Nut Clusters Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
🍴 Servings: 36 clusters
Description:
Indulge in the delightful crunchiness of Nut Clusters, a perfect treat for any occasion. These clusters are a blend of nuts and chocolate, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these Nut Clusters will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 227g) mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or cashews)
- 1 cup (about 226g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Roast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mixed nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven until aromatic and lightly browned, about 5-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. |
| 2 | Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil and instant coffee powder. Ensure that the water in the double boiler does not touch the bottom of the pan, and the temperature does not exceed 160°F (71°C). |
| 3 | Stir and Melt: Stir the chocolate mixture continuously until it’s smooth and well-combined. If using a microwave, heat the mixture in short intervals, stirring every 15 seconds until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat. |
| 4 | Combine Nuts and Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and add the roasted nuts to the mixture. Stir until all the nuts are evenly coated with chocolate. |
| 5 | Form Clusters: Using a heaping measuring teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the nut-chocolate mixture onto sheets of wax paper. Allow some space between each cluster to prevent them from sticking together. |
| 6 | Curing Time: Let the clusters cure at room temperature for 1-4 hours, depending on the ambient heat and humidity. This will allow the chocolate to set and the clusters to firm up. |
| 7 | Storage: Once the clusters are fully set, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. These Nut Clusters will stay fresh for weeks when stored properly. Enjoy at any time for a satisfying snack or dessert! |
Tips:
- Nut Selection: Feel free to use your favorite combination of nuts for this recipe. Pecans, walnuts, almonds, and cashews all work wonderfully.
- Chocolate Quantity: Depending on the type and size of nuts used, you may have leftover chocolate mixture. Adjust the amount of nuts accordingly or save the extra chocolate for another batch.
- Microwave Melting: If using a microwave to melt the chocolate, be sure to stop and stir frequently to prevent overheating and ensure smooth melting.
With these simple steps, you’ll create delicious Nut Clusters that are perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the crunchy goodness and rich chocolate flavor in every bite!
