Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters
Toasted almonds bound in dark chocolate and finished with flaky sea salt. Three ingredients and 15 minutes to a treat that feels indulgent.
When you want something sweet but do not want to bake, these dark chocolate almond clusters are the answer. Toasted almonds are stirred into melted dark chocolate, spooned into small mounds and topped with flaky sea salt.
Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa keeps them rich and not too sweet. One or two clusters make a satisfying treat after dinner.
At a glance: this dark chocolate almond clusters serves 12, needs about 10 min of hands-on prep and 5 min of cooking, and provides roughly 160 calories and 4 g of protein per serving. It is naturally vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Only 3 ingredients
- No baking
- Vegan with dairy-free chocolate
- Great for gifting
About this chocolate cluster recipe
Chocolate-covered nuts are a classic confection found in candy shops around the world. Making them at home is surprisingly easy, and you can control the quality of the chocolate and the amount of sugar.
These dark chocolate almond clusters require only three ingredients. Almonds are toasted to bring out their flavor, stirred into melted dark chocolate, spooned into small mounds and topped with flaky sea salt. A short chill in the fridge sets them into crunchy, glossy clusters.
They are a quick no-bake treat for after dinner, a homemade gift for the holidays or an easy dessert for guests.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Almonds. Raw almonds toasted at home have the best flavor and crunch. Roasted salted almonds also work; skip the extra salt.
- Dark chocolate. Choose a chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa. Bars melt more smoothly than chips.
- Flaky sea salt. A sprinkle enhances the chocolate flavor and adds crunch.
- Dried cranberries. Optional. They add a tart, chewy contrast.
- Coconut flakes. Optional. Toasted coconut adds flavor and texture.
- Other nuts. Pecans, cashews, hazelnuts or pistachios all work.
Equipment you'll need
- A dry skillet
- A heatproof bowl and saucepan, or a microwave
- A spatula
- A parchment-lined tray
How to make it, step by step
Toast the almonds
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for four to five minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
Melt the chocolate gently
Melt the chocolate over barely simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Overheated chocolate turns grainy.
Combine
Stir the almonds and any add-ins into the chocolate until evenly coated.
Shape the clusters
Spoon small mounds onto parchment, using about one tablespoon per cluster, and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Set
Refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
Recipe
Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters
American · Desserts · Vegan · Gluten-Free · Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (210 g) raw almonds
- 5 oz (140 g) dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Toast the almonds. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Let cool.
- Melt the chocolate. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, or in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each.
- Combine. Stir the almonds and any add-ins into the chocolate until well coated.
- Shape. Spoon small mounds onto a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Set. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, until firm.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from typical ingredient data and will vary with the exact products and quantities you use.
Tips for success
- Let the almonds cool before mixing, or the chocolate may become too thin.
- Melt chocolate gently; overheating makes it grainy.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even clusters.
Troubleshooting
- The chocolate seized. A drop of water causes seizing. Keep all tools completely dry.
- The chocolate is grainy. It was overheated. Melt it more gently next time.
- The clusters melt at room temperature. Store them in the fridge.
- The clusters fall apart. Use enough chocolate to coat the nuts fully.
Variations
- Mixed nuts. Use pecans, cashews or pistachios.
- Coconut. Add toasted coconut flakes.
- Peanut butter. Swirl a little peanut butter into the melted chocolate.
What to serve with it
Serve the clusters after dinner with coffee or tea, on a dessert board with fruit and cheese, or as a sweet snack.
Pack them in small boxes or jars as homemade gifts.
Make ahead and storage
Store the clusters in an airtight container in a cool place or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Store in an airtight container in a cool place or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Is it healthy?
Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, fiber and vitamin E, and dark chocolate contains antioxidants and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
The clusters are calorie-dense at about 160 calories each, so one or two make a satisfying treat.
Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only and is not medical or dietary advice.
Cluster variations
- Trail mix: almonds, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries
- Coconut: almonds and toasted coconut flakes
- Peanut butter: peanuts and a swirl of peanut butter
- Pistachio cherry: pistachios and dried cherries
- Spiced: almonds, cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne
- Orange: almonds and orange zest
How to melt chocolate perfectly
Chocolate is delicate and burns or seizes easily. The gentlest method is a double boiler, a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, without the bowl touching the water. Stir until about three quarters of the chocolate has melted, then remove it from the heat and keep stirring until smooth.
In the microwave, heat chopped chocolate in 20-second bursts at medium power, stirring between each. Stop when a few pieces remain and let the residual heat melt them.
Choosing good dark chocolate
Because the recipe has so few ingredients, the chocolate makes all the difference. Look for a bar with at least 70% cocoa and a short ingredient list of cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar and perhaps vanilla or lecithin. Avoid compound or candy coating, which uses vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter and tastes waxy.
Chocolate chips are designed to hold their shape in the oven, so they contain stabilizers and melt less smoothly. If chips are all you have, add half a teaspoon of coconut oil per 100 grams to help them melt into a glossy coating.
Turning clusters into gifts
Place the set clusters in small paper candy cups and pack them into a box or glass jar lined with parchment. Tie it with ribbon and add a label with the date and ingredients, especially the nuts, so anyone with allergies knows what is inside. Keep the gift cool and give it within a week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best chocolate for clusters?
A good-quality dark chocolate bar with 70% cocoa or more. Bars melt more smoothly than chocolate chips.
Do I have to toast the almonds?
It is optional, but toasting brings out much more flavor and crunch.
Are dark chocolate almond clusters healthy?
They contain healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants, but they are calorie-dense, so enjoy them in moderation.
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but the clusters will be sweeter.
Can I make them vegan?
Use dairy-free dark chocolate.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
No. Store the clusters in the fridge to keep them firm.
How long do the clusters last?
Up to two weeks in a cool place.
Can kids make them?
Yes, with help melting the chocolate.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, if the chocolate is gluten-free.
Can I add protein powder?
It can make the chocolate thick and grainy; it is best left out.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, for up to three months.
How many calories are in a cluster?
About 160 calories per cluster.
Are they healthy?
They contain healthy fats and antioxidants but should be enjoyed in moderation.
Can I use salted almonds?
Yes. Skip the flaky salt.
Why did my clusters turn white or streaky?
That is called bloom. It happens when chocolate gets too warm or damp. It is safe to eat and only affects appearance.
Can I use honey or maple syrup?
Do not stir liquid sweeteners into melted chocolate, as they can make it seize. Dark chocolate is sweet enough.
Final thoughts
This dark chocolate almond clusters takes about 35 min from start to finish and serves 12. It is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and it is easy to adapt with the variations above. If you make it, adjust the seasoning to your taste and make a note of what you changed, so the next batch is exactly how you like it. Looking for more ideas? Browse all our desserts recipes or the full recipe index.