These EASY vegan chocolate cashew clusters are so simple, they take only 4 ingredients + 5 minutes to make! Packed with rich chocolate, fresh cashews, and a hint of salt, these clusters make the perfect holiday treat. Pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes and you’re good to go!
I love creating easy feel-good treats in the kitchen during the holidays. For more fun chocolate recipes, try this easy dairy free fudge, rich chocolate pie, and almond joy vegan brownies.
Sometimes you feel like a nut
The holidays can be like a cluster of craziness. I remember my FIRST (and only) Black Friday shopping experience, which reminds me of how nutty the season can truly be. Normally, I resist such temptations, because holidays should be about family and extra servings of pumpkin pie.
But pulling on my favorite pants Thanksgiving morning also reminded me that a new pair would be a wise investment– the hem on this thrift store find wasn’t going to last much longer. Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t split right open when I was rushing around the kitchen or playing a game of hot Tetris while rearranging casserole dishes in the oven.
Friday morning, I was flying down the highway with my daughter for a “quick outing”. This was a necessity, after all. I relished in this decision as we walked through the front doors and saw an alluring stack of winter pants (with lining people!).
We made our selection, tried them on, and speed-walked our way to the front of the store to checkout. And that’s when I saw the insanity that was the line.
For the next 45 minutes, we took baby steps through a maze of displays to reach the cash register finish line. This was pure torture, because my brain was no match for the bait they set along the way: cozy mittens, knitted beanies, and cute adorable socks printed with avocados. It reminded me that a deal, no matter how good, always has a secret price.
Point is, sometimes you feel like a nut, and sometimes you don’t.
Recipe ingredients
- Vegan chocolate chips. Look for Enjoy Life brand or accidently vegan chocolate chips. I find that most semi-sweet chocolate chips do not contain dairy.
- Cashews. You can use unsalted or lightly salted.
- Coconut oil. I use unrefined, which gives these cashew clusters a hint of coconut flavor. However, refined will also work here too.
- Vanilla extract. Optional, but I prefer vanilla.
How to make vegan chocolate cashew clusters
- Add chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a small saucepan. Heat on LOW until chips and coconut oil are completely melted. You can also use the double boiler method, if preferred. Remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped cashews and vanilla extract. Let cool for 1 minute– this helps the mixture thicken up a touch.
- Drop in spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Size is up to you, but I aim to make 15.
- Pop in the freezer for 15 minutes until solid. Keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, although I bet they don’t last that long!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can keep your clusters stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to two months. I do not recommend keeping them on the counter at room temperature, since these contain coconut oil, and they will melt in warm temperatures.
Of course! Optional add-ins include pretzel pieces, mini vegan marshmallows, or other nuts like peanuts or almonds.
No, although I find that it’s much easier to melt your chocolate and keep the consistency right. Melting chocolate on its own can be tricky– if any steam gets into your chocolate it can cause clumping and create a big old mess. That’s why I recommend using coconut oil; it not only helps with texture but adds a nice flavor too. If you really can’t do coconut, try substituting with vegan butter.
Allergy Information
- These holiday cashew clusters are 100% vegan, meaning they are dairy-free and egg-free. They are also naturally gluten-free and soy-free when using Enjoy Life chocolate chips.
More vegan chocolate recipes:
- Simple Dairy Free Fudge
- Almond Joy Vegan Brownies
- Easiest Ever Chocolate Pie
- Specialty Dark Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
EASY Vegan Chocolate Cashew Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips such as Enjoy Life!
- 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
- 1 cup cashews chopped (I used unsalted, but I’m sure these would be good with ones that are lightly salted!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using the double boiler method, melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a small saucepan until chips and coconut oil is completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped cashews and vanilla. Let cool for 1 minute.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for 15 minutes until solid.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
Susan Lewis
Randi, can these clusters be made with butter or oil instead of coconut oil?
Randi Tisdall
Hi Susan, good question! Yes, I’m sure that dairy-free butter would work nicely here, since it will harden up once chilled. I do not recommend using oil, as that will thin out the chocolate. Alternatively, you can omit the oil altogether and just melt the chocolate in the double boiler, however, I like using coconut oil since you don’t have to worry about steam getting into your chocolate (which causes a whole new set of problems lol). Anyway, if you make these with dairy-free butter or without oil at all, I’d love to hear your results!
Amber Harrop
I love cashews and these look so moreish Randi
Randi Tisdall
Thank you Amber!
Leanna
Simple to create and the cashews are a bit different from what you usually see with chocolate. These looks really fantastic. Every time you make something chocolate I swoon, because I remember how I loved it before my allergy and your recipes always look really really good.
Randi Tisdall
Aw, I’m sorry about your allergy Leanna! Have you tried using carob chips as a replacement for chocolate?
Kimmythevegan
“people that suck at liking nutty chocolate.” Are there people that don’t like nutty chocolate??? I feel like if chocolate is involved, there is no problem!
Simple and delicious – totally loving it. These are great for the holidays and all year round!
Thanks so much for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays Randi! I’m pinning & sharing. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Randi Tisdall
Seriously!! Unless you have an allergy I don’t get why you wouldn’t love nutty chocolate!!
Amberjane
After savoring the delights of Vegan chocolate this week I know these will be heavenly Randi
Randi Tisdall
YAY! I can’t wait to see your vegan treats Amberjane!
Debrashoppeno5
Yum, I am drooling over the pictures. These look so good. Pinned.
Randi Tisdall
Lol, thank you so much for pinning!