Name: Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-484748H33M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: cup whole cashews (unsalted); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling); Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

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Caramel Cashew Clusters are a sweet, crunchy, and irresistible treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with the nutty crunch of cashews. These bite-sized candies are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to a dessert platter. The combination of caramel and cashews creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and comforting, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves sweet and savory treats.

The recipe is simple yet satisfying, and it comes together in just a few steps. All you need is some brown sugar, butter, cream, and cashews to create a homemade version of this popular candy. Plus, you can add a chocolate drizzle for extra flair! These clusters are sure to become a new favorite in your collection of easy-to-make desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Sweet and Salty Combination

The rich, buttery caramel and crunchy cashews provide the ultimate sweet and salty balance, making these clusters an irresistible snack.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can make these tasty treats in no time. No baking required!

3. Customizable

You can easily switch up the nuts or add a drizzle of chocolate to make them even more indulgent, giving you endless options.

4. Great for Gifting

These clusters are perfect for packaging in small boxes or bags as gifts for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

5. Make Ahead

These clusters can be made in advance and stored, making them a great choice for prep-ahead snacks or treats for a party.

Ingredients

Whole cashews (roasted and unsalted)
Brown sugar
Butter
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Salt
Optional: Chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the clusters once they’ve cooled and set.
Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of cashews, you can use almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead. These nuts work well with caramel and will still provide a satisfying crunch.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version of this treat.
Crunchier Caramel: To achieve a firmer caramel, cook the caramel for an extra minute until it reaches a slightly higher temperature.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

Place the roasted cashews into a large bowl. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can chop the cashews slightly, but whole cashews work well for clusters.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Cashews

Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the cashews in the bowl. Stir gently to coat the cashews evenly with the caramel.

Step 4: Form the Clusters

Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the caramel-coated cashews and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form small clusters, about 1 tablespoon per cluster.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the clusters chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel has hardened and the clusters are set.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you want to add a chocolate drizzle, melt some chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in 20-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled clusters and let them set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the clusters are set and the chocolate has hardened (if using), they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them immediately or store them for later!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the caramel from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Check the Caramel Consistency: Make sure the caramel thickens enough to coat the cashews without being too runny. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer.
Storage: Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Reheating: If the caramel becomes too hard, you can reheat it gently over low heat to soften it before serving.

How to Serve

Caramel Cashew Clusters are perfect as a sweet snack, but they can also be served as part of a dessert platter, alongside other candies and treats. They’re also a great addition to a charcuterie board for a mix of savory and sweet flavors. For a special touch, serve them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover caramel cashew clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks to keep the caramel soft and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze these clusters for up to 2 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

These clusters don’t need reheating, but if the caramel gets too hard, you can soften it by microwaving the clusters for a few seconds (just be careful not to melt the caramel too much).

FAQs

1. Can I use salted cashews?

Yes, salted cashews will add a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, but be mindful of how much extra salt you add to the caramel to avoid it being too salty.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all work well in this recipe. You can mix and match based on your preferences.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel?

While homemade caramel provides the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re in a pinch. Just heat it slightly before using.

4. Can I make these clusters without chocolate?

Yes! The caramel cashew clusters are delicious on their own, but the chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor and decadence. You can skip it if you prefer.

5. How do I store the clusters?

Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

6. Can I freeze the caramel cashew clusters?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

7. Can I make the caramel in advance?

Yes, you can make the caramel ahead of time, but it will need to be reheated before you coat the cashews. Simply warm it gently on the stove before using.

8. Can I use a different sweetener?

You can experiment with different sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup, though it may affect the flavor and texture of the caramel slightly.

9. How long does it take for the clusters to set?

The caramel will set in about 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but you can leave it longer if you want to ensure it’s fully hardened.

10. What should I do if the caramel is too runny?

If the caramel isn’t thickening, let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn it!

Conclusion

Caramel Cashew Clusters are the perfect blend of rich caramel and crunchy cashews, creating a treat that’s both sweet and savory. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself, sharing with friends, or gifting them to someone special, these clusters are sure to impress!