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
Scale
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.
