Chocolate Almond Clusters

Highlighted under: Oven Ideas

I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Clusters, especially when I want a quick treat that satisfies my sweet cravings. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is simple and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert. Plus, they make a lovely gift packaged in a clear bag with a ribbon. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a regular indulgence in your home.

Etta Langton

Created by

Etta Langton

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:45:35.361Z

When I first made these Chocolate Almond Clusters, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to put together. I melted dark chocolate in a double boiler, then folded in the toasted almonds. The key here is to make sure the chocolate is smooth and glossy, which makes the clusters look rich and inviting.

The clusters themselves were a hit at a recent gathering. It was fascinating to see how quickly they disappeared! The combination of the nutty crunch and chocolate melt in your mouth is phenomenal. I recommend storing them in the fridge for a crisp texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor balanced with crunchy almonds
  • Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in minutes
  • Great as a homemade gift or party treat

Understanding Your Ingredients

The chocolate you choose will significantly impact the flavor of your clusters. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a robust taste that balances well with the sweetness of the almonds. Lower quality chocolates can lead to a waxy texture and overshadow the crunchy almond flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, ensure to select vegan chocolate chips that meet your taste preferences.

Almonds contribute not only crunch but also earthiness to the clusters. Toasting them enhances their natural oils and deepens their flavor. Spread the raw almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, stirring halfway through for even toasting.

Mastering the Melting Process

Using a double boiler is crucial for melting chocolate without scalding it. The gentle steam heat allows the chocolate to melt evenly, resulting in a smooth consistency. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Be sure to keep the water at a low simmer to avoid direct heat, which can seize the chocolate, turning it grainy.

Once the chocolate and coconut oil have melted together, give it a good stir until it becomes glossy. This indicates that it’s well combined and ready for the almonds. If you notice it thickening too quickly, it might be cooling down; just continue stirring until you achieve that smooth texture again.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After cooling, your Chocolate Almond Clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them to stay fresh for longer, refrigerating them can help, but be aware that cold clusters can become too hard. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for the best texture and flavor experience.

These clusters are not only a delightful snack but also a versatile treat. You can incorporate them into dessert charcuterie boards, use them as toppings for ice cream, or even add them to trail mixes. For a festive touch, consider drizzling them with white chocolate or adding a sprinkle of crushed sea salt before they set.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Almond Clusters

  • 1 cup almonds, toasted
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil over low heat. Stir occasionally until smooth.

Combine with Almonds

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the toasted almonds until evenly coated.

Shape the Clusters

Using a spoon, drop clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster.

Cool and Store

Allow the clusters to cool completely at room temperature, or place them in the fridge for a faster set.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Clusters as a sweet snack or dessert!

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Pro Tips

  • Make sure to toast your almonds for a deeper flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like milk or white chocolate.

Tips for Customization

Feel free to customize your clusters with different nuts or seeds. Cashews or pecans could work beautifully, bringing their own unique flavors. If you want a bit of sweetness, you might also consider adding a handful of dried fruit like cranberries or cherries, which will create a lovely contrast to the chocolate.

For those with dietary restrictions, coconut oil can be substituted with a neutral oil like vegetable oil, although using coconut oil adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a sweeter cluster, you can mix in a bit of maple syrup or honey into the chocolate before combining it with the nuts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate seizes while melting, don’t panic! Adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil can help to bring it back together. It’s also essential to avoid any moisture in the chocolate; even a drop can cause it to clump. Always ensure your tools are completely dry before use.

Another common issue is the clusters not binding well. This can happen if there’s not enough chocolate to evenly coat the almonds. If you find this is the case, simply melt a bit more chocolate and mix it into the existing batch until the almonds are thoroughly coated.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts for a different texture and flavor.

→ How do I store the clusters?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I use sugar-free chocolate?

Yes, sugar-free chocolate works well too! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How long do they last?

These chocolate clusters can last for about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Almond Clusters

I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Clusters, especially when I want a quick treat that satisfies my sweet cravings. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is simple and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert. Plus, they make a lovely gift packaged in a clear bag with a ribbon. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a regular indulgence in your home.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Etta Langton

Recipe Type: Oven Ideas

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chocolate Almond Clusters

  1. 1 cup almonds, toasted
  2. 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  3. 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  4. Sea salt for sprinkling

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil over low heat. Stir occasionally until smooth.

Step 02

Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the toasted almonds until evenly coated.

Step 03

Using a spoon, drop clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster.

Step 04

Allow the clusters to cool completely at room temperature, or place them in the fridge for a faster set.

Extra Tips

  1. Make sure to toast your almonds for a deeper flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like milk or white chocolate.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 6g