Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I have always been a fan of sweet treats, especially those that combine rich flavors with a crunchy texture. When I discovered the harmony of chocolate, coconut, and almonds, I knew I had to create a recipe for Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters. These delightful morsels are not only easy to prepare but also satisfy my sweet tooth in the best possible way. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just for myself, they always hit the spot. Join me in making these delicious clusters that are simply irresistible!
When I first made these Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they came together. I melted the chocolate slowly to retain its smoothness, ensuring the clusters would have a perfect coating. The addition of toasted coconut and crunchy almonds creates a delightful contrast, making each bite exquisite. It's a treat that doesn't just taste good but also looks impressive!
One tip I discovered is to let the clusters cool at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. This step helps prevent the chocolate from losing its glossy finish. These clusters are perfect for any occasion, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving!
Why You'll Love These Clusters
- Decadent chocolate wrapped around crunchy almonds and toasted coconut
- No baking required, making them perfect for quick treats
- Great for gifting or sharing with friends and family
Toasting Nuts and Coconut
Toasting the coconut and almonds is a crucial step that enhances their flavors and adds a delightful crunch to your clusters. Use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, to prevent burning. The coconut should turn a light golden brown, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes, while the almonds will become fragrant in about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on both, as they can quickly go from perfect to burnt!
Once toasted, let the coconut and almonds cool before mixing them into the chocolate. This is important; if they are too hot, they can melt the chocolate and change the texture of your clusters. Cooling them also allows you to handle them more easily when forming the clusters.
Melted Chocolate Mastery
When melting the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil, be patient and use low heat. Microwaving in 30-second intervals gives you control over the melting process, ensuring your chocolate reaches a smooth and glossy consistency. Stirring in between intervals helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the chocolate from seizing, which could lead to a grainy texture if overheated.
If you find the chocolate isn’t melting properly, try adding an extra teaspoon of coconut oil. This not only helps with the melting process but also keeps the chocolate silky and easier to work with when combining with the other ingredients.
Customizing Your Clusters
Feel free to customize your Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters by adding other nuts or seeds according to your preference. Cashews or pecans work beautifully and can add a different flavor profile. If you want to avoid chocolate chips or need a dairy-free option, consider using dairy-free chocolate or even dark chocolate bars chopped into pieces for a chunky texture.
These clusters can also be made ahead and stored. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them on a lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat whenever a craving strikes!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create these delicious clusters!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters:
Prepare Ingredients
Begin by toasting the shredded coconut and chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. This enhances their flavors and adds a delightful crunch. Set aside to cool.
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Combine and Mix
In a large bowl, mix the toasted coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt into the melted chocolate. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Form Clusters
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into small clusters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the clusters for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters!
Serve these clusters at room temperature or store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the clusters before they set, enhancing the sweet and salty contrast.
Serving Ideas
These Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters are perfect for serving as bite-sized snacks at gatherings or alongside coffee and tea. For a more elegant presentation, try drizzling some additional melted chocolate over the clusters right before they set; this will create a beautiful and appealing finish.
If you want to elevate the experience further, consider pairing these clusters with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas. Their sweetness complements the rich chocolate, creating a satisfying balance. Alternatively, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Troubleshooting
If your clusters aren’t holding their shape, it could be due to not allowing them enough time to chill. Make sure to refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes to set the chocolate properly. If this still doesn't work, consider adding a small amount of melted chocolate into the mixture and mixing again before forming the clusters; this will help them stick together better.
Should you find that your chocolate is too thick to coat the nuts and coconut well, it may be a sign that it has cooled too much. Simply reheat in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut oil to achieve a better dipping consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate, but keep in mind it will result in a sweeter flavor.
→ How long do these clusters last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks.
→ Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite nuts or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
→ Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes, simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure any additional ingredients you use are vegan.
Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters
I have always been a fan of sweet treats, especially those that combine rich flavors with a crunchy texture. When I discovered the harmony of chocolate, coconut, and almonds, I knew I had to create a recipe for Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters. These delightful morsels are not only easy to prepare but also satisfy my sweet tooth in the best possible way. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just for myself, they always hit the spot. Join me in making these delicious clusters that are simply irresistible!
Created by: Ruby Lawson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 clusters
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
Begin by toasting the shredded coconut and chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. This enhances their flavors and adds a delightful crunch. Set aside to cool.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
In a large bowl, mix the toasted coconut, chopped almonds, and sea salt into the melted chocolate. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into small clusters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the clusters for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Coconut Almond Clusters!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the clusters before they set, enhancing the sweet and salty contrast.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g