Dark Chocolate Cherry Clusters
Chocolate Cherry Clusters
Easy no-bake clusters made with melted dark chocolate, chewy dried cherries, and toasted nuts. They set in the refrigerator and make a simple candy-style dessert or snack.
These dark chocolate cherry clusters are the kind of simple treat that depends on balance: bittersweet chocolate, tart dried cherries, and toasted nuts in every bite. The clusters look polished enough for a dessert tray, but the method is straightforward and does not require candy thermometers or baking.
Toasting the nuts briefly before mixing gives the clusters a deeper flavor and keeps them from tasting flat against the chocolate. Almonds add crispness, pecans add a softer buttery note, and the cherries bring chew and brightness.
The chocolate only needs gentle melting. A short rest in the refrigerator firms the clusters without making the fruit tough, so they can be served chilled or left at cool room temperature for a short time.
Finish with flaky salt if you like a cleaner contrast to the sweetness. Store the clusters in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and they are ready for snacking, gifting, or setting out after dinner.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and make room for it in the refrigerator.
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2
Place the almonds and pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly deeper in color.
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3
Transfer the toasted nuts to a cutting board, let them cool for 2 minutes, then roughly chop them into bite-size pieces.
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4
Add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each burst, until the chocolate is smooth.
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5
Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate, then fold in the chopped nuts and dried cherries until everything is evenly coated.
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6
Spoon heaping tablespoon portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cluster.
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7
Sprinkle the tops lightly with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still glossy.
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8
Refrigerate the clusters for 20 to 30 minutes, until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate Chips:10 oz
- Raw Almonds:1/2 cup
- Pecan Halves:1/2 cup
- Dried Tart Cherries:3/4 cup
- Coconut Oil:1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract:1/2 teaspoon
- Flaky Sea Salt:1/4 teaspoon
Tips & Notes
- Use chocolate between 60% and 72% cacao for a balanced bittersweet flavor.
- If the dried cherries are very firm, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry before mixing.
- Keep the microwave bursts short so the chocolate melts evenly instead of scorching.
