These dark chocolate cherry almond clusters are the snack you’ve been waiting for. They combine a smooth chocolate coating, tart dried cherries, and crunchy almonds for a bite that’s both satisfying and elegant. They’re perfect for holiday trays, parties, or keeping on hand for a quick, delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Almond Clusters
These cherry almond clusters strike a wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and salty. The combination of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and bright dried cherries creates layers of flavor and texture that make them irresistible. They’re easy to prepare, require just a few ingredients, and look lovely when presented in mini liners.
The recipe is simple—only four ingredients—so it’s fast to assemble and easy to customize. Choosing good-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference; I used dark melting wafers for a glossy finish and reliable melting behavior. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate and trims any overbearing sweetness.
Whether you’re making them for guests or tucking a few into your own snack stash, these clusters are a quick way to enjoy a gourmet-style treat without fuss.
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters
Gather just four ingredients. High-quality chocolate will give the best flavor and texture, but feel free to use your preferred brand.
- Dark chocolate (melting wafers or chopped chocolate)
- Almonds
- Dried cherries
- Sea salt
How to Make Cherry Almond Clusters
Step 1: Melt Chocolate + Stir Add-ins
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler by setting a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stirring until completely melted. Once the chocolate is smooth, fold in the almonds and dried cherries until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Form Clusters
Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-nut-cherry mixture into mini cupcake liners or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in small mounds. Work quickly and sprinkle each cluster lightly with sea salt before the chocolate sets. Allow the clusters to cool and harden completely before storing.
FAQs
In moderation, yes. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants, almonds supply healthy fats and protein, and dried cherries add natural sweetness. Sea salt in small amounts contributes minerals. As with any treat, portion control is key.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep about a week. Refrigerated, they can last a couple of months. If frozen, they’ll keep up to a year—thaw gradually in the refrigerator to avoid condensation.
Variations of Nut Clusters
- Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate to change the flavor profile.
- Omit cherries and add a drop of mint extract to the melted chocolate for mint-almond clusters.
- Use different nuts—walnuts, pecans, or cashews work beautifully.
- Try other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates.
- Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-style cluster.
- Mix in toffee bits for extra crunch and caramel flavor.
More Recipes To Try
- Homemade Chocolate Truffles
- Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
- White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Shortbread Cookies
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social channels for updates and more recipes.
Cherry Almond Clusters
15 minutes
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz pkg Ghirardelli dark melting wafers
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 5 oz pkg dried cherries (about 3/4 cup)
- sea salt
Instructions
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. When fully melted, fold in the almonds and dried cherries until evenly coated.
-
Spoon the mixture into mini cupcake liners or form small mounds on parchment paper. Quickly sprinkle each cluster with sea salt before the chocolate sets. Allow clusters to harden completely before storing.
Did you make this?
Share a picture and tag the creator on Instagram to let them know how your clusters turned out.