Cranberry Nut Clusters

Cranberry nut clusters are simple to make and packed with flavor. Melted chocolate holds dried cranberries, nuts and seeds in each chewy, crunchy bite.

You might also like Fruit Loop Squares, Valentine Pretzel Snack Bites, White Chocolate Hearts, Homemade Turtles, or Homemade Kit Kat Bars.

Why You’ll Love It           

No baking required: These treats come together with just a few minutes of prep.
Sweet and salty: The balance of chocolate, fruit and nuts is perfectly satisfying.
Naturally gluten free: No flour or gluten ingredients make them easy to enjoy.
Customizable: You can switch up the toppings based on what you have on hand.
Perfect for gifting: These make thoughtful, homemade holiday or party gifts. 

Cranberry Nut Clusters Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Milk chocolate chips: Provide a rich and creamy base that holds everything together.
Pistachios: Add a nutty crunch and vibrant color.
Hazelnuts: Offer a deeper, toasted flavor and extra texture.
Pumpkin seeds: Contribute a mild, earthy crunch and added variety.
Dried cranberries: Give a chewy texture and a burst of sweet-tart flavor.

How to Make No Bake Cranberry Nut Clusters

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Line the tray: Place parchment paper or wax paper on a baking sheet.
Melt the chocolate: Place chocolate chips in a large bowl and microwave to melt.
Form the clusters: Spoon out melted chocolate into small circles on the parchment.
Add the toppings: Gently press a mix of nuts, seeds and cranberries onto each chocolate circle.
Chill to set: Place the tray in the refrigerator and cool completely until the chocolate is firm.

Substitutions and Variations

Use dark or white chocolate chips: Any chocolate chips will work based on your taste.
Try other nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts make great alternatives.
Make it gluten free: This recipe is already naturally gluten free as written (but do double-check the chocolate chips ingredients).
Include cereal: You might like to add Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes (or another favorite cereal). Don’t add too much as the cereal mixture won’t hold together if there’s too much cereal in there.
Adjust the sweetness: Include sugar for more sweetness or swap the milk chocolate chips for bittersweet chocolate (or similar) for less sweetness.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Add extra flair: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or drizzle with extra melted chocolate.
Use different dried fruit: Dried cherries or blueberries are great swaps for cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

With a smoothie: Pair your cranberry nut clusters with a peach and pineapple smoothie or mango matcha smoothie.
With a hot drink: They’d also be good with a cinnamon dolce latte or perhaps some boozy hot chocolate for a treat!
On the go: Grab one for breakfast-on-the-go, and perhaps some other make ahead treats like egg bites or tropical trail mix.

How to Store Nut and Cranberry Clusters

Store: Keep these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You could also refrigerate them for a firmer texture (if you do this, they might develop a white film on the chocolate but they’re perfectly safe to eat).
Freeze: You could freeze these to make frozen treats.
Thaw: Nut coated energy clusters don’t take long to thaw at room temperature.