Chocolate fruit nut clusters recipe is simple to make and is a delightful combination of chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts. By making this fun gluten free treat together, you can get the kids excited about learning kitchen skills.
These chocolate fruit and nuts clusters are perfect for a delightful snack, holiday treat or homemade gift. Encourage your kids to customise the clusters to their liking by choosing their favorite nuts, dried fruits, and type of chocolate.
You only need a few minutes to prepare this chocolate and dried fruit clusters recipe. The most time-consuming part is the time clusters take to set. My kids couldn’t wait for the homemade chocolate nut clusters to set, so they indulged in a few.
Looking for fun and easy recipes to make with your kids? Then check out cooking with kids on the blog, this category has a wide range of recipes that are sure to be delightful. From chocolate peanut butter balls, strawberry frozen yogurt to chickpea vegetable patties, there’s a wide range of options available.
These bite-sized sweet treats are perfect for unexpected cravings. These tasty chocolate nut clusters are a great incentive for kids to eat more nuts and dried fruits. It is perfect for a kid’s snack box or after-school treat, especially when enjoyed with hot chocolate, plain milk, or turmeric milk.
Ingredients
- Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are used here
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, dried cranberries and apricots are used.
- Chocolate: Although we used milk chocolate chips, any cooking chocolate will do.
- Dairy: Butter to melt the chocolate and give that smooth and shiny texture to melted chocolate.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make chocolate fruit and nut clusters?
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until it’s smooth and fully melted.
Once the chocolate has melted, remove it from the microwave and set it aside.
Combine the mixed nuts and dried fruits with the melted chocolate.
Mix them into the chocolate, making sure they are evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet using a spoon. Let kids make the clusters as small or large as they like.
Allow the clusters to cool and harden. To speed up the process, simply refrigerate the tray for about 30 minutes.
Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature once they have set.
Substitutions and Variations
Almonds: Swap out raw almonds for whole roasted almonds to enhance the crunchy and nutty taste.
Chocolate: Milk chocolate chips are used for this recipe, but dark or sweet chocolate chips can also be used.
Nut butter: Adding peanut butter to the nut clusters is a great way to include protein and enhance the taste.
Vegan: Ensure to use vegan or dairy free chocolate and vegan butter or coconut oil for a vegan version.
Nuts: You can substitute peanuts or cashews for almonds and walnuts to switch the taste. Chocolate cashew peanut clusters make a great protein rich treat.
Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt, for sweet and salted clusters.
Seeds: Melon seeds or pumpkin seeds are a great addition.
Storage
Keep the chocolate covered nuts and fruits fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips and Tricks
Thickness: If your melted chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter and stir to make it thinner.
Time: The time needed to melt chocolate in the microwave could vary depending on the microwave’s type and settings.
FAQ
Use the double boiler method to melt chocolate over the stovetop. Put the chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl. Boil an inch of water in a pot on the stovetop. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and place the chocolate bowl on top. Keep stirring until the chocolate completely melts and becomes smooth.
Yes, you can freeze chocolate nut clusters. Freezing is an excellent method to prolong their shelf life and savour them some other day.
Once you’ve made the chocolate nut clusters, let them cool and harden either at room temperature or in the fridge as stated in the recipe.
Arrange the clusters on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not touch. This will prevent them from sticking together during freezing.
Place the baking sheet with the clusters in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm. Flash freezing them individually first will help prevent them from sticking together.
Once the clusters are frozen, transfer them into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
Prevent clusters from sticking by using parchment paper between layers.
Place the airtight container or resealable freezer bags in the freezer.
When you’re prepared to indulge in the clusters, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow them to return to their desired consistency.
When ready to eat the clusters, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
You can keep chocolate nut clusters in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without affecting their quality.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Do let me know if you try this easy chocolate fruits nut clusters recipe. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?
Chocolate Fruit and Nut Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
1 Cup = 250ml ; 1 Tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 Teaspoon = 5ml
- 100 gms Milk Chocolate Chips
- 2 Tablepoons Dried Cranberries
- 4 slices Dried Apricots
- 10 Raw Almonds
- 8 Walnuts
- 15 Raisins
- 1 Teaspoon Butter
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and butter block. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until it’s smooth and fully melted.100 gms Milk Chocolate Chips, 1 Teaspoon Butter
- Once the chocolate has melted, remove it from the microwave and set it aside.
- Combine the mixed nuts and dried fruits with the melted chocolate. Mix them into the chocolate, making sure they are evenly coated.2 Tablepoons Dried Cranberries, 4 slices Dried Apricots, 10 Raw Almonds, 8 Walnuts, 15 Raisins
- Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet using a spoon. Let kids make the clusters as small or large as they like.
- Allow the clusters to cool and harden. To speed up the process, simply refrigerate the tray for about 30 minutes.
- Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature once they have set.
Notes
Nutrition
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