These almond clusters are crunchy, chocolaty, naturally low in sugar, and made with only three simple ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick snack, dessert bite, or meal-prep treat that stores beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These almond clusters are a wonderfully simple confection that requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients. The combination of melted dark chocolate and roasted almonds creates a wholesome, satisfying treat with a deep cocoa flavor and a delightful crunch. They’re naturally lower in sugar when made with higher–cocoa–percentage chocolate and provide a small protein boost from the almonds. Plus, they set quickly in the freezer, making them ideal when you need something sweet without waiting long.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 ounces dark chocolate (choose 55% for sweet, 70% for balanced, or 85% for low sugar)
1 cup whole almonds (raw or roasted)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt flakes (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. Allow them to cool for about 30 minutes.
Add the dark chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
Fold the cooled almonds into the melted chocolate, stirring with a rubber spatula to coat them evenly.
Line a large sheet of parchment paper, lightly oiling it if desired.
Drop tablespoon-size portions of the chocolate-coated almonds onto the sheet, leaving space between each to form about 16 clusters.
Freeze the clusters for 10–12 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully hardened.
Top with a pinch of sea salt flakes before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 small clusters.
Prep time: 6 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Cooling/setting time: about 30–40 minutes total
Variations
Swap some almonds for dried fruit such as chopped dates, cranberries, or goji berries for a sweeter and chewier texture.
Use sliced or slivered almonds for clusters that are easier to bite into.
Try avocado oil or light olive oil instead of coconut oil for a subtler taste.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the melted chocolate for a warm, spiced flavor.
Mix in a handful of seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store almond clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
They can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Eat them straight from the freezer or let them soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
No reheating is required—just allow chilled clusters to warm slightly if you prefer a softer bite.
FAQs
How sweet are these almond clusters?
The sweetness depends entirely on the chocolate you choose. Higher cocoa percentages (70–85%) result in low-sugar clusters.
Can I skip roasting the almonds?
Yes. You can use pre-roasted almonds to save time or use raw almonds if you prefer their natural flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double each ingredient and prepare in batches if your tray does not fit all clusters at once.
What type of chocolate melts best?
High-quality dark chocolate bars melt smoothly and create the best texture for coating the almonds.
Can I use chocolate chips?
Yes, as long as you melt them gently with the coconut oil. Note that some chips contain stabilizers and may be slightly thicker.
How do I make the clusters easier to bite?
Use sliced or slivered almonds instead of whole almonds.
Can I add other nuts?
Yes. Hazelnuts, cashews, or walnuts work well as long as the mixture remains coated evenly.
Can I store them at room temperature?
If your home is cool, they can sit out for a short period. However, refrigeration keeps them firm and prevents melting.
Why add oil to the chocolate?
The oil creates a smoother, shinier melt and helps the chocolate coat the almonds more evenly.
Can I make them without added oil?
Yes. The texture may be slightly thicker, but the recipe still works.
Conclusion
These almond clusters are a fast, simple, and satisfying treat made with just three wholesome ingredients. They’re easy to customize, perfect for make-ahead snacking, and naturally low in sugar. Whether you enjoy them as a quick dessert or a nourishing chocolate bite, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite.
Crunchy, chocolaty, and naturally low in sugar, these 3-ingredient almond clusters are a simple, satisfying snack or dessert that sets quickly and stores well.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:6 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:16 clusters
Category:Snack
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
3 ounces dark chocolate (55%–85% cocoa, depending on sweetness preference)
1 cup whole almonds (raw or roasted)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. Let cool for 30 minutes.
Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Add cooled almonds to the melted chocolate and stir to coat evenly.
Line a sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-size portions of coated almonds onto the paper to form about 16 clusters.
Freeze for 10–12 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
Optional: sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before serving.
Notes
Use slivered or sliced almonds for easier biting.
Add cinnamon or cardamom to the melted chocolate for a spiced twist.
Swap in seeds or dried fruit for added texture or sweetness.
Choose high-cocoa chocolate (70–85%) for lower sugar content.
