These Almond Clusters are the ultimate easy homemade candy! With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip these treats effortlessly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Perfect for Christmas edible gifts or a delicious treat any time of year!
I love picking up dark chocolate-covered almonds from Trader Joe's for a delicious, guilt-free, no bake snack. These almond clusters recipe is a similar treat, but in cluster form instead of individually coating each almond.
Just like the white chocolate bark, these almond clusters make an ideal edible gift for the holiday season. A sprinkle of colorful decorations adds a festive touch.
Similar to the candied almonds, I love packaging them in clear cellophane bags, tying them with a beautiful ribbon, and adding them to my cookie tray for a delightful finishing touch.
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Why you'll love it?
- Only 2 main ingredients
- No almond bark
- Made with chocolate chips
- No need to temper chocolate
- Make it in the microwave or stove top
- Small batch recipe
Toast the almonds
Toasting almonds may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of almond clusters. It enhances their natural nuttiness, deepens their rich flavor, and adds a satisfying crispness and crunch.
How to toast almonds?
- In the oven - Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated 350°F oven. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning.
- In the air fryer - Preheat your air fryer to 320°F. When hot, spread the raw almonds in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until darker in color, shaking your basket once halfway through cooking.
- On the Stovetop - Heat a skillet over low to medium heat. Add the almonds and stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Transfer them to a plate and spread them in a single layer to prevent over-browning.
How do you know when toasted almonds are done?
Almonds are done toasting when their color deepens from golden-brown to a rich, darker brown. You'll know they're ready when a nutty, toasty aroma fills the air.
The texture will shift from soft to crispy and crunchy, though keep in mind that hot toasted almonds may not feel as crisp immediately. They will firm up and become truly crunchy as they cool.
I explain more about toasting nuts in the roasted cashews blog post.
How to make toasted almonds?
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
👩🍳 Pro tip: This step of not letting the chocolate fully melt in the microwave helps give the almond clusters a glossy finish, without the need to temper the chocolate.
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Step 5 - Scoop about a tablespoon mounds on a parchment lined sheet pan and sprinkle sprinkles on top. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Make it on the stovetop
1. In a medium sauce pan, bring 1 cup of water to simmering over low heat.
2. Place a glass bowl on top of the pot so it rests above the simmering water, but doesn't touch it.
3. Add the chocolate chips into the bowl and allow the steam to heat the bowl and melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally until mostly melted. Remove the bowl from the pot and continue to stir until fully melted.
4. Stir in the almonds, vanilla and salt. Scoop mounds and chill.
Variations
- Use a different chocolate like dark, white or milk chocolate.
- Use toasted slivered or sliced almonds instead of whole nuts.
- Mix in some dried cherries or cranberries along with nuts.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for a festive look as Christmas treats
- If making for birthdays, then sprinkle with rainbow jimmies.
How to store?
Unlike peanut clusters, these almond clusters can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. For optimal freshness, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. This makes them perfect for Christmas gifting, as you can prepare them well in advance and refrigerate them, saving you time during the busy holiday season.
Recipe tips
- Use good quality chocolate like Ghiradelli or Guittard.
- Toast your almonds to enhance their crunch, richness, and nutty flavor, which is far more pronounced than in raw almonds.
More almond recipes
Almond Clusters
Ingredients
- 8 ounces semi sweet chocolate use chocolate chips or baking bar
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons toasted almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- colored sprinkles for topping optional
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips or broken chunks of semi sweet chocolate bar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 60 to 80 seconds, or until chocolate is 90% melted. Remove from microwave and stir until fully melted. This step gives a nice shine on the almond clusters.
- Add toasted almonds, salt, vanilla and stir until well combined.Pro tip: For a higher almond-to-chocolate ratio, simply add an additional 2 tablespoons of almonds.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop about a tablespoon mounds on the parchment paper.
- Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top and place baking sheet in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours.
- Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days, or refrigerate for up to a month.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love your feedback! Please let me know by leaving a comment, a star rating or review below.
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