Chocolate Cashew Clusters

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Indulge in the irresistible combination of smooth, rich chocolate and crunchy, buttery cashews with these delightful Chocolate Cashew Clusters. This simple yet satisfying treat offers the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making it a favorite for chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts alike. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack, a homemade gift, or a post-dinner dessert, these clusters are sure to hit the spot.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity—with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create gourmet-quality candy right in your own kitchen. The cashews provide a delightful crunch, while the chocolate coating melts in your mouth, making every bite an indulgence. Plus, you can customize them by adding sea salt, caramel, or even a hint of spice for a unique twist.

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Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cashew Clusters

• Easy to Make – Requires just a few ingredients and no special skills.
• Rich & Crunchy – The perfect blend of velvety chocolate and crunchy cashews.
• Versatile Treat – Great for snacking, gifting, or serving at parties.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like sea salt or caramel.
• No-Bake Recipe – A quick and effortless dessert without turning on the oven.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Chocolate Cashew Clusters is incredibly simple, but having the right tools will make the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool is essential:

• Mixing Bowls – Use heatproof bowls for melting chocolate, ensuring an even and smooth consistency.
• Double Boiler or Microwave – A double boiler prevents the chocolate from burning, while a microwave offers a quicker melting option.
• Rubber Spatula – Helps mix the cashews into the melted chocolate while scraping every bit from the bowl.
• Baking Sheet – A flat surface lined with parchment paper keeps the clusters from sticking while they set.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – Prevents the clusters from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop – Helps portion out the clusters evenly.

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Preparation Tips

To get the best results from your Chocolate Cashew Clusters, keep these tips in mind:

• Use high-quality chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the taste. Choose semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate based on your preference.
• Toast the cashews – Lightly toasting the cashews enhances their natural flavor and adds a deeper, nuttier taste.
• Melt chocolate carefully – If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring in between to prevent burning.
• Add a pinch of salt – A sprinkle of sea salt over the clusters enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
• Let them cool completely – Ensure the clusters set at room temperature or in the fridge for a firm texture.

Following these steps guarantees perfectly coated, crunchy, and flavorful chocolate cashew clusters every time.

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Ingredients for Chocolate Cashew Clusters

To make these deliciously crunchy and chocolatey cashew clusters, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cashews (raw or roasted, unsalted)
• 12 ounces chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, helps with smooth melting)

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

• ½ teaspoon sea salt (enhances flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth and depth)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of sweetness)
• Caramel drizzle (for an extra indulgent touch)
• Chopped dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins for a sweet contrast)

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Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If using raw cashews, lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool while preparing the chocolate.

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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Double Boiler Method:

1. Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
3. Add the chocolate (and coconut oil if using) and stir continuously until smooth.

Microwave Method:

1. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring after each until fully melted.

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Step 3: Mix in the Cashews

Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the cashews to the bowl. Stir until they are evenly coated, ensuring each nut is covered in chocolate.

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Step 4: Scoop the Clusters

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the chocolate-covered cashews onto the lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cluster.

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Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle sea salt, cinnamon, or chopped dried fruit over the clusters while the chocolate is still wet.

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Step 6: Let Them Set

Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

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Step 7: Enjoy!

Once set, your Chocolate Cashew Clusters are ready to enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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Notes

• Chocolate Choice Matters – Dark chocolate provides a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the cashews, while milk or semi-sweet chocolate adds a creamier sweetness. Use what you love!
• Cashew Texture – Roasted cashews add a deeper, nuttier flavor, but raw cashews work well too. Just be sure to toast them for extra crunch.
• Sweetness Balance – If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the melted chocolate.
• Nut Substitutions – Feel free to swap cashews for almonds, pecans, or even macadamia nuts for variety.
• Double the Batch – These clusters disappear fast! Make a double batch and store extras for later.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the Chocolate – Chocolate burns easily, so always melt it slowly and gently using a double boiler or short microwave bursts.
• Skipping the Toasting Step – Toasting cashews enhances their natural sweetness and crunch. If using raw cashews, don’t skip this step!
• Not Stirring Enough – Stir the chocolate frequently while melting to ensure even smoothness and prevent scorching.
• Clusters Sticking Together – Space them out on the baking sheet to avoid them merging into one large chunk.
• Not Letting Them Set Properly – Allow the clusters to fully harden before handling them to avoid smudging or melting.

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What to Serve With Chocolate Cashew Clusters?

These Chocolate Cashew Clusters are delicious on their own, but pairing them with other treats can elevate your snacking or dessert experience. Here are some great options:

8 Perfect Pairings:

1. Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the chocolate, making this a classic pairing.

2. Red Wine

A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet Port wine complements the richness of the chocolate and the crunch of the cashews.

3. Cheese Platter

Pair with brie, gouda, or sharp cheddar for a sweet-and-savory contrast on a charcuterie board.

4. Ice Cream

Crumble the clusters over vanilla, caramel, or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert topping.

5. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing tartness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

6. Greek Yogurt

Mix crushed clusters into Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack with a hint of sweetness.

7. Trail Mix

Combine with dried fruit, coconut flakes, and other nuts for a homemade trail mix.

8. Hot Chocolate

Dunk a cluster into hot cocoa for an extra chocolatey treat.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Chocolate Cashew Clusters fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration – For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. This helps maintain their texture and prevents melting.
• Freezing – To store for up to 3 months, freeze the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown per 1 cluster (assuming 12 servings total):

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of chocolate used and any additional toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?

Yes! Almonds, pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts work well as substitutes. You can also mix different nuts for variety.

2. What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

It depends on your preference. Dark chocolate offers a rich, slightly bitter flavor, while milk chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier taste. Semi-sweet chocolate is a balanced option.

3. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

Make sure no water or steam gets into the chocolate while melting. Always melt it slowly and gently, stirring frequently.

4. Can I make these clusters vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate and check that your cashews are unsalted and unprocessed.

5. Can I add extra flavors to these clusters?

Yes! Try adding a pinch of sea salt, cinnamon, chili powder, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.

6. How long do these last at room temperature?

If stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature.

7. Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes! This recipe is easily adjustable—just make sure the chocolate and nut ratio stays balanced.

8. Do I need to temper the chocolate?

No, but tempering helps the chocolate have a glossy finish and firm texture. If you want a professional touch, you can temper the chocolate using the seeding method by adding finely chopped chocolate after melting.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Cashew Clusters are the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a gourmet-style treat at home that’s great for snacking, gifting, or indulging. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with flavors, these clusters will quickly become a go-to favorite. Try them today and enjoy a simple yet decadent chocolate treat!

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