Cashew Clusters with Almonds
Cashew clusters are a delicious blend of crunchiness, sweetness, and saltiness, making them the perfect snack any time of the day. These clusters are so good that they will become your new favorite treat.
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If you are looking for a quick and easy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth, these cashew clusters are for you! Based on the version of Costco’s cashew clusters, this recipe is simple to make with a few easy steps and just a few ingredients with minimal prep time. And the best part? These easy treats are made wth only 3 tablespoons of maple syrup in the entire recipe, they are much lower in sugar than the packaged version.
If you like this recipe, try our coconut clusters recipe!
Why you will Love this recipe
- It’s an easy recipe made with simple ingredients.
- Cashew clusters are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and they are customizable too!
- Buttery cashews are a great source of healthy fats and protein, perfect for healthy eating.
Here is what you will need to make crispy cashew clusters
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
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Ingredients
- Raw cashews
- Raw almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Maple syrup
- Sea salt flakes
🥄Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Mini silicone cupcake liners
- Wooden spoon
How to make this cashew clusters recipe
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f, and line mini muffin tins with liners or arrange mini silicone muffin cups on a baking sheet.
STEP 1: Add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir gently to combine.
STEP 2: Use a small spoon to drop the nut mixture into each cupcake/muffin liner, place into the oven, and bake for 18 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, cool and enjoy.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
The complete list of ingredients to make this recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.
Cashews – Look for whole raw whole cashews to make this recipe. Organic cashews are my favorite nut for this recipe, but regular cashews are fine.
I like the buttery flavor they add to these clusters, but you can use just about any combination of other tree nuts you like in this recipe. Pecans, walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts will all work.
Pumpkin seeds – Add crunch and can be substituted with sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Maple Syrup – Look for real maple syrup, not pancake syrup to make this recipe. If maple syrup isn’t available, honey or brown rice syrup can be used.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from eating them as they are, crumble one or two cashew almond clusters and use them to top ice cream or yogurt.
They are also a great addition to a salad like this arugula and peach salad.
How to store cashew clusters
To maintain freshness, store your cashew clusters at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. I
Recipe variations
Crunchy cashew clusters – Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or quinoa for extra crunch.
Spicy clusters – Add an eighth of teaspoon cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Dark chocolate cashew clusters – This one is for chocolate lovers, melt a half cup of rich dark chocolate and drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the clusters, after baking them add a dash of coarse sea salt. You can also use a half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed into the mixture before baking.
If you prefer milk chocolate or white chocolate, they will work too!
Coconut – Add a half cup of unsweetened coconut flakes to the mixture for a little extra crunch.
Pan Method – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and instead of placing the mixture into cups, spread the mixture. Bake and allow the mixture to completely cool off. Break it into small pieces and enjoy!
Tips
- For the best results, allow the clusters to cool off completely before serving so the syrup hardens and the clusters become crispy.
- If you don’t have mini silicone cupcake liners, use regular-sized or paper cupcake liners.
- Speed up the cooling process by placing the clusters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
To make sure your clusters hold together, make sure that the syrup coats all of the ingredients before dropping the mixture into the mini cupcake liners.
Yes, this recipe is vegan as written. However, if you choose to use honey instead of maple syrup, it will not be vegan. Also, check ingredients for any additions that you may add that aren’t included in the recipe such as chocolate, unless it’s vegan chocolate.
As written, this recipe is gluten-free. If you add any other ingredients, check the ingredients lables.
Yes, these clusters are freezer-friendly. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag once they have reached room temperature. They will last in teh freezer for up to three months. Defrost them at room temperature and enjoy!
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Speedy Supper Solutions!
Get dinner on the table fast with these ideas.
More healthy sweet treats
- Maple Glazed Cashews
- Chocolate Energy Bites with Dates and Peanuts
- Healthier Magic Cookie Bars
- Coconut Clusters
- Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
- Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 raw almonds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place 3/4 cup raw cashews, 3/4 raw almonds1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 3 tablespoons maple syrup into a bowl
- Stir to combine well, making sure the ingredients are entirely covered with the syrup
- Use a spoon to drop the mixture into mini muffin liners.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes – until they start to turn golden brown.
- Allow the cashew clusters to cool completely, and carefully remove them from the muffin liners.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
Thank you for this. We picked up a bag to try from Costco and OMG these are dangerous things. They are also a 2 hr drive from me, so I’ll be giving this a try as I like to control my amounts and ingredients. I’ll let you know how it goes in the next few weeks. Again thanks for taking the time to do this one.
You are welcome Chris, enjoy!
These were delicious but how did you get the clusters to not stick to the mini muffin liners? Mine stuck.
Hi Marhsa, I am sorry to hear that they stuck to the muffin liners. I have not had that problem with my silicone liners. Try spraying the liners with avocado oil spray or coat the liners with a thin coating of oil.