If you're following a ketogenic diet and have a love for chocolate, these Keto Chocolate Nut Clusters are the perfect solution. Enjoy the combination of chocolate and nuts without the worry of excess carbs. These sugar-free nut clusters pack a punch of flavor, making them an ideal after-dinner treat or a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter. With minimal net carbs per cluster, you can indulge in these without the guilt.
Why Keto Chocolate Nut Clusters?
Many people find it challenging to stick to a keto diet when sweet cravings hit. These keto chocolate nut clusters offer a way to satisfy those cravings while staying within your carb limits. They are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these tasty keto chocolate peanut candy, gather the following ingredients:
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Opt for your preferred brand of sugar-free chocolate chips to keep the nut clusters keto-friendly. Lily's semi-sweet chocolate chips, which contain erythritol and stevia extract, are a great option, offering the taste of real chocolate with zero net carbs. You can also use a mix of Lily's semi-sweet and chocolate salted caramel chocolate chips to make them have the flavor of a chocolate turtle. For a darker option, consider using dark chocolate.
- Coconut Oil: This keto-friendly oil adds a creamy texture to the melted chocolate, preventing it from becoming too thick.
- Nuts: Peanuts are a classic choice for nut clusters, but feel free to experiment with other keto-friendly nuts like pecans, macadamia nuts, or a mix of your favorites.
- Optional Add-Ins: Consider adding dried cranberries for a chewy consistency and sweet taste. Be sure to use a low-carb variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make your own keto chocolate nut clusters:
- Prepare Your Pans: Line two 13x9 inch pans with wax paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth (approximately 1-1½ minutes total). Alternatively, set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl on top of a saucepan filled with about 1 inch of water.
- Add Nuts (and Extras): Once the chocolate has melted, add your chosen nuts to the bowl. If desired, add dried cranberries or other keto-friendly extras. Stir until the nuts are completely coated with chocolate.
- Form the Clusters: Drop large spoonfuls (or use an ice cream scoop) of the chocolate-nut mixture onto the prepared wax paper or parchment paper.
- Chill: Freeze the clusters for 30-45 minutes, or until completely set. You might want to remove the chocolate peanut clusters from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving; they will soften a bit if you do this.
Tips for Success
- Ensure Proper Melting: Heat the chocolate slowly, about 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each interval, to prevent burning.
- Customize Your Clusters: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, chocolate types, and add-ins to create your perfect keto chocolate nut cluster.
- Storage: Keep the Keto Chocolate Nut Clusters fresh by placing them in a food storage container. Add parchment paper to the bottom of your food storage container and separate rows of these nut clusters with parchment paper, too. Do not just throw them on top of one another, or they can get stuck and create a big mess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your keto chocolate nut clusters:
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- Nut Variations: Use any combination of keto-friendly nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of sugar-free chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Add-Ins: Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a salty-sweet flavor, or mix in unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, or chopped cocoa nibs for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These keto chocolate nut clusters are perfect as:
- A quick and easy dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your keto diet.
- A holiday treat: Add them to your dessert platter for a keto-friendly option.
- A snack on the go: Pack a few clusters for a quick and satisfying snack.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated with the assistance of a third-party service. Values are approximate, can’t be guaranteed, and should be considered as estimates only. Values differ according to types and brands of foods used. When used in a recipe, erythritol has been removed from the carb count as it is a sugar alcohol. Each cluster contains just over 1 NET CARB.
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