Caramel Nut Clusters

An easy, delicious candy recipe that you can make in the microwave! With caramel, almonds, peanuts, pecans and chocolate these Caramel Nut Clusters have something for everybody.

Whether you love making homemade peppermint patties, or you want an easy candy like our rocky road fudge, I’ve got all the tips and tricks in every recipe to give YOU success!

Caramel Nut Clusters candy on brown linen.


Easy Microwave Candy Recipe

Homemade candy is one of my favorite things to make for people, especially around the holidays. A plate of peanut butter fudge or a bag filled with Saltine toffee created with love feels extra special!

These Caramel Nut Clusters are one of the easiest candies you can make and they test AMAZING! If you love my Turtle Fudge Recipe or Snickers candy bars, these are going to be right up your ally.

All you need for this recipe is a

  • microwave
  • a baking sheet
  • and a few basic ingredients

Whip up a batch of holiday candy today!

Ingredient Notes

  • Nuts – I used a combination of peanuts, almonds and pecans. You can swap out these with other nuts you like with chocolate if desired, just make sure they are roasted and salted for best flavor. We like to toast the nuts for extra flavor.
  • Caramel bits – If you can’t find caramel baking bits, substitute unwrapped caramel candies.
  • Milk chocolate – Substitute melted dark or white chocolate if preferred.
  • Butter – The nuts will already be salted so be sure to use unsalted butter so the clusters don’t get overwhelmingly salty.
Caramel Nut Clusters: easy, delicious caramel, almond, peanut, pecan and chocolate clusters!

Tips and Tricks

  • When you’re using your microwave to melt and combine ingredients, be sure to stir regularly. I start with one minute in the microwave to melt the butter with the caramel, then stir before heating another 30 seconds or so.The amount of time it takes to get everything melted and smooth will vary depending on the strength of your microwave so you may need more or less time than I did.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the nut clusters on it to set to prevent sticking and make clean up easier.
  • Use your fingers to shape the clusters into a more attractive round shape after plopping them on your baking sheet and before adding the melted chocolate.
  • Place a batch of these Caramel Nut Clusters in a mason jar topped with a ribbon for an easy holiday gift! I love having homemade treats on hand to give as small tokens of appreciation to people in my life.

Recipe FAQs

Can caramel clusters be made without a microwave?

Definitely! If you don’t have a microwave or prefer not to use it, you can heat the butter, caramel and cream in a stove pan on low to medium heat to get everything melted and combined. Stir constantly while heating and be careful not to let it boil.
For melting the chocolate sans microwave, you will need to use a double boiling method.

How do you store Caramel Nut Clusters?

Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about one week.

Can this be made without the peanuts?

Absolutely. If you need this to be peanut free, you can sub more almonds or pecans in their place.

Serve them alongside some Pecan Praline Candy with a few squares of Candy Cane Fudge or all on their own. It really is THAT easy to create your own delicious candy at home.

More Candy Recipes

Caramel Nut Clusters

5 from 3 votes
By: Aimee
An easy, delicious candy recipe made with caramel, almonds, peanuts, pecans and chocolate! Whip up a batch of Caramel Nut Clusters today!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 32

Ingredients 

  • 1 bag Premium Caramel Bits, or 25 caramel candies, unwrapped 11 ounce
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Heavy Cream
  • ½ cup Almonds chopped
  • ½ cup Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts
  • ¾ cup Halved Pecans
  • 6 ounces Milk Chocolate melted
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Instructions 

  • Lay a piece of parchment paper over a large cookie sheet. Set aside.
  • In a large, microwave safe bowl, add caramels, butter and heavy cream. Microwave on high for one minute.
  • Stir and microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir (if not yet completely melted, add another 30 seconds).
  • Fold in nuts.
  • Drop by large tablespoon onto parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Shape scoops with fingertips so they look nice.
  • Spoon a dollop of melted chocolate onto each cluster. Refrigerate until set (about 15 minutes). Store in airtight container in refrigerator for one week. ENJOY.

Notes

  • When you’re using your microwave to melt and combine ingredients, be sure to stir regularly. I start with one minute in the microwave to melt the butter with the caramel, then stir before heating another 30 seconds or so.The amount of time it takes to get everything melted and smooth will vary depending on the strength of your microwave so you may need more or less time than I did.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the nut clusters on it to set to prevent sticking and make clean up easier.
  • Use your fingers to shape the clusters into a more attractive round shape after plopping them on your baking sheet and before adding the melted chocolate.
  • Place a batch of these Caramel Nut Clusters in a mason jar topped with a ribbon for an easy holiday gift! I love having homemade treats on hand to give as small tokens of appreciation to people in my life.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 137mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Skip the expensive box of holiday chocolates, put down the candy thermometer and make these Caramel Nut Clusters instead!



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About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

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Posted on August 24, 2013

Comments & Reviews

  1. I, too, am a fanatic of the candy variety. These look perfect to hand out during Christmastime!

  2. Oh, wow…these are so simple that they are hard to resist! I absolutely love sweet-and-salty stuff together.

  3. All my favorite nuts covered in caramel? I like the idea of putting a warning label on them – “make at your own risk!” I would eat the whole batch, it’s just the way I am with nuts. Looks so delicious!

  4. They look wonderful! I love caramel and with the chocolate and peanuts, so good! Like a Snickers meets Turtle!

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