Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, velvety darkness of chocolate with the tangy burst of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. These Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Clusters are not just a treat; they're a gourmet experience that will transform your snacking moments into pure culinary ecstasy. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert, a sophisticated gift, or a luxurious self-care indulgence, these clusters are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the clusters from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a crisp texture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Add the dark chocolate chips to the bowl and stir gently with a spatula until completely melted and smooth. Use low heat to prevent burning the chocolate.
- Remove the melted chocolate from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Fold in the toasted almonds and dried cranberries, stirring gently to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate mixture for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop clusters onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure each cluster is roughly the same size for even cooling and presentation.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 10-15 minutes or until the chocolate has completely set and hardened.
- Store the clusters in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will keep for up to one week.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Toast almonds carefully to enhance their flavor without burning.
- Allow chocolate to cool slightly before adding mix-ins to prevent seizing.
- Use a consistent scoop size for uniform clusters.
- Refrigerate on a flat surface to ensure even setting.
- For a gourmet touch, experiment with different sea salt varieties.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the perfect texture and prevent melting.
- For a festive look, try drizzling white chocolate or adding edible gold flakes.
- These clusters make excellent homemade gifts when packaged in cute containers.
- Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
