Irresistible Chocolate Espresso Almond Clusters: Your Go-To Easy Dessert and Snack
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich semi-sweet chocolate, aromatic espresso powder, and the satisfying crunch of almonds with these delightful Chocolate Espresso Almond Clusters. An effortlessly easy recipe that promises to be your new favorite go-to dessert or quick energy-boosting snack!
There’s a universally acknowledged truth: some days just call for chocolate. And if you ask us, every Monday, and indeed every day, benefits from a touch of indulgence, especially when it involves the magical combination of chocolate and coffee. Today, we’re thrilled to share with you a recipe that perfectly embodies this sentiment: these incredibly easy Chocolate Espresso Almond Clusters. They’re quick to make, utterly satisfying, and pack a wonderful flavor punch that will brighten any moment.
The inspiration for these irresistible clusters actually struck after a delightful encounter with chocolate-covered coffee beans, a thoughtful treat brought to work by a coworker one day. While I might not be a heavy coffee drinker, the pairing of deep, complex chocolate with the robust, earthy notes of coffee is something I simply cannot resist. This harmonious combination creates a flavor profile that is truly unique and profoundly satisfying, and it’s precisely what makes these clusters so captivating. The hint of espresso amplifies the chocolate’s natural richness without overpowering it, resulting in a perfectly balanced bite.
Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Espresso Almond Clusters
This recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum deliciousness. It begins with just a few core ingredients: high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and a touch of coconut oil. The choice of semi-sweet chocolate provides a delightful balance, offering enough sweetness to satisfy your cravings while allowing the espresso and almond flavors to truly shine. However, if you’re a fan of a more intense chocolate experience, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.
The Melting Magic: Chocolate and Coconut Oil
The first step involves melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil together. This can be easily achieved in a microwave-safe bowl using short 20-30 second bursts, stirring well after each interval until the mixture is beautifully smooth and glossy. The addition of coconut oil is a small but crucial detail. While you *can* omit it, I highly recommend including it. Coconut oil helps to create a smoother, more fluid chocolate consistency, making it easier to coat the almonds evenly. More importantly, it acts as a safeguard against the chocolate seizing in the microwave, ensuring a perfectly tempered, professional-looking finish. If coconut oil isn’t readily available, vegetable or canola oil can serve as suitable alternatives, performing the same essential function.
Infusing Flavor: The Power of Espresso
Once your chocolate mixture is velvety smooth, it’s time to introduce the star flavor enhancer: espresso powder. I typically order my espresso powder online, as its finely ground texture blends seamlessly into chocolate, truly elevating and deepening the cocoa notes. Espresso powder isn’t just for coffee; it’s a secret ingredient in many chocolate desserts, known for its ability to intensify the chocolate flavor without necessarily making the dish taste overtly like coffee. If you can’t find espresso powder or prefer not to order it, instant coffee granules are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just keep in mind that instant coffee granules are generally coarser. For a finer texture, you can easily give them a quick grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle before adding them to the chocolate. Always taste and adjust the amount of espresso or instant coffee to your personal preference – some like a subtle hint, while others enjoy a bolder coffee presence.
The Crunchy Heart: Perfect Almonds
Finally, the crunchy element: almonds. For this recipe, I consistently reach for Whole Natural Blue Diamond Almonds. Their consistent quality, fresh taste, and satisfying crunch are unmatched. While Blue Diamond offers an array of fantastic flavored almonds, their Whole Natural variety is my absolute favorite for recipes like these clusters, as it provides a pure, unadulterated almond flavor that complements the chocolate and espresso beautifully. Beyond their deliciousness, it’s worth noting Blue Diamond’s commitment to healthy lifestyles; they are proud to fuel Team USA Swimming athletes and serve as the official snack nut of the organization. Given their natural energy and nutritional benefits, these homemade chocolate espresso almond clusters would undoubtedly make a perfect, wholesome snack for athletes and anyone needing a quick, tasty pick-me-up!
Finishing Touches and Enjoyment
With all the components mixed, the final step is incredibly simple: scoop out portions onto a prepared baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate has completely hardened. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, turning your liquid chocolate mixture into solid, bite-sized delights. The ease of this process is truly remarkable, and the reward is even better! The subtle coffee flavor from the espresso powder adds a sophisticated depth without ever becoming overwhelming, making these clusters a delightful treat for all palates. They’re not just a dessert; they’re also an excellent easy snack for a quick energy boost, especially with the protein and healthy fats from the almonds.
One of the many joys of making almond clusters is their forgiving nature. There’s no need for perfection when scooping them out; embrace the rustic, homemade look! I typically aim for small-to-medium sized clusters, which usually yields around 20 pieces, perfect for sharing (or not!). For optimal enjoyment and to maintain their satisfying crunch and firm chocolate, it’s best to store these clusters in the refrigerator. They are absolutely divine when served cold, offering a refreshing snap with every bite. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and prepare to delight your taste buds. Enjoy!
Chocolate Espresso Almond Clusters
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Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder adjust to taste
- 1 and 1/2 cups Whole Natural Blue Diamond Almonds
- Optional: Sea salt for topping
Instructions
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in short 20-30 second increments, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and wonderfully smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to prevent burning.
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Once the chocolate is melted, mix in the espresso powder. Stir thoroughly until it is fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavor. Taste the mixture and adjust the espresso powder to match your personal preference for coffee intensity.
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Add the Whole Natural Blue Diamond Almonds to the chocolate mixture. Gently fold and stir until all of the almonds are generously coated with the rich chocolate.
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Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out irregular clusters onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cluster for an extra flavor boost and beautiful presentation. Once all the mixture has been used, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow to chill for a minimum of 45 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely hardened and set.
Notes
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds, celebrating the goodness of almonds in delicious recipes.
More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Blue Diamond Almonds
Looking for more innovative and delicious ways to incorporate Blue Diamond Almonds into your culinary repertoire? Explore these fantastic recipes!
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