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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for the clusters.
- 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.
- Add Cashews: Stir in the salted cashews until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat for Remaining Clusters: Continue dipping all clusters until coated with chocolate.
- 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.
- 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
