Caramelized fruit and nut clusters are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a gift. With their combination of sweet, crunchy, and nutty flavors, these clusters are sure to please everyone. Making caramelized fruit and nut clusters at home is a relatively simple process, but it does require a bit of time and patience. The first step is to caramelize the sugar, which can be done in a saucepan or in the microwave. Once the sugar is caramelized, the fruit and nuts are added and stirred until they are coated in the caramel. The mixture is then poured onto a baking sheet and allowed to cool and harden. Once the clusters are cooled, they can be broken into pieces and enjoyed.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
FRUIT 'N' NUT CLUSTERS
Easy as 1-2-3, these fuss-free treats from Alexandra Marcotty of Cleveland Heights, Ohio are ready in a snap. The flavors blend well, creating the perfect bite-sized snack!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 10m
Yield 1 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips; stir until smooth. Stir in cranberries and cashews. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 41mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
CHOCOLATE NUT & CRAISIN CLUSTERS
This is such an easy recipe for a great tasting candy. I originally saw it in the Quick Cooking magazine. I rarely make less than a double recipe and they are always eaten up. These are also great to give away at holiday time or bring to a party. Experiment with flavored chocolates and fruit and nut combinations for something different. Cook time is refrigerator time.
Provided by Ducky
Categories Candy
Time 1h5m
Yield 24 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Melt chocolate chips in microwave for about 2 minutes.
- Chips will not appear melted.
- However, stir them to distribute the heat and get them melted.
- Add nuts and craisins, stirring until well coated.
- Drop teaspoonfuls onto a wax-paper lined cookie sheet.
- Place into refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Note: if doubling the recipe, microwave time does not double.
- Check chips at about 2 1/2 minutes and add small amounts of time until chips are melted.
- It takes a bit under 3 minutes for a double recipe in my microwave.
EASY WHITE-CHOCOLATE CLUSTERS WITH FRUIT AND NUTS
These easy treats are a delight at the end of any meal.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Time 15m
Yield Makes 20
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a small bowl, combine dried fruits and nuts.
- Heat white-chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Drop level tablespoons of melted chocolate onto prepared sheet, 2 inches apart. Mound fruit-nut mixture on top, pressing in gently. Refrigerate until set, 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 g, Fat 8 g, Protein 1 g
MIXED NUT CLUSTERS
Serve these little candies with hot chocolate to keep everyone happy and warm. They also make standout gifts-box them up with each cluster in its own foil or paper candy cup. -Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield 6 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips, milk and honey over low heat; stir until blended. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla; add nuts., Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 85 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 20mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
CARAMELIZED FRUIT AND NUT CLUSTERS
Make and share this Caramelized Fruit and Nut Clusters recipe from Food.com.
Provided by MARIA MAC
Categories Candy
Time 25m
Yield 24 clusters
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine sugars, milk, and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat till sugars dissolve and mixture boils. Continue cooking to soft ball stage (236 degrees F).
- Add butter or margarine and tablespoon vanilla. Let cool 10 minutes.
- Beat just till mixture begins to lose its gloss, 3 to minutes.
- Quickly stir in nuts and fruits till coated. Drop immediately from spoons onto buttered baking sheet.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 89, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 2, Sodium 10.7, Carbohydrate 15.5, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 14.1, Protein 0.9
Tips:
- Choose the right fruit: Use fruits that hold their shape well when cooked, such as apples, pears, or peaches. Avoid fruits that are too soft or watery, such as berries or bananas.
- Slice the fruit evenly: This will help them cook evenly. If the fruit is too thick, it will take longer to cook and may burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the fruit from sticking.
- Cook the fruit over medium heat: This will allow the fruit to caramelize slowly and evenly. If the heat is too high, the fruit will burn.
- Stir the fruit frequently: This will help prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Add the nuts at the end: This will prevent them from burning.
- Let the clusters cool completely before serving: This will help them set and harden.
Conclusion:
Caramelized fruit and nut clusters are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or dessert. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a quick snack at home. With a variety of fruits and nuts to choose from, you can customize the clusters to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat, try making caramelized fruit and nut clusters. You won't be disappointed!
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