Name: Cashew Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 11 oz Bag of caramels; 10 oz Chocolate melting wafers (about 8 oz); 1 TBSP Heavy whipping cream; 8 oz Cashews; Sea salt (optional)

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If you’re searching for an utterly irresistible treat that’s quick to make and guarantees a chorus of “Wow!” from anyone who tries it, you need these Cashew Clusters in your culinary playbook. Sweet, buttery caramel melds with crunchy, salted cashews, all wrapped in a blanket of silky melted chocolate. The best part? This recipe comes together in hardly any time and never fails to deliver a rich, delightful bite. Whether you’re making a sweet snack for your loved ones or whipping up an easy edible gift, Cashew Clusters will become a crave-worthy staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of every amazing candy, especially these Cashew Clusters, are just a few top-notch ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in shaping the final flavor and texture—it’s simple, but one taste will prove just how important every addition truly is.

Caramels: Opt for a good-quality 11 oz bag; their rich, buttery flavor forms the base that brings these clusters together.
Chocolate Melting Wafers: About 10 oz (or a bit less if you prefer)—these melt smoothly and coat the clusters evenly, but you could swap in your favorite chocolate chips for a twist.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Just 1 TBSP keeps the caramel soft and luscious, preventing it from getting too stiff or chewy.
Cashews: An 8 oz portion is ideal; choose roasted and salted for maximum crunch and a perfect salty-sweet balance.
Sea Salt (Optional): A delicate sprinkle at the end elevates every ingredient, adding a finishing touch that wakes up all the flavors.

How to Make Cashew Clusters

Step 1: Create the Cashew Mounds

Start by spreading out a generous sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Using two small spoonfuls per pile, arrange 18 little mounds of cashews on the paper, making sure each one has plenty of space. This sets the perfect foundation for uniform, delicious Cashew Clusters and ensures each bite has that unbeatable crunch.

Step 2: Melt the Caramels

Next, unwrap all your caramels and pop them into a microwave-safe bowl. Pour the tablespoon of heavy whipping cream over the top—this is your secret weapon for creamy, never-rock-hard caramel. Microwave for 15 seconds, give it a good stir, and repeat until everything melts together into a glossy, smooth ribbon.

Step 3: Spoon Caramel Over Cashews

Working quickly (before the caramel firms up!), use a spoon to drizzle luscious caramel over each cashew pile. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every last cashew perfectly—it will spread and settle as it cools, enveloping the nuts in just the right amount of gooey goodness. Let the caramel-coated clusters sit for 10 minutes to set up a bit.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate

Now for the truly decadent component: chocolate. Place your melting wafers (or chopped chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and silky smooth. Spoon a generous dollop over the caramel layer of each Cashew Cluster, making sure every bit of sticky caramel gets a sweet chocolate cap.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Set

If you love a salty-sweet combo, finish each cluster with a pinch of flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets. Let your Cashew Clusters cool completely—either on the counter for about an hour or pop them in the fridge for a speedier set. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Cashew Clusters

Garnishes

A light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate can take these Cashew Clusters from homemade treat to gourmet confection. For a burst of color, try scattering a tiny pinch of freeze-dried raspberries or edible gold flakes on top—the possibilities really are endless!

Side Dishes

Cashew Clusters are delightful on their own, but they truly shine as part of a snack board. Pair them with fresh fruit, sharp cheeses, or even a handful of dried apricots for an easy dessert spread. They also work beautifully alongside a cup of strong coffee or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Cashew Clusters by nestling them in colorful mini cupcake liners or arranging them on a pretty platter lined with parchment. For gifting, stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or layer them in a charming tin. They’re just as perfect for holiday cookie trays as they are for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cashew Clusters have set, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to a week, or slightly longer if you store them in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them away from anything with strong odors to preserve their sweet, nutty scent.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Cashew Clusters! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature to bring back that perfect chewy caramel and snappy chocolate.

Reheating

While these don’t require reheating, if your Cashew Clusters have gotten a little too cold or hard, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the chocolate and ruin their lovely shape and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut for these clusters?

Absolutely! While cashews deliver a rich, buttery crunch, walnuts, almonds, or pecans are all excellent options. Just make sure to use roasted and salted varieties for the best flavor contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate.

Do I have to use melting wafers, or can I substitute regular chocolate chips?

You can use chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate bars in place of melting wafers. Just remember, you may want to add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to help them melt smoothly and set with a glossy finish.

How do I keep my caramel layer from becoming too hard?

Adding heavy whipping cream when melting your caramels is key—it keeps the texture soft and chewy even after the Cashew Clusters cool. If you skip this step, the caramel can become unpleasantly firm.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Definitely! The recipe is flexible: simply double all the ingredients for a crowd, or cut them in half for a small batch. The method stays exactly the same, so it’s ideal for making as many (or as few) Cashew Clusters as you need.

What’s the best way to package Cashew Clusters as gifts?

Let the clusters cool and harden fully, then stack them gently in boxes, tins, or cellophane bags. Decorative ribbons and labels add a personal touch, and a layer of parchment between each makes them look even more special while preventing sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a sweet-salty snack that’s as easy as it is addictive, don’t wait another minute—Cashew Clusters are calling your name. Every step is fun, the result is share-worthy, and you just might find yourself making them again and again. Give them a try and see why everyone goes nuts for these clusters!

Cashew Clusters Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18 clusters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Cashew Clusters, a perfect blend of caramel, cashews, and chocolate with a hint of sea salt. These sweet treats are ideal for satisfying your cravings or gifting to loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Cashew Clusters

11 oz Bag of caramels
10 oz Chocolate melting wafers (about 8 oz)
1 TBSP Heavy whipping cream
8 oz Cashews
Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Lay Out Parchment Paper: Place a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface.
Prepare Cashews: Create 18 piles of cashews with some space in between.
Melt Caramels: Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave-safe bowl with heavy whipping cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until fully melted.
Coat Cashews: Spoon melted caramel over the cashew piles. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
Melt Chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Assemble Clusters: Using a spoon, pour melted chocolate over the caramel-coated cashews, ensuring each cashew is covered. Sprinkle sea salt if desired.
Cool and Set: Chill in the fridge until hardened or let sit at room temperature for about an hour to set.

Notes

You can customize these clusters with toppings like crushed nuts or drizzled caramel.
Ensure the clusters are fully set before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Microwave, Refrigeration
Cuisine: American