Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters (Brown Bear Paws) Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters, also known as Brown Bear Paws, are a delicious combination of sweet caramel, crunchy salted cashews, and rich chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (11 ounces) caramel bits
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (205 g) salted cashews
• 16 ounces chocolate almond bark

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits, butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
3. Step 3: Stir in the salted cashews until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
4. Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop clusters of the caramel-cashew mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes, or until firm.
5. Step 5: Break the chocolate almond bark into pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove the chilled caramel clusters from the refrigerator in small batches to prevent softening. Using a fork, lift each cluster and gently dip it into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to help coat the top if needed.
7. Step 7: Lift the dipped cluster out of the chocolate, tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, and place it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a toothpick or skewer to slide the candy off the fork if it sticks.
8. Step 8: Repeat the dipping process with all clusters.
9. Step 9: Let the candies set at room temperature until fully firm, or refrigerate the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes for faster setting.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute the cashews with toasted coconut flakes or pretzel pieces.
• Use dark, milk, or white chocolate almond bark to customize the flavor.
• Adding a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets enhances the flavor contrast.

Storage

Store the finished clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a firmer texture, keep them refrigerated. If refrigerated, allow the clusters to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips or bars, but almond bark melts more smoothly and sets quickly, making it easier to work with for dipping.

How long do these clusters stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these clusters stay fresh for about one week at room temperature and up to two weeks if refrigerated.

Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters (Brown Bear Paws) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 17 servings 1x

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Description

Delightful Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters, also known as Brown Bear Paws, combine creamy caramel, crunchy salted cashews, and rich chocolate almond bark. These no-bake clusters are perfect bite-sized treats that balance sweet and salty flavors, ideal for snacking or gifting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Mixture

• 1 bag (11 ounces) caramel bits
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (205 g) salted cashews

Chocolate Coating

• 16 ounces chocolate almond bark

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for the clusters.
2. Melt Caramel Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
3. Add Cashews: Stir in the salted cashews until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
4. Form Clusters and Chill: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop clusters of the caramel-cashew mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes until the clusters are firm.
5. Melt Chocolate Bark: Break the chocolate almond bark into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
6. Dip Clusters in Chocolate: Remove the chilled clusters from the refrigerator in small batches to prevent softening. Using a fork, lift each cluster and gently dip it into the melted chocolate bark. Use a spoon to help coat the top if needed.
7. Place on Baking Sheet: Tap the fork lightly on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate coating and place the dipped cluster back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a toothpick or skewer to slide the cluster off the fork if it sticks.
8. Repeat for Remaining Clusters: Continue dipping all clusters until coated with chocolate.
9. Let Candies Set: Allow the dipped clusters to set at room temperature until fully firm, or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up the setting process.
10. Store Properly: Store the finished chocolate caramel cashew clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture.

Notes

• To ensure smooth caramel and chocolate melts, avoid overheating in the microwave by stirring frequently.
• Salted cashews add a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, but unsalted cashews can be used if preferred—consider adding a pinch of salt.
• Keep the clusters chilled during the dipping process to help maintain their shape and prevent melting.
• If almond bark is unavailable, high-quality compound chocolate or melting chocolate can be substituted.
• For easiest handling, use a small cookie scoop to form evenly sized clusters.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes of active microwaving and setting time
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate caramel clusters, cashew clusters, no bake dessert, caramel cashew treats, chocolate almond bark, easy sweets