These Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters are the perfect blend of rich, smooth chocolate and satisfying nutty crunch — a simple, small-batch treat that feels gourmet but takes only minutes to prepare. Whether you’re craving a healthier dessert, a snack-able bite to keep in the fridge, or a homemade gift idea, these clusters deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Even beginners will find this recipe foolproof thanks to its short ingredient list and no-bake simplicity.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Chill Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Servings: 12 clusters
- Yield: About 12 bite-size clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, raw or roasted (unsalted preferred)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (60%–85% cocoa)
- 1–2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, helps chocolate melt smoothly)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional but highly recommended)
Optional Add-Ins (choose 1–2):
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or hemp seeds
- ¼ cup crushed pretzels
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Directions
- Prepare your tray:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make removing the clusters easy once they're chilled. - Melt the chocolate:
Place dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each round, until smooth. Avoid overheating — chocolate burns quickly. - Fold in the cashews:
Add the cashews directly into the melted chocolate. Stir until every nut is fully coated. If using optional add-ins, mix them in now. - Scoop the clusters:
Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-cashew mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for evenly sized mounds to ensure consistent servings. - Add a finishing touch:
Sprinkle each cluster with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. This enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness. - Chill until set:
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm. For a faster set, place the tray in the freezer for 10–12 minutes. - Serve and store:
Once fully set, peel clusters from the parchment. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crunch, use roasted cashews.
- If you prefer a softer bite, choose raw cashews.
- Avoid adding wet ingredients — even a small amount of moisture can cause chocolate to seize.
- If the chocolate thickens too quickly while mixing, warm it for another 5–10 seconds.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 20mg
(Nutrition estimates will vary depending on the chocolate and cashew type.)
Conclusion
These Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters are a wonderfully easy treat that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and requires almost no effort. Whether you whip them up for a quick dessert, meal-prep them for the week, or package them as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Feel free to personalize your clusters with add-ins, different chocolates, or seasonal flavors — they’re just as flexible as they are delicious. Enjoy every bite!
