Ingredients
For the Clusters
- 16 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
- 2 cups roasted cashews, lightly salted
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped and chopped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, only if needed for a smoother chocolate consistency
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 1/4 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cashews
- 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Make sure the tray fits comfortably inside your refrigerator. You’ll need enough room to arrange the clusters without touching each other.
You can also prepare small paper candy liners if you prefer a more polished presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Cashews
Place the roasted cashews in a large mixing bowl.
If the cashews are very large, break a few into smaller pieces, but leave most of them whole or roughly chopped. Keeping some larger pieces creates a satisfying crunchy texture.
Set aside approximately two tablespoons of chopped cashews for decorating the tops.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
White chocolate can scorch easily, so avoid overheating it.
If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a small amount of coconut oil until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel
Place the 1/2 cup chopped soft caramel candies and two tablespoons of heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramel becomes smooth and pourable.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
If the caramel is still too thick, add a little more cream, approximately one teaspoon at a time.
Allow it to cool slightly before using. It should remain soft and spoonable without being hot.
Step 5: Coat the Cashews
Pour the melted white chocolate over the prepared cashews.
Using a large spatula, gently fold everything together until the cashews are generously coated.
Make sure the chocolate reaches the bottom of the bowl so all the nuts are evenly covered.
Step 6: Add the Caramel
Drizzle approximately half of the prepared caramel over the white chocolate-coated cashews.
Gently fold just once or twice to create caramel ribbons throughout the mixture.
Avoid mixing too much because you want visible caramel swirls rather than a completely uniform mixture.
If the caramel becomes too thick while working, warm it briefly until it becomes spoonable again.
Step 7: Shape the Clusters
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Create small, rustic clusters, making sure each portion contains plenty of cashews.
Leave a little space between the candies so they don’t stick together.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the remaining caramel over the tops of the clusters.
Sprinkle with the reserved chopped cashews and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
For an extra decorative finish, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the candies.
Step 9: Chill Until Firm
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 30–45 minutes, or until the white chocolate has completely set.
Once firm, carefully lift the clusters from the parchment paper.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use roasted cashews: Roasted nuts provide a deeper, richer flavor than raw cashews.
- Choose melting wafers: They generally produce a smoother coating and are easier to work with than ordinary white chocolate chips.
- Melt white chocolate slowly: Short microwave intervals prevent overheating.
- Keep caramel soft: If it becomes too thick, gently rewarm it with a small amount of cream.
- Don’t add hot caramel: Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the melted chocolate.
- Create visible swirls: Fold the caramel gently rather than stirring it completely into the white chocolate.
- Make similar-sized clusters: A cookie scoop helps the candies look consistent and set evenly.
- Don’t skip chilling: The chocolate needs enough time to become firm before you move the candies.