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No-Bake Chocolate Almond Clusters

These no-bake chocolate almond clusters are a quick and satisfying treat that combine crunchy toasted almonds with rich, dark chocolate. Made with minimal effort, the clusters set quickly in the fridge, resulting in glossy, firm bites with a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness. They're ideal for a homemade sweet snack with a nostalgic, indulgent twist.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams dark chocolate chips preferably bittersweet
  • 1 cup toasted almonds roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt flaky or coarse
  • 1 teaspoon honey for binding

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spoon or small cookie scoop
  • Baking sheet with parchment
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. This should take about 1 minute total. Smell the rich aroma of melted chocolate as it becomes silky and shiny.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted almonds, vanilla extract, honey, and sea salt. Mix gently until the almonds are evenly coated and fragrant, and the mixture feels slightly sticky.
  3. Pour the melted chocolate over the almond mixture, then fold everything together with a spatula until the almonds are fully coated in chocolate and the mixture is sticky and cohesive.
  4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out clusters onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cluster if you prefer a more compact shape.
  5. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster to enhance flavor. If desired, add extra toasted almonds or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for added texture.
  6. Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes until the clusters are firm and the chocolate coating is set to a shiny finish. You’ll hear a gentle crack as you remove the clusters from the fridge.
  7. Once chilled and firm, let the clusters sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly and release their full aroma. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use vegan dark chocolate. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add dried fruit for variety.