Walnut Chocolate Clusters Recipe (2024)

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These quick Walnut Chocolate Clusters are made with 3 ingredients and are delicious nut clusters perfect for a snack or as edible candy gifts for the holidays!

🍫 Why You Will Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients.

Made in one bowl.

Perfect edible candy gifts.

Easy to substitute with a variety of nuts.

Use a different flavor of chocolate.

Tasty morsels of walnuts, peanut butter, and melted dark chocolate. These quick and easy chocolate nut clusters make the best chocolate treats to enjoy as a quick snack or after dinner.

Just like my Chocolate Covered Almonds!

Chocolate covered nuts can make wonderful and festive edible gifts to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

To make these dark chocolate walnut clusters as gifts, wrap them up in a cellophane bag, with a bow, and you have delicious nuts in chocolate as a special homemade gift for the holidays or another special occasion.

Don’t want to use walnuts? No problem! Substitute the walnuts for peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, or pecans! Try using just one variety of nuts or add some excitement with a combination of nuts of your choosing.

If you choose to use peanuts instead of walnuts, you can decide whether you would like to add the peanut butter or leave it out.

Using melted dark chocolate/semi-sweet chocolate to coat the walnuts is rich and indulgent. If you don’t want to use dark chocolate or if you don’t have any on hand, try swapping it with either milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Enjoy these walnut chocolate clusters as an after-dinner treat. I love them after a Vegetable White Sauce Lasagna or a Vegetarian Shepherds Pie.

Another way to serve these scrumptious chocolate clusters is on a platter for morning or afternoon tea paired with a Homemade Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Cinnamon Hot Cocoa, or a homemade Milo.

If you’re interested in more holiday and Christmas treats, try these:

Gingerbread Rocky Road.
Peppermint Patties.
Decorated Gingerbread Cookies.
Peppermint Chocolate Bark.

📋 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here is what you need to make these tastyWalnut Chocolate Clusters:

Dark chocolate – is also known as semi-sweet chocolate in the US. To substitute, try using either milk or white chocolate.

Peanut butter – this is optional to add and you can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter. You’ll love the addition of PB paired with the chocolate!

Walnuts – whole raw walnuts work best. Also, try using toasted walnuts to add dimension to these delicious nut clusters. Substitute the walnuts for peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, or pistachios.

🥣 Step By Step Instructions (with photos)

How to make these chocolate covered walnuts in3 easy steps!

A full and detailed recipe card is at the bottom of this post.

1) Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof mixing bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat once melted and smooth.

2) Stir through the peanut butter if using. Pour in the walnuts and mix until coated well in the chocolate.

3) Spoon out a small bundle of walnuts, placing the clusters on the lined tray. Transfer the tray with the clusters to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until they’re set. Serve and Enjoy!

💭 Tips For Recipe Success

Use chocolate chips or a block of chocolate. When the chips melt, the consistency is thicker compared to that of a melted block of chocolate, however, both the chips and block work well for these nut clusters.

Substitute the walnuts for peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, or pistachios. Or a mixture of nuts.

Use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter. The peanut butter is optional but it does add a delicious flavor paired with the dark chocolate.

⏲️ Storage Instructions

Store chocolate nut clusters in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 1 week – 10 days.

Freeze chocolate nut clusters in a freezer-friendly container or freezer zip-lock bags and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

💬 Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use a different nut?

Yes. Swap the walnuts for peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, or pistachios. Use just one variety of nuts or use a mixture if you’re feeling fancy.

Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead?

Absolutely. Try using either milk chocolate or white chocolate for your chocolate clusters.

Do chocolate clusters need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Please refrigerate your chocolate walnut clusters as the chocolate can soften and begin to melt at room temperature and in warmer, more humid storage conditions.

Can I freeze chocolate nut clusters?

Yes. Once your chocolate nut clusters have been set, transfer them to a freezer-friendly container or freezer zip-lock bags and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. The chocolate can develop what is called fat bloom where the chocolate loses its shine and has a whiteish coating on the surface due to drastic temperature changes. If this happens, the chocolate is still edible, the appearance has just changed.

🥄 Related Recipes

Chocolate Blueberry Clusters

Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut Clusters

Chocolate Almond Clusters

Easter Bark

If you enjoy this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️ star rating and a comment review below. I love to hear what you think and it’s much appreciated. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Sam x

Walnut Chocolate Clusters Recipe

Samantha Pickthall

These quick Walnut Chocolate Clusters are made with 3 ingredients and are delicious nut clusters perfect for a snack or as edible gifts for the holidays!

