Description
These Caramel Cashew Clusters are the perfect combination of rich, buttery caramel, crunchy cashews, and a touch of chocolate. Sweet, salty, and totally addictive, these bite-sized clusters are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashews:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cashews out on a baking sheet in an even layer. Toast them in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, stirring halfway through to avoid burning. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Allow the caramel to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Cashews and Caramel:
- In a large bowl, pour the toasted cashews. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the cashews and stir until all the nuts are well-coated.
- Form the Clusters:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a spoon, scoop small spoonfuls of the cashew-caramel mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow the clusters to form, each about 1-2 tablespoons in size.
- If you like, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the clusters at this point to enhance the flavor.
- Add the Chocolate Drizzle (optional):
- If you’re using chocolate chips, melt them by placing the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel cashew clusters using a spoon or fork for a decorative touch.
- Cool and Set:
- Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the caramel has set and the chocolate is firm. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve:
- Once fully set, serve your caramel cashew clusters or store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Customize with other nuts: If you prefer, you can swap cashews for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- For a healthier twist: You can try using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate and reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel if you’d like to make these a bit lighter.
- Gift idea: These clusters make a great homemade gift. Simply pack them in a cute jar or box and add a ribbon!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (includes toasting nuts and making caramel)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel cashew clusters, caramel cashew treats, nut clusters, chocolate caramel clusters, easy caramel recipes