If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both crunchy and irresistibly sweet, this Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe will steal your heart. Combining toasted cashews with luscious caramel and a rich layer of chocolate almond bark, these clusters are the perfect balance of nutty, buttery, and chocolaty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday gift, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these clusters come together quickly with simple ingredients, guaranteed to become a new favorite snack or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating that perfect texture and flavor that make this Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe so irresistible. From the crunch of toasted cashews to the silky smoothness of melted almond bark, here’s everything you need to make magic happen.
- 4 cups whole cashews (toasted): Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens the flavor for the perfect crunch.
- ½ cup salted butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness with a subtle saltiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Gives the caramel its signature deep, molasses-like flavor and color.
- ½ cup corn syrup: Helps the caramel develop a smooth, chewy texture and prevents crystallization.
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creates a creamy caramel base.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm aroma.
- ½ pound chocolate almond bark: Melts beautifully into a glossy topping that snaps perfectly around each cluster.
How to Make Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a tray with parchment paper; this keeps your clusters from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Then, arrange your toasted cashews into 24 little piles—this is going to be the base for each cluster.
Step 2: Cook the Caramel
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil; the butter’s creaminess and the sugar’s sweetness will combine to form that classic caramel flavor.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Once boiling, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. These ingredients thicken and enrich the caramel, creating a creamy, luscious texture.
Step 4: Reach the Perfect Temperature
Attach a candy thermometer and keep cooking, stirring constantly, until the temperature hits 245 degrees Fahrenheit—this means your caramel is just right, perfectly thickened without being too hard or too sticky.
Step 5: Assemble the Clusters
Working fast, spoon about a tablespoon of caramel onto each pile of cashews, letting the caramel envelop the nuts gently. Set them aside on the parchment paper to harden and cool completely.
Step 6: Melt and Add the Chocolate Almond Bark
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate almond bark in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth. Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel cluster, adding a decadent finish that hardens into a glossy, firm shell.
Step 7: Let Set and Enjoy
Allow the chocolate topping to set completely at room temperature before serving or packaging. Your Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe
Garnishes
While these clusters are fantastic all on their own, for a festive touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it hardens. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can also add a pretty contrast and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve Caramel Cashew Clusters next to a cup of strong coffee or dark tea, as their rich, nutty caramel flavor pairs beautifully with bold beverages. They also work wonderfully as a decadent topping for ice cream or yogurt bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation-wise, place clusters in mini cupcake liners or small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifting. Stack them in clear jars to showcase the layers of caramel and chocolate, making for a stunning centerpiece at parties or dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Caramel Cashew Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or treats.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these clusters freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on parchment paper initially, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Generally, reheating isn’t necessary for these clusters since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If your chocolate becomes too firm, simply let them sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, unlocking those rich flavors again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or even mixed nuts can work well for this recipe. Just be sure to toast them first to bring out their full flavor and maintain that satisfying crunch.
What if I don’t have corn syrup? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute corn syrup with honey or golden syrup, but it may slightly change the texture and sweetness. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, so your caramel stays smooth and chewy.
How long does it take for the caramel to harden?
The caramel typically hardens within 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature. To speed this up, you can place the tray in the refrigerator, but make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t absorb any fridge odors.
Is the sweetened condensed milk necessary?
Yes, it adds creaminess and body to the caramel that you can’t quite replicate with other ingredients. It’s key to achieving the perfect texture for this delicious Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe.
Can these clusters be made dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since butter and sweetened condensed milk are dairy-based. However, using dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut condensed milk may work — expect some difference in flavor and texture, but it’s worth experimenting!
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. With simple ingredients that come together quickly, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one cluster. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple that you’ll make again and again for friends, family, and yourself.
Print
Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Caramel Cashew Clusters, featuring toasted cashews enveloped in rich caramel and topped with a smooth chocolate almond bark coating. Perfectly sweet and crunchy, these clusters make an ideal treat for gatherings or a decadent snack.
Ingredients
Cashew Clusters
- 4 cups whole cashews (toasted)
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half of a 14 ounce can)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- ½ pound chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Prepare the Tray: Line a tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Cashews: Place the toasted cashews into 24 small piles evenly spaced on the prepared parchment paper.
- Make Caramel Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add Condensed Milk & Vanilla: Once boiling, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform mixture.
- Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (soft-ball stage), ensuring proper caramel consistency.
- Form Caramel Piles: Working quickly, spoon about one tablespoon of the hot caramel onto each cashew pile. Set aside to cool and harden for a few minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate almond bark in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until completely smooth and melted.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate over each caramel-coated cashew pile. Allow the chocolate topping to set and harden at room temperature.
- Serve: Once fully hardened, the caramel cashew clusters are ready to enjoy. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the candy thermometer is accurately placed to avoid burning the caramel.
- Toast cashews beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- If almond bark is unavailable, substitute with high-quality melting chocolate.
- Work quickly when spooning caramel as it hardens fast upon cooling.
- Store clusters in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and prevent melting.