4.35 from 32 votes

Ingredients

▢ 1 1/4 cups (220g) dark chocolate/semi-sweet chocolate chips or block
▢ 1 Tbsp smooth or crunchy peanut butter, optional
▢ 2 cups raw whole walnuts

Instructions

Line a flat baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare a double boiler with a heat-proof mixing bowl over simmering water.
Add the chocolate to the bowl and gently melt over the simmering water, stirring occasionally.
Once the chocolate has completely melted, turn off the heat.
Stir through the peanut butter if using.
Pour in the walnuts and mix until coated well in the chocolate.
Using a teaspoon or fork, spoon out a small bundle of walnuts, allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place it on the lined tray, ensuring they stay together in a cluster.
Repeat the above method with the remaining mixture.TIP:If there is still some chocolate left over and no walnuts, add extra walnuts to use up the chocolate and create even more clusters!
Transfer the tray with the clusters to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until they’re set.
Serve and Enjoy!
Store clusters in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 1 week – 10 days.

Notes

Use chocolate chips or a block of chocolate. When the chips melt, the consistency is thicker compared to that of a melted block of chocolate, however, both the chips and block work well for these nut clusters.

Substitute the walnuts for peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, or pistachios. Or a mixture of nuts.

Use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter. The peanut butter is optional but it does add a delicious flavor paired with the dark chocolate.

Store chocolate nut clusters in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 1 week – 10 days.

Freeze chocolate nut clusters in a freezer-friendly container or freezer zip-lock bags and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 13mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 0.4mg

Keyword chocolate clusters, nuts

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

First published in June 2021, this recipe was updated in January 2024 to include new step-by-step images, expert recommendations, storage guidelines and more.

FAQs

What chocolate goes well with walnuts? ›

Peanuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts have distinct flavors that go well with dark chocolate. Walnuts are a little bit milder and therefore work better with milk chocolate. Finally, nuts such as macadamias taste best with rich white chocolate due to their even milder flavor.

Keep Reading ›

What nut goes with milk chocolate? ›

Anyone who likes to have the two flavors of sweet and salty come together should pair your favorite type of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, with milk chocolate. You can also indulge in milk chocolate peanuts, which will leave you craving more!

Do pecans go well with chocolate? ›

Pecan nuts are a great snack all on their own, but adding chocolate in the mix makes them extra magical. Have you ever wondered why they work so great together? This is because pecans have a natural and distinct buttery taste that complements the sweetness of chocolate!

See Details ›

What type of nuts are in chocolate? ›

Our delectable nut chocolate recipes are crafted using the finest almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios and high-quality cocoa beans to create crunchy textures, perfectly balanced with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Get More Info Here ›

What are the best chocolate combinations? ›

Chocolate & Other Foods

Chocolate Type	Pairings
Milk Chocolate	Walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans Gruyère and Asiago cheese Coconut, orange, apples and cherries Peanut butter, honey and caramel
White Chocolate	Blackberries, blueberries, lemon, and lime Macadamia nuts and cashews Caviar Matcha, cardamom and saffron

1 more row

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What flavors pair with walnut? ›

Walnut: Pairs well with apple, apricot, banana, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, nectarine, peach, pear, plum, and rum. Though not common, nocino is a walnut-flavored liqueur.

See Details ›

What nut pairs best with white chocolate? ›

Nuts like almonds, pistachios, or macadamias can add a delightful crunch and balance to the creaminess of white chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, you could also pair white chocolate with biscotti or shortbread biscuits.

Get More Info ›

Is chocolate with nuts better? ›

According to some studies, combining chocolate and nuts can give nutrition by combining the good fats and antioxidants found in both nuts and dark chocolate. They're both heart-healthy foods, as well. When pairing chocolate with filling nuts, you may consume less chocolate and hence less refined sugar.

Read On ›

Which nut is best for chocolate? ›

Hazelnut. The sweet, mellow flavour of hazelnuts makes them an inviting addition to all kinds of chocolate products. These nuts pair especially well with milk chocolate, with which they share their creamy texture.

Read The Full Story ›

Which fruit is best with chocolate? ›

When you think of chocolate fruit combos, berries may be the first fruits that come to mind. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and cranberries all pair beautifully with chocolate because they offer a hint of tartness to offset sweeter flavor notes in the chocolate.

Discover More ›

Do pecans taste better than walnuts? ›

Walnuts tend to be a bit bitter compared to other nuts and are used to add a crunchy texture in desserts, salads, granolas, and oatmeal, among others. Pecans hold a more distinct flavor profile and contain a slightly sweeter taste.

See Details ›

What chocolate is 100% nut free? ›

PLAYin CHOC is a delicious certified organic & vegan chocolate that is free from fourteen common allergens including any form of nuts. Our entire supply chain, factory and machinery do not handle common allergens so you can enjoy the creamy deliciousness with peace of mind.

What chocolate has no nuts? ›

Kinder Chocolate

They are a real treat and nut-free.

Learn More ›

Which nuts go well together? ›

Almonds, walnuts, and pecans: These three nuts are a classic combination and provide a good mix of healthy fats and protein. 2. Cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries: This combination provides a balance of sweet and salty flavors, along with a variety of nutrients.

Find Out More ›

Do nuts and chocolate go together? ›

Peanuts and milk chocolate are a classic combination. Walnuts also go really well with milk chocolate, because they have a bit milder flavor. White chocolate: You will often find macadamia nuts paired with white chocolate, due to their very mild flavors. Cashews and white chocolate are another popular pairing.