Chocolate Candy Clusters

If you love the combination of sweet and salty, these chocolate clusters are the ideal homemade treat. Similar to mixed-nut clusters, this recipe combines white, milk and semisweet chocolate with crunchy walnuts and pretzels for a no-bake dessert that is both easy and irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gift or an after-school snack for kids, these clusters deliver the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus, they’re super simple to make and require just a few ingredients.

Chocolate Clusters Ingredients

• Chocolate chips: Three types of chocolate are used in the clusters, adding variety in both flavor and appearance. White chocolate adds a sweet and creamy element. Milk chocolate brings a rich and smooth sweetness. Semisweet chocolate balances out the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts give these clusters a nutty crunch and earthy flavor. Their slightly bitter taste contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the chocolate, while the texture adds a satisfying bite to each cluster.
• Pretzels: Broken mini pretzels provide the ultimate salty crunch while making the clusters slightly chewy too.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the chocolates

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Combine the white baking chocolate, milk chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture at 70% power for one minute. Stir the chocolate to ensure even melting and then microwave again in 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is completely smooth.

Step 2: Mix in walnuts and pretzels

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Stir in the chopped walnuts and broken pretzels once the chocolate mixture is melted and smooth. Mix thoroughly so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the chocolate.

Step 3: Form the clusters

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Drop rounded portions of the mixture onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets using a spoon or tablespoon. Space them out to ensure the clusters don’t stick together. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator to allow the clusters to firm up.

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Chocolate Clusters Recipe Variations

• Add dried fruit: For sweetness and chew, add dried cranberries, raisins or chopped apricots. The fruit adds a pop of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
• Use different nuts: Swap out the walnuts for pecans, almonds or peanuts for a different flavor and texture. You can mix different types of nuts for extra variety.
• Make it crunchier: If you want even more crunch, throw in some chow mein noodles to make chow mein clusters or toffee for toffee clusters.

How to Store Chocolate Clusters

Store the chocolate candy clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps them firm and fresh, ensuring the chocolate doesn’t melt. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months.

Can you make chocolate clusters ahead of time?

These clusters are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. They make great gifts and you can batch-make them for holidays or events.

Chocolate Clusters Recipe Tips

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Can I make chocolate candy clusters without a microwave?

You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate can be a great substitute for semisweet chocolate in this recipe if you prefer a richer and more intense flavor.

How long do chocolate candy clusters last?

These clusters will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. Store in an airtight container.