Sweet and salty Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters are made with toasted mixed nuts, dark chocolate, and a touch of salt. They’re super easy to make and they make elegant edible gifts!
Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters
This is my ultimate, DIY, edible gift for any occasion that calls for edible gifts.
In fact, I consider it the Taj Mahal of sweet and salty.
After you make this once, you’ll literally crave the mixed nuts, with dark chocolate, and that addictive sweet and salty flavor.
If not for your own enjoyment, make this THE gift that keeps on giving your special someone a whole lot of enjoyment.
Inside-out chocolate clusters
In the nut-cluster world, there are mega recipes out there for chocolatey clusters…and the nuts are invisible.
But, for years, I’ve been doing it the other way around…and I’m sharing it with you!
Nothing against smothery-clusters, but I wanna eat MORE sweet and salty, and LESS gobs of sugar…more like a healthy snack with a touch of decadence.
We know I’m always trying to reduce the ingredient-guilt thing and keep it dah-licious?
This one’s a jackpot!
This recipe is as easy as toasting, melting, drizzling, sprinkling, cooling, and breaking apart. In that order.
How to make chocolate nut clusters
Step 1: Chop and toast the mixed nuts (I use a toaster oven, or large oven, or heat them in a skillet on low heat on the stove, stirring frequently).
Hot tip: I like to buy raw, unsalted nuts so I can control the salt, as well as skip any added oils by toasting them myself, without oil.
For this recipe, I used almonds, cashews, pecans, and pistachios, but use whatever you like!
Step 2: Melt the chocolate the EASY way (which is to microwave it with coconut oil in a pyrex measuring cup).
Step 3: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the mixed nuts
Step 4: Sprinkle salt over the nuts while the chocolate is still warm (so it will stick!)
Step 5: Refrigerate (or freeze) the baking sheet of chocolatey nuts until the chocolate sets up (hardens).
Step 6: Remove the baking sheet and break into nut clusters with your hands.
* See full recipe below
What’s the best salt for chocolate?
I recommend Truffle salt for this recipe. (this post is not sponsored…I just love this salt!)
Truffle salt is THE bacon of the seasoning world with HUGE flavor and aroma. Not as inexpensive as regular salt, but a little goes a looooong way.
Find it at Whole Foods or specialty retail grocers…and don’t skip it, unless you’re *allergic. (*Truffles are a fungus, so know your allergies, and eat responsibly. I’ve never known anyone to be allergic, but it can happen.)
FYI: You can get Truffle Salt delivered to your doorstep…here’s a *4oz glass jar.
It’s an excellent value for the quality and cost. (*This affiliate link gives me a small commission for your purchase, so thank you if you decide to buy. No obligation, of course).
Other ways to use Truffle Salt:
Sprinkle over:
- popcorn
- mac and cheese
- mashed potatoes
- eggs
- pretty much any carb-y foods
So many ways to serve Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters
- party snacks
- edible gifts
- stocking stuffers
- game-day grub
- lunch box snacks
- outdoor eats
- movie night snacks
No matter what the occasion, these lil dudes will make you think about them long after they’re gone. So, get ready, yo!
Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters Ingredients
- unsalted mixed nuts
- semisweet chocolate chips
- coconut oil
- gourmet salt (like truffle salt or pink Himalayan salt)
Tools you’ll find helpful for this recipe:
- baker’s 1/2 sheets
- parchment paper
- Pyrex measuring cup
More sweet treats
Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites
Orange Olive Oil Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Salted Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters
Ingredients
- 2 cups Unsalted Mixed Nuts loosely chopped
- 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1/8 tsp Salt truffle salt or pink Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Place NUTS on a baking sheet under low-flame oven-broiler for two-minute intervals until lightly toasted; transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment to cool; set aside.
- Place CHOCOLATE CHIPS and COCONUT OIL in microwave-safe bowl; heat in 1 minute intervals until thoroughly melted, stirring on each interval.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over mixed nuts.
- Sprinkle SALT over the surface of nuts and chocolate.
- Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the chocolate; remove; break into clusters.
- Chocolate clusters can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated…but they won’t last long because they're delicious!
RECIPE NOTES
Nutrition
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These are seriously amazing and SO easy to make!! And even easier to customize based on what I have in the pantry. Thanks!
Thanks, Sapana! So glad you’re enjoying them 🙂
Dark chocolate is my absolute favorite, and these nut clusters are so totally amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Yay Jessica! So glad you like them 🙂 Thanks!
What a great little snack. I love salted chocolate.
Thanks, Dannii! You will LOVE this recipe then 😉
Chocolate and nut clusters are my go-to candy whenever we go into a candy store. Can’t wait to try making them myself – it looks so easy!
Thanks, Lauren! Hope you enjoy…they’re SO easy to make too! 🙂
This is my kind of snack, sounds so delicious!
Thanks, Emily 🙂 Enjoy!
Wow, I want to make this right. I pinned for later. Looking for truffle salt too.
Thanks Jere…hope you love it like we do! 🙂
This looks like an excellent snack to take on the go or for a quick energy pick up throughout the work day.
Thanks Heather…love hearing that. It’s a perfect snack…decadent too! 🙂
Wow! I’d never thought about using truffle salt with chocolate, but it’s an amazing combination
Thanks Alyssa, been doing it for years! It’s addictive, but then again…chocolate 🙂
This is such an awesome treat! I love such snacks that are easier to make and a much healthier than other indulgent desserts. Love this.
Yay, glad to hear it Veena! Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Beautiful! Several of my favorite things combined!
Thanks Linda! I’m with you on that statement 🙂
This looks tasty. I never heard of truffle salt before, I have to look for it to try it.
Thanks Luci! I recommend trying before buying if you’re able to get a taste of it somewhere. Mostly because it has a very strong flavor (which I LOVE!). Come to think of it, I’ve never met anyone who said they didn’t like it LOL, but I still like to warn people to try it first 🙂
Oh man! I am alllllll about nut clusters. They are so easy and so, so yummy! This recipe sounds absolutely divine. Pinning, thanks!
Thanks so much, Kristine! Glad you’re excited about this one…that makes two of us 🙂
What a great gift idea! It looks yummy and so easy, thanks for sharing, saving for later.
Thanks! It is so easy…and stores at room temperature too (or the fridge). Makes a perfect gift.
I heart black truffle salt, and I really love sweet and salty. Reminds me I need to use truffle salt in my holiday recipes. Thanks!
You’re so weclome…it’s a win win!
Love the deliciousness happening here! Never tried truffle salt before. Have to try soon. Thanks for the idea and delicious recipe.
You’re so welcome! Hope you love the truffle salt like I do. It’s very unique…like nothing else I’ve ever tasted!