The Best Chewy Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet, nutty caramel cashew clusters spark joy in every delightful bite.

Clusters like these melt hearts faster than chocolate on a warm day.

Crunchy cashews swimming in golden caramel create irresistible magic.

Rich flavors dance together, promising pure indulgence with minimal effort.

Small batch treats often become legendary among dessert enthusiasts.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction when you craft these addictive morsels.

Savor each cluster and watch everyone ask for your secret recipe.

Why Caramel Cashew Clusters Are Sweet And Crunchy Perfection

• Craft a Nutty Symphony: Blend three different nuts for a rich, complex flavor profile that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
• Master Caramel Alchemy: Transform simple sugar into a golden, glossy caramel sauce that coats nuts in a luxurious, crunchy embrace.
• Perfect Party Treat: Create irresistible clusters that wow guests at gatherings, from casual movie nights to elegant dessert spreads.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Snack: Achieve professional-level confectionery with basic kitchen tools and minimal culinary expertise, making gourmet treats accessible to everyone.

What You’ll Need For Caramel Cashew Clusters

• Cashews: Creamy and buttery nuts that provide a rich, smooth texture to the clusters.
• Almonds, Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add depth and variety to the nutty flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar: The primary ingredient that transforms into a golden caramel base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety caramel sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Enhances the caramel's flavor and provides a silky, luxurious texture.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel consistency.

• Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt: Adds depth and balances the sweetness with a subtle complex flavor.
• Baking Soda: Creates a lighter, airier caramel texture that coats the nuts evenly.

• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Provides a non-stick surface for easy cluster removal and cooling.

How To Make Caramel Cashew Clusters Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy removal of finished clusters.

Step 2: Create Nut Mixture

• Cashews
• Almonds
• Pecans

Step 3: Melt Sugar

Heat granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning until the sugar transforms into a golden amber color, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Caramel Base

Carefully pour heavy cream into the caramelized sugar. Whisk vigorously to develop a smooth caramel sauce. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble intensely.

Step 5: Enhance Caramel Texture

• Unsalted butter
• Corn syrup

Stir until fully integrated and the mixture becomes glossy.

Step 6: Finish Caramel Flavor

Remove caramel from heat. Quickly mix in vanilla extract and sea salt, ensuring even flavor distribution.

Step 7: Create Airy Caramel

Sprinkle baking soda over the caramel and whisk rapidly to create a lighter, more voluminous texture that will coat nuts evenly.

Step 8: Coat Nuts

Pour hot caramel over the nut mixture. Stir quickly to ensure complete and even coating of all nuts.

Step 9: Form Clusters

Swiftly drop spoonfuls of caramel-coated nuts onto the prepared baking sheet, creating individual clusters.

Step 10: Cool And Set

Allow clusters to cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until caramel hardens and becomes crisp.

Step 11: Store Clusters

Break apart any connected clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips To Keep Caramel Cashew Clusters Smooth

• Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for effortless cluster removal and minimal cleanup.
• Nut Mix Magic: Combine cashews, almonds, and pecans for a rich, complex flavor profile that adds depth to your caramel clusters.
• Caramel Control: Watch your sugar carefully while melting, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden amber color.
• Safety First: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and work carefully when adding cream to hot caramel, as the mixture will bubble intensely and can cause burns.
• Texture Trick: Whisk in baking soda quickly to create a lighter, airier caramel that coats nuts more evenly and provides a delightful crunch.

Flavor Swaps For Caramel Cashew Clusters

• Chocolate Drizzle Clusters: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled caramel clusters for extra richness and indulgence.
• Spicy Cinnamon Clusters: Add ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a warm, spicy kick.
• Sea Salt Coconut Clusters: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and extra sea salt on top of the clusters for tropical crunch.
• Maple Pecan Clusters: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup and use only pecans for a classic autumn-inspired treat.

What Pairs Well With Caramel Cashew Clusters

• Pair with Rich Bourbon: Select a smooth, aged bourbon like Woodford Reserve to complement the sweet caramel and nutty flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience that enhances the clusters' richness.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the clusters, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast with the crunchy caramelized nuts and provide a delightful temperature balance.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, bold dark roast coffee with deep, robust notes that will cut through the sweetness of the caramel and highlight the complex nutty undertones of the clusters.
• Enjoy with Aged Tawny Port: Select a well-rounded tawny port with caramel and dried fruit notes that will mirror the clusters' sweet profile and create a sophisticated dessert pairing.

How To Store Caramel Cashew Clusters Right

• Place clusters in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 10 days. Ensure container is sealed tightly to maintain crispness.
• Wrap clusters individually in wax paper, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to preserve texture.
• Keep in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Maintain consistent room temperature around 68-72°F to prevent caramel from becoming sticky.
• Add a small silica gel packet inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture, which helps maintain the clusters' crunchiness and prevents potential softening.

Caramel Cashew Clusters Questions Answered

• Why do I need to stir the sugar constantly while caramelizing?

Constant stirring prevents sugar from burning and ensures even, golden amber color without dark spots that can make the caramel taste bitter.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes, you can substitute or mix nuts based on preference, but maintain similar proportions to ensure proper caramel coating and cluster texture.

• What does baking soda do in this recipe?

Baking soda creates a lighter, airier caramel texture by introducing tiny air bubbles, which helps the caramel coat the nuts more evenly and provides a softer bite.

• How quickly should I work when making the clusters?

Work rapidly after adding baking soda and pouring caramel over nuts to prevent the mixture from cooling and becoming difficult to shape into individual clusters.

Caramel Cashew Clusters Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet, nutty caramel cashew clusters dance with rich, golden caramel and crunchy cashews, creating an irresistible homemade treat. Chocolate drizzle and sea salt elevate these clusters, promising pure indulgence for anyone craving a luxurious snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts and Seeds:

• 2 cups cashews
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup pecans

Caramel Components:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal of the clusters.
2. Combine cashews, almonds, and pecans in a large mixing bowl, creating a mixed nut base for the clusters.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning until it turns golden amber, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Carefully add heavy cream to the caramelized sugar, whisking vigorously to create a smooth caramel sauce. The mixture will bubble intensely, so use caution.
5. Incorporate unsalted butter and corn syrup into the caramel, continuing to stir until fully integrated and glossy.
6. Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Sprinkle baking soda over the caramel and whisk rapidly to create a lighter, airier texture that will help coat the nuts evenly.
8. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the mixed nuts, stirring quickly to ensure complete coating of all nuts.
9. Working swiftly, drop spoonfuls of the caramel-coated nuts onto the prepared baking sheet, creating individual clusters.
10. Allow the clusters to cool and set at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until the caramel hardens and becomes crisp.
11. Once completely cooled, break apart any connected clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their natural nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the caramel for an unexpected and sophisticated flavor twist.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled clusters for an extra decadent gourmet touch that elevates the entire treat.
• Use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and more complex caramel flavor for health-conscious individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg