Chocolate Almond Clusters

Name: Chocolate Almond Clusters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 clusters
Ingredients: 1 cup almonds, roasted; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; A pinch of sea salt (optional)

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I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Clusters, and they are always a hit at gatherings! The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. What I love the most about this recipe is its simplicity; just a few ingredients come together to make something truly indulgent. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick dessert cravings. Whether for a party or cozy movie night, these clusters are my go-to no-fuss chocolate fix.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:45:35.634Z

When I first attempted making Chocolate Almond Clusters, I was amazed at how effortlessly everything came together. I roasted the almonds just a bit to enhance their nutty flavor, which took the clusters to new heights. The aroma filled my kitchen and had my family eagerly awaiting the final result.

After melting the chocolate, it was all about mixing and shaping. I found that using a spoon to scoop the mixture onto parchment paper created the perfect cluster shape, and sprinkling a dash of sea salt on top gave it that gourmet touch. It’s a simple yet satisfying process that never fails to impress.

        Why You'll Love These Chocolate Almond Clusters
        Rich chocolate flavor combined with crunchy almonds
Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Perfect for gifting or as a sweet snack

      

The Chocolate Choice

The type of chocolate you choose plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of your Chocolate Almond Clusters. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, intense flavor. If you're looking for a slightly sweeter taste, feel free to combine milk chocolate with dark chocolate. Just remember that using chocolate with a higher cocoa content can make the clusters taste more sophisticated and less sugary, balancing nicely with the crunch of the almonds.

When melting the chocolate, be cautious not to overheat it. Chocolate can seize up if exposed to high temperatures, resulting in a dry, clumpy texture. Microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, ensures that your chocolate melts evenly and retains its glossy sheen. It's also important to use a microwave-safe bowl, as a metal bowl can create hot spots that burn the chocolate.

Setting Up for Success

Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is not just for easy clean-up; it also helps prevent the chocolate from sticking as it cools. You can also use a silicone baking mat for a reusable alternative. If you want perfectly shaped clusters, consider using a cookie scoop to drop equal portions, ensuring that every bite is uniform in size and texture. This also makes it easier to control the amount of chocolate each cluster has.

After you form the clusters on the baking sheet, I suggest chilling the chocolate in the refrigerator rather than the freezer. Chilling for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator allows the chocolate to set evenly, while the freezer can cool the chocolate too quickly, leading to a brittle texture. Keep an eye on them while chilling; you want them to be firm but not overly hard.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Chocolate Almond Clusters:

Ingredients

1 cup almonds, roasted
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil
A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Once you've prepared all your ingredients, you're ready to start making these delightful treats!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Almond Clusters:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.

Mix in the Almonds

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the roasted almonds until they are well coated.

Form the Clusters

Using a spoon, drop small clusters of the chocolate-almond mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about a tablespoon per cluster.

Sprinkle with Sea Salt

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster for added flavor.

Chill to Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Once set, enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Clusters!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or mixing in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the almond mixture before shaping the clusters.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chocolate Almond Clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you're making them ahead of time for a party or gift, just make sure they are fully set before packing them away. If you live in a hot climate, refrigeration might be necessary to maintain their texture, but I recommend allowing them to come to room temperature before serving to preserve the creamy finish of the chocolate.

For longer storage, you can freeze the clusters. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. You may notice slight changes in texture upon thawing, but the flavor will remain intact. Simply let them sit at room temperature until they’re soft enough to enjoy.

Creative Variations

There are countless ways to put your spin on these Chocolate Almond Clusters! For a fruitier twist, consider incorporating dried cranberries or cherries alongside the almonds. This adds a delightful sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy nuts. Alternatively, you can add a hint of spice by mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate for a sweet and spicy treat.

If you want to make these clusters even more indulgent, try drizzling a little white chocolate on top once they have set. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds another layer of flavor. Experimenting with different types of nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can also open up new flavor dimensions while maintaining that satisfying crunch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

→ How should I store the Chocolate Almond Clusters?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

→ Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace almonds with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different taste and texture.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips to make it vegan.