Name: Nut clusters
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 ounces Dark Chocolate Bar (55% for sweet treats, 70% for medium sweet, or 85% for low sugar ); 1 cup Roasted Nuts (I used 1/3 cup of each: peanuts, cashews, almonds); 1 teaspoon Coconut Oil; 1 pinch Sea Salt Flakes (optional)

These Nut Clusters are an easy 3-ingredient healthy snack with a crunchy texture and delicious nutty chocolate taste. They are perfect healthy treats for the kids and the whole family and they are ready in 15 minutes.

I was looking for a healthy chocolatey treat for my kids and most of what you can buy in-store is loaded with sugar. So I decided to make my own, with ingredients I select myself. These clusters are rich in protein and low in carbs. A perfect healthy snack!

Ingredients and Substitutions

This paragraph gives you all my tips about picking the right ingredients. For the full recipe with measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!Go to Full Recipe

You only need 3 ingredients for this recipe: nuts, chocolate, and coconut oil. Here’s how I picked them.

Dark Chocolate Bar – This is the core ingredient of these nut clusters, providing a rich, chocolatey base that contrasts with the crunch of the nuts. You can choose 55% cocoa for sweeter clusters, 70% for a balanced taste, or 85% for a low-sugar option. Any high-quality, dairy-free dark chocolate will work.
Roasted Nuts – A mix of roasted peanuts, cashews, and almonds brings protein, healthy fats, and crunch to these clusters. Feel free to experiment with other roasted nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. Just be sure the nuts are roasted to bring out their full flavor and that classic crunch. Raw nuts may work, but they might lack the depth of flavor and texture that roasting provides.
Coconut Oil – This ingredient helps the chocolate melt smoothly and coat the nuts evenly, adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor. If you prefer a neutral taste, you can use avocado oil or a light olive oil instead. However, note that skipping the oil entirely might affect the smoothness and consistency of the melted chocolate.
Sea Salt Flakes – A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate’s flavor. You can also opt for Himalayan salt if you’re looking for an alternative, but be mindful to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the treat.

How to Make Nut clusters

Here’s how to make this recipe in pictures.

Combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a mixing bowl.

Microwave it in 30-second bursts and stir until it melts.

Incorporating nuts in the melted chocolate.

Incorporate the nut mix gradually and make sure they are well covered.

Form nut clusters on a plate lined with parchment paper and freeze for 10 minutes.

Carine’s Tips

I have a few more tips to help you make the best nut clusters.

Quality Matters – Choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar that meets your favorite cocoa percentage. The chocolate’s quality really makes a difference in the final taste.
Microwave with Care – Melt the chocolate in short, 30-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent overheating or burning the chocolate. Some chocolate with higher sugar content tend to crystalize.
Cool Nuts for Crunch – Make sure your roasted nuts are completely cooled before folding them into the melted chocolate; warm nuts can cause the chocolate to seize or become too soft.
Thorough Coating – Use a rubber spatula to stir until every nut is evenly coated, ensuring a consistent flavor in every bite.
Even Spacing – When dropping the clusters onto the parchment-lined tray, leave ample space between each one to allow for expansion and even hardening.
Quick Set in the Freezer – Place your tray in the freezer for 10-12 minutes; this rapid cooling helps the chocolate set quickly, preserving that delightful crunch.
Finish with a Salt Touch – If you opt to use sea salt flakes, sprinkle them over the clusters once they’re set for an enhanced flavor pop.
Batch It Up – Don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe for a larger batch—these clusters store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

More Chocolate Snack Recipes

Chocolate Dipped Stuffed Dates

Chocolate-Covered Chickpeas

Chocolate Almond Bark

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

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Nut clusters

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Prep Time: 10

Freeze Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16 clusters

Calories: 86.7 kcal

Author: Carine Claudepierre

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

▢ 3 ounces Dark Chocolate Bar - 55% for sweet treats, 70% for medium sweet, or 85% for low sugar
▢ 1 cup Roasted Nuts - I used 1/3 cup of each: peanuts, cashews, almonds
▢ 1 teaspoon Coconut Oil
▢ 1 pinch Sea Salt Flakes - optional

Instructions

First, pick the chocolate you love. For very low-sugar clusters, pick 85% cocoa, or 70% for a sweeter treat. For a very sweet cluster use 55% cocoa chocolate.
In a microwave-safe glass bowl add the squares of chocolate and coconut oil.
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until fully melted.
Fold in the roasted nuts and use a rubber spatula to stir and coat the nuts.
Line a large sheet that fit the width of your freezer, with lightly oiled parchment paper. Set aside.
Drop a tablespoon of coated nuts on the prepared sheets and repeat, leaving some space between each cluster. I made 16 clusters.
Pop the sheet in the freezer for 10-12 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the clusters and set.
Serve with a pinch of sea salt flakes.

Notes

Note 1: Any chocolate can be used. I like high-quality degustation chocolate bars from 70% cocoa to 85% cocoa. But if you have a sweet tooth, 55% cocoa makes delicious sweet clusters.

Note 2: Any nuts can be used, but they must be roasted nuts for best flavor and crunch. Options are wild: pistachios, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts.

Note 3: Any oil can be used, like avocado oil or light olive oil.

Storage: Store the clusters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze them for up to 1 month in Ziploc bags, eat frozen or thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature before.

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Nutrition

Nut Clusters (3 Ingredients, Low-Sugar)