Chocolate Nut Clusters (Low-carb option)
Crunchy, chocolatey & healthier than the average treat, chocolate nut clusters are easy to make and adaptable to low-carb, sugar-free and gluten-free diets.
Once in a while everyone needs a little treat. But it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. And you don’t need to pass if you’re on a special diet. These chocolate nut clusters are naturally gluten free and can be made with regular or sugar free chocolate. Perfect for low-carb or sugar-free diets.
And did I mention they’re delicious?
I’ve always been one to enjoy a homemade candy. It’s a tasty snack or dessert that can feel really special. And if you make it yourself, you know what’s in it!
Like healthy nuts and (maybe healthy) chocolate.
Healthier Snacking
According to CNN health “Nuts are rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, which lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol; plus, they are a good source of phytosterols, compounds that help lower blood cholesterol. They are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin E, potassium and magnesium.” 
Studies of chocolate have yielded more mixed results. Per Harvard Health, “While some observational studies have linked chocolate consumption to reductions in heart disease and dementia, they don’t establish a cause-and-effect relationship.”
Ultimately, the key may be moderation. That’s why this recipe is small, making a mere 8 pieces. Double or triple it if you are feeding a crowd.
Yes, small can be beautiful. Not that I lack willpower or anything.
Chocolate versus Candy Melts
Now there is one final suggestion I want to leave you with. And that is to use real chocolate rather than candy melts which may have hydrogenated oil (and some flavor difference).
I bring this up because some people feel that candy melts are easier to use. When it comes to temperamental white chocolate, I totally agree, and often reach for the candy melts. But regular chocolate isn’t that difficult. Just avoid overheating it and don’t get it wet and it should be smooth sailing.
Candy Forming
When I decided to make these, I wanted to find a way to form the pieces that wasn’t too difficult. I’ve had my share of chocolate dribbled all over the kitchen–and a messy cleanup violates my “easy” goal!
Skinny Taste provided a simple method that worked very well. You dip a single nut in chocolate using a fork and set it on wax paper. Then dip a second and lean it on the first, followed by a third dipped nut. Easy peasy.
Now I have one more option in case you need an even easier version. You can make your nut clusters in small mini-muffin cups. Mix the nuts and chocolate then drop a spoonful into a muffin cup. Cool until solid. Not quite as cute but probably what I’d do for mass production.
Finally, these chocolate nut clusters have one other addition that makes them even more fun and flavorful. I have topped them with a sprinkle of sea salt or shredded unsweetened coconut. This is totally optional. Though I’d never turn down some extra special.
Enjoy.
Chocolate Nut Clusters
Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate chips regular or sugar free for low-carb (see note)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa butter or coconut oil (optional, see note)
- 1-2 ounces of nuts 24 pieces
- 1/2 Tablespoon flakey sea salt for sprinkling optional
- 1/2 Tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Place oil, if using, and chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar) in a small microwavable bowl like a custard cup. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat in 10 second intervals of cooking/stirring until melted. Alternatively you can use a double boiler and transfer to a small dish.
- Lay out a sheet of wax paper for the candy to set up on.
- Using a fork, dip one nut in the melted chocolate and set on the wax paper. Dip a second nut and set it leaning against the first. Repeat with a third nut.
- Top with a pinch of sea salt or shredded coconut.
- Repeat with the remaining nuts to form eight nut clusters.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Loaf Cake by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Chocolate Nut Clusters by Art of Natural Living
- Double Chocolate Rye Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Duff’s “The Brownie” by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies by Blogghetti
- Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Tart by That Recipe
- Lunch Lady Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars by Family Around the Table
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars by Making Miracles
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups by Sweet Beginnings
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse by Veggies First Then Dessert
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Love these! Good tip in the coconut oil, too. I absolutely need treats these days – and a little chocolate does the trick, especially with a cluster of nuts!
I am now playing with cocoa powder, sweetener and cocoa butter to see if I can bypass the diet chocolate chips–at least until winter when shipping chocolate is safer!
I always like a bite of chocolate after dinner and these would be great. A suggestion, once the cluster has dried you can re dip the whole cluster for a chocolatier version. After all you can’t have too much chocolate.
I agree–never too much chocolate!
That would be perfect with those cashews and I guess pistachios as well
Really any type of nut(s) would be great Raymund.
Such great tips – and these just look like the perfect bite sized chocolate treat!
Thanks Rebekah!
These are perfect for a late night treat once the house is quiet and I get a little “me time”. One or two would fill the need for decadence, but not be too “naughty”
Yes that’s right!
I love that this recipe only makes a small amount…perfect snacking
I was serious that I can’t trust myself Lisa 😉
What a delicious treat! Nuts and chocolate are always so good together.
So true! I’ve been know to even just toss a few chocolate chips and nuts into my mouth together 😉
I always use real chocolate and this looks like a perfect treat.
I don’t know why people avoid real chocolate Tandy…
I’m always looking for healthier desserts to make for my husband and I, and these small batch chocolate nut clusters are perfect!
Yes, sometimes it just takes a little something…
I love these little nut clusters and they sound so easy! The salt and the coconut sound like excellent toppers!
I thought the topping was nice to make it a little more special!
This looks amazing and the easiest candy recipe to make. Thanks for reminding to use real chocolate 😉
Isn’t it great when easy and tasty come together!