Step-by-step instructions
Place 6 ounces (170 grams) of chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof glass bowl and set aside.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Reduce to low heat. Set the bowl with the chocolate over the pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s bottom does not touch the water in the pot. You can also use a double boiler.
With a rubber spatula, stir until the chocolate is almost melted. Remove the bowl from the heat, wipe the underside to remove excess moisture and continue to stir until fully melted.
Allow the chocolate to cool down for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To melt chocolate using the microwave, place the bittersweet chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate, stirring at 15-second increments, until melted.
Stir the toasted almonds into the melted chocolate. Make sure the melted chocolate coats each almond.
Scoop out the chocolate-covered almonds with a small spoon and drop them on the same parchment-lined baking sheet we used to roast them.
I prefer bite-sized portions, so every cluster has 5 almonds.
As a recommended option, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt over each cluster.
Refrigerate uncovered until set.
How to store
Store these chocolate nut clusters in a single layer, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freezer for up to 2 months.
Variation
- Any kind of nuts can be used -pecans, walnut halves, Brazil nuts, cashews, peanuts, or even macadamia nuts. You can also use a combination of nuts.
- Additional add-ins include dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants, coconut, etc…) and seeds (sunflower, sesame, chia, etc…)
Tips
- Since there are only 3 ingredients in this recipe, purchase high-quality chocolate, fresh almonds and flaky salt for the best results.
- Toasting the almonds creates a crunchier texture, bringing out their flavor.
- Allow the roasted nuts to cool down to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. The almonds can be roasted in advance to avoid the wait time.
- Place the individual clusters in festive candy cups or mini cupcake liners for gift-giving during the holiday season.
More chocolate treats for Christmas time
A simple holiday treat is at your fingertips with these chocolate recipes.
Chocolate Nut Bark
This year, why not try making homemade chocolate almond bark? It’s easy to make and (best of all) customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use any extra nuts or chocolate you may have lying around.
If you are looking for last-minute gifts, here are some great options. Chocolate fudge is easy to make and personalized for any occasion using different flavors or nutty combinations!
If you love the taste of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate, try this homemade Italian Baci recipe -you’ll be surprised how simple they are to make!
If you’re a coffee lover, these chocolate-covered espresso beans will be your new favorite treat.
Recipe source
I found the initial inspiration for this recipe on the Kraft Canada website over fifteen years ago.
The first thing I did was replace the white chocolate with dark chocolate.
As far as the add-ins are concerned, sometimes I will add the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds and sometimes leave them out. Feel free to use any nut and dried fruit combination.
They make a wonderful addition to your cookie tray, and these homemade almond clusters are also great hostess gifts.
Enjoy!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
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★★★★★ If you have made this easy chocolate clusters recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Chocolate Almond Clusters
Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds raw, unsalted
- 6 ounces dark chocolate chopped
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the almonds onto the parchment paper and toast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until fragrant. Toss them around a couple of times while they are roasting. Remove and allow to cool down completely.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set aside.
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Set the bowl with the chocolate over the pot ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water in the pot.
- With a rubber spatula, stir until the chocolate is almost melted. Remove the bowl from the heat, wipe the underside to remove excess moisture and continue to stir until fully melted.
- Allow the chocolate to cool down for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring at 30-second increments, until fully melted.
- Stir in the toasted almonds into the melted chocolate. Make sure the melted chocolate coats each individual almond.
- Scoop out the chocolate covered almonds with a small spoon and drop on the same parchment-lined baking sheet we used to roast the almonds.
- As a recommended option, sprinkle a pinch of flaked salt over each cluster.
- Can be refrigerated uncovered until set.
Video
Notes
- Since there are only 3 ingredients in this recipe, purchase high-quality chocolate, fresh almonds and flaky salt for the best results.
- Toasting the almonds creates a crunchier texture and it really brings out their flavor.
- Allow the roasted nuts to cool down to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. The almonds can be roasted in advance to avoid the wait time.
- Place the individual clusters in festive holiday candy cups for gift giving.
- Any nuts can be used -pecans, walnut halves, Brazil nuts, cashews, or peanuts. You can also use a combination of nuts.
- Additional add-ins include dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants, coconut, etc…) and seeds (sunflower, sesame, chia, etc…)
Nutrition
This post was originally published on December 6, 2015, republished on December 16, 2020, and again on November 23, 2022, with updated content and a video. Thanks for sharing.
Caroline
I would love to try these. Sounds easy enough. I only buy roasted almonds. If I used that would I skip the roasting in the oven or roast for less time. Thanks.
Maria
Thanks for your interest Caroline. Yes, you can skip that step. Enjoy!
Beth
Just made these for a social gathering. Turned out well, I would use milk chocolate next time as the dark chocolate was not sweet enough for my personal taste. Very pretty in the tiny Christmas cups and sprinkled lightly with kosher salt as I could not find the flakey salt. Would make again.
Maria
How wonderful! Thanks for sharing Beth!
Ur pal val
So many healthy ingredients in just one bite! Love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Maria
My pleasure! In fact, some of the ingredients can be switched around to suit your preferences. Appreciate your comment.
Leslie
Yum! A great hostess gift for sure! I like to make these with the kids because they can put in whatever nuts and fruit they like!
Maria
I absolutely agree. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
Fouzia Husainy
I have dried cranberries, nuts and seeds at home, I just have to grab some dark chocolate to make these. This is such a delicious chocolate snack bite which is so easy to make in no time. My grandson would love it. Thanks Maria.
Maria
My pleasure Fouzia 🙂 the only problem with these is limiting yourself to one 😉 Thanks for stopping by ❤️
Redawna
These sound fantastic! I love the dark chocolate cranberry combination.
Maria
I agree… actually anything with dark chocolate works for me 😉 Thanks for dropping by ♥
Sonia and mom
Yummy crunchy I will for sure make these I love them so much thanks Maria and happy holidays to and your family!! 😉
Maria
Hello Sonia and mom!
I am sure you guys will love these! All the best to all of you too! Thanks so much for your comment 🙂