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Home » Christmas » Chocolate Almond Clusters -Only 3 Ingredients

Chocolate Almond Clusters -Only 3 Ingredients

December 16, 2020 , Updated January 15, 2021 Maria 10 Comments

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A chocolate almond cluster in a red candy cup.

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!

Chocolate covered almonds in a decorative box.

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 recipe is quick and straightforward.

The best part is you only need three ingredients.

These homemade almond chocolate clusters are super easy to prepare: toast the almonds, melt the chocolate and combine together. Then drop spoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and wait until set to enjoy. 

A gift box filled with homemade candy.

Mise en place

Since we are using roasted almonds, 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 they are roasting in the oven. Remove and allow to cool down completely.

Chocolate, almonds and salt in separate bowls.

Instructions

Place 6 ounces (170 grams) of 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.

Melted chocolate in a bowl.

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.

The mixture of chocolate and almonds in a bowl.

Stir in the toasted almonds into the melted chocolate. Make sure the melted chocolate coats each individual almond. 

Choclate covered almonds being dropped on parchment paper.

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. 

Choclate clusters on a baking sheet.

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 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…) 

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 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.

Chocolate clusters next to a box.

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 to 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 I will leave them out. Feel free to use any nut and dried fruit combination.

Not only do they make a wonderful addition to your cookie tray, but these homemade almond clusters are great hostess gifts as well. 

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.

And if you are new here, welcome! You may want to sign up for my weekly e-mail newsletter. You can unsubscribe any time you want.

Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this recipe for chocolate clusters, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Chocolate covered almonds in a gift giving box.

Chocolate Almond Clusters

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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 48 servings
Calories: 55kcal
Author: Maria Vannelli RD

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.  
Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

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.
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 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...) 
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @shelovesbiscotti or tag #shelovesbiscotti!

This post was originally published on December 6, 2015, and republished on December 16, 2020, with an updated recipe, content and photos. 

 

Christmas

About Maria

Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

Comments

  1. Ur pal val says

    February 16, 2018 at 19:40

    5 stars
    So many healthy ingredients in just one bite! Love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Maria says

      February 17, 2018 at 17:07

      My pleasure! In fact, some of the ingredients can be switched around to suit your preferences. Appreciate your comment.

      Reply
  2. Leslie says

    December 11, 2017 at 17:38

    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!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 11, 2017 at 23:08

      I absolutely agree. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂

      Reply
  3. Fouzia Husainy says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:06

    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.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 11, 2017 at 11:12

      My pleasure Fouzia 🙂 the only problem with these is limiting yourself to one 😉 Thanks for stopping by ❤️

      Reply
  4. Redawna says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:30

    These sound fantastic! I love the dark chocolate cranberry combination.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 11, 2017 at 10:50

      I agree… actually anything with dark chocolate works for me 😉 Thanks for dropping by ♥

      Reply
  5. Sonia and mom says

    December 7, 2015 at 06:41

    Yummy crunchy I will for sure make these I love them so much thanks Maria and happy holidays to and your family!! 😉

    Reply
    • Maria says

      December 7, 2015 at 18:50

      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 🙂

      Reply

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Hello and Welcome to She Loves Biscotti!
I'm Maria: dietitian and full time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth, to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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