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- Raw almonds - Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) - Coconut oil - Sea salt (preferably flaky) - Optional spices (cinnamon or chili powder) To make dark chocolate almond clusters, you need simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the final taste and texture. First, you need raw almonds. They provide a crunchy base. Toast them to enhance their flavor before mixing them with chocolate. Next, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This chocolate adds richness. The higher the cocoa, the less sweet it is, making it a perfect partner for nuts. Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. It gives the clusters a lovely shine and can add a hint of coconut flavor. Sea salt balances the sweetness. I recommend flaky sea salt for a nice texture. It adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Lastly, you can add optional spices like cinnamon or chili powder. These spices give your clusters a fun twist. They can make your treat sweet or spicy, depending on your mood. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a treat that’s both delicious and satisfying! First, you need to toast the raw almonds. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds on a baking sheet in one layer. Toast them for about 10 minutes. Watch them closely. You want them fragrant and slightly golden, not burnt. After toasting, let the almonds cool completely. This step enhances their flavor and crunch. Next, set up a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water, but make sure it does not touch the top pot. In the top pot, add the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it often until the chocolate melts completely. It should be smooth and glossy. Be cautious; any water can ruin your chocolate. Now it’s time to coat the almonds. Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from heat. Stir in the cooled, toasted almonds until they are well coated. If you like, add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for some heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop clusters of the chocolate-coated almonds onto the paper. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons per cluster. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt over each cluster. Finally, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Wait about 30 minutes for the chocolate to set. Once hardened, you can remove the clusters from the parchment paper. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Enjoy your delicious dark chocolate almond clusters! To make sure your chocolate coating is perfect, avoid any water contact with the chocolate. Water can cause chocolate to seize up, making it clumpy. Always use dry tools and bowls to mix your chocolate. When melting chocolate, use a double boiler. This method gives you better control over the heat. Stir the chocolate gently as it melts. This helps it become smooth and creamy. When forming your clusters, aim for sizes of 1-2 tablespoons. This size keeps the clusters easy to eat. Use a spoon to scoop the chocolate-coated almonds. Spread them out well on the baking sheet. This ensures even distribution and prevents them from sticking together. For a twist in flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon brings warmth, while chili powder adds a nice kick. These spices can really change the taste and make it special. You can also add other nuts or seeds to your clusters. Try mixing in sunflower seeds or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. This gives your clusters variety and makes them even more enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in your dark chocolate almond clusters. For a sweet twist, add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add a nice chewy texture. You might also try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These sweet options balance the rich chocolate. For a savory version, consider herbs or spices. A pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate. You can also add cinnamon or chili powder. These spices give your clusters a unique kick. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors! While almonds are tasty, you can switch things up with other nuts. Cashews bring a creamy texture. Pecans add a nice crunch. Mixing different nuts creates a fun variety. You might blend almonds, cashews, and pecans for a delicious combo. This way, you get different flavors and textures in each bite. If you want gluten-free options, these clusters fit the bill! The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For vegan choices, use dairy-free dark chocolate. Check the labels to ensure there are no animal products. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! To keep your dark chocolate almond clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Avoid loose bags, as they do not seal tightly. Store the clusters at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better option. Aim for a cool, dry spot to prevent melting. These tasty treats can last about two weeks at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to a month. Look for signs of spoilage, like a dull appearance or white spots on the chocolate. These changes mean the clusters are no longer fresh and should be tossed. You can freeze chocolate almond clusters for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep their flavor intact. Homemade dark chocolate almond clusters can last about two weeks. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to let them warm up a bit before eating. Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. However, milk chocolate has less cocoa and more sugar than dark chocolate. This change will alter the flavor and health benefits. Dark chocolate is richer and has more antioxidants. Dark chocolate and almonds offer many health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. It can improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They can help with weight management and keep you full. To make the clusters less sweet, you can use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Try 85% cocoa or more. Another option is to reduce the amount of chocolate you use. You can also add more nuts to balance the sweetness. You can find pre-made dark chocolate almond clusters at many grocery stores. Look in the snack aisle or the health food section. Online retailers also offer various brands. Check the ingredients to find a brand that uses high-quality chocolate. You’ve learned how to make delicious dark chocolate almond clusters from scratch. By toasting almonds and melting chocolate, you create a sweet or savory snack. Remember to store them well for freshness. Experiment with spices and nuts to make unique flavors. These clusters are versatile and for everyone. Enjoy the great taste and health benefits of dark chocolate and almonds in your kitchen. Try your hand at making them today!

Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters

Indulge in the deliciousness of dark chocolate almond clusters with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these clusters combine toasted almonds with rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt. Plus, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist. Discover how to make these delectable treats and impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating your own delicious dark chocolate almond clusters today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup raw almonds

8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon sea salt (flaky preferred)

Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a spicy twist

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Allow them to cool after toasting.

    While the almonds are toasting, set up a double boiler on the stove. Fill the bottom pot with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the top pot. Place the dark chocolate and coconut oil in the top pot.

      Heat the chocolate mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate.

        Once melted, remove the chocolate from heat and stir in the toasted almonds until they are fully coated. If using, add cinnamon or chili powder at this point for an extra kick.

          Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop clusters of the chocolate-coated almonds onto the parchment, forming small mounds. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons per cluster.

            Sprinkle flaky sea salt over each cluster while the chocolate is still warm.

              Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.

                Once hardened, remove the clusters from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 12 clusters