Chocolate Almond Clusters -Only 3 Ingredients

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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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!

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