Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe

Creating these chocolate nut clusters makes me feel like a gourmet chocolatier in my own kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into little bites of joy that are as delicious as they are easy to make.

I adore crafting recipes that bring together indulgence and health. My Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters do just that.

They are packed with antioxidants from 70% cacao dark chocolate and heart-healthy nuts. Intended as a quick energy bite, these clusters are good for you, good to you, and just plain good.

Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe Ingredients

• Dark Chocolate (70% cacao): Rich in antioxidants; offers a bittersweet flavor.
• Almonds: High in healthy fats and protein; adds crunch.
• Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids; earthy and rich.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy; a source of dietary fiber.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Nutrient-dense with magnesium; adds salty crunch.
• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Light texture; provides healthy fats and fiber.

Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), chopped
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

How to Make this Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe

1. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a bowl resistant to heat, over a pot of simmering water, melt the chopped dark chocolate using the double boiler method, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth.

3. After melting, take the bowl from the heat and let it cool a bit.

4. Place the toasted and chopped almonds and walnuts into the melted chocolate. Stir thoroughly to blend.

5. Insert the dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and unsweetened coconut flakes into the mixture. Then stir all the concocted ingredients until they are evenly coated with chocolate.

6. Spoon clusters of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a tablespoon and spacing them evenly apart.

7. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of sea salt.

8. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or until the clusters are completely solid and set.

9. After setting, take the clusters out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.

10. Keep the clusters in a sealed container at room temperature, or store them in the fridge if you want to extend their shelf life. That’s it!

Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
3. Heat-resistant bowl
4. Pot (for simmering water)
5. Spoon (for stirring)
6. Tablespoon (for measuring and spooning clusters)
7. Refrigerator
8. Sealed container (for storage)

FAQ

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?Although milk chocolate is permissible, it will render the clusters far too sugary and will not provide the nearly bitter, intense flavor profile of the dark chocolate. For this project, it is best to use dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao.
• Do I need to toast the nuts beforehand?It is highly recommended to toast the nuts because it enhances their flavor and adds a nuttier, more enjoyable crunch to the clusters.
• Can I substitute the dried cranberries with another dried fruit?Certainly, other dried fruits can take the place of dried cranberries. Dried figs or bananas, for instance, would work well. Of course, each of these options will impart its own flavor and texture, so the final result might vary considerably from what you would get with dried cranberries.
• How should I store the chocolate clusters?Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate them for up to two weeks, to maintain their freshness.
• Are these clusters vegan?These clusters are suitable for vegans, as their rest-of-ingredients list is plant-based. If using a vegan dark chocolate, this is also a suitable-for-all cluster. (That is, it is also a vegan cluster.)
• Can I add spices to the clusters?A dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper can give the chocolate and nuts an added warm or spicy flavor that really complements them.
• Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?Know the nuts you have on hand, since they are prevalent allergens. If you’re cooking or baking for someone with a nut allergy, replace the nuts in the ingredients list with seeds, beans, or other safe pantry items.

Dark Chocolate Fruit Nut Clusters Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Dark chocolate. Can substitute with milk chocolate or white chocolate. It will be sweeter.
Almonds. Substitute with hazelnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Substitute cashews or macadamia nuts for a creamy texture in place of walnuts.
Substituting dried cherries or raisins for dried cranberries can give a dish a different sweetness and texture.
Substituting pumpkin seeds in recipes gives you the opportunity to try out similar-tasting, textured seeds. Sunflower seeds and chia seeds don’t really have the same flavor profile as pumpkin seeds (though they each have their own deliciousness), but they each have an excellent nutty flavor and a similar crunch in textured recipes.
Coconut flakes. To vary the texture and flavor of the bars, substitute finely chopped dried apricots for some of the coconut. For an even less tropical flavor, omit the apricots.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of these clusters depends heavily on the chocolate, so opt for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for the best taste and texture.