Chocolate-covered almonds and cashews

Spread the love

Chocolate-covered almonds and cashews

Okay, picture this: me as a kid, sneaking into the kitchen late at night, eyes wide with excitement because the candy drawer held these irresistibly crunchy, chocolate-covered almonds and cashews. The moment I popped one into my mouth, the smooth chocolate melted perfectly around the nut’s satisfying snap—pure magic! Fast forward to today, and making these at home has become my go-to treat whenever I want to feel a little nostalgic (and a lot indulgent). Honestly, homemade chocolate-covered nuts feel like a tiny celebration with every bite. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll be wondering why you ever bought the store-bought versions. Ready to dive in and create your own batch of this crunchy, chocolaty goodness? Let’s go!

Quick Facts

  • Yield: About 2 cups
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (chilling time separate)
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

  • 1 cup whole almonds (raw or roasted)
  • 1 cup whole cashews (raw or roasted)
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for shinier chocolate)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, for finishing)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by prepping your nuts: if they aren’t already roasted, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, tossing every couple of minutes until they’re golden and smelling toasty. This brings out the best flavor and crunch.

Step 2:

Next, melt your chocolate gently. I like to use a double boiler setup or microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between. When almost melted, stir in the 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to add shine and smoothness to the chocolate coating.

Step 3:

Once melted, quickly toss the almonds and cashews into the chocolate, using a spoon or spatula to coat every nut evenly. Work fast here so the chocolate doesn’t set before you’re ready!

Step 4:

Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the chocolate-coated nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out so they’re not clumped together and let them cool slightly.

Step 5:

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the nuts while the chocolate is still soft for a sweet-salty pop that ramps up the flavor.

Step 6:

Pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm and glossy. Then, break apart any clusters, store in an airtight container, and enjoy!

Variations & Tips

  • Swap out half the nuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a mixed nut variety.
  • Use milk chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating.
  • Add a dash of cinnamon or chili powder to the melted chocolate for a spicy twist.
  • Don’t have coconut oil? Butter or a neutral vegetable oil works well to smooth the chocolate.
  • If chocolate seizes or becomes grainy, add a tiny splash of warm oil and stir vigorously to rescue it.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried berries or chopped toffee bits on top right after coating.

How I Like to Serve It

I love packing these chocolate-covered almonds and cashews into cute little jars as gifts during the holidays or bringing them along to potlucks—they’re always a crowd-pleaser! They also make for a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially on a crisp fall afternoon. Honestly, they’re such a perfect snack when you want something fancy but fuss-free.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week, or refrigerate to keep longer.
  • If chocolate blooms (white streaks) over time, it’s still tasty—just not as glossy.

Closing: Homemade chocolate-covered nuts are a little delicious batch of comfort and crunch, and once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without making them yourself!


Spread the love