Crunchy Almond Pecan Clusters Recipe

Serving: Makes about 3 cups (20-24 clusters)

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Nut Mixture:
1 1/2 cups raw almonds
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

For Finishing:
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which will make removal and cleanup much easier once the clusters are set.

If your almonds and pecans aren’t already roasted, spread them on a separate baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This step intensifies their natural flavors.

Let the toasted nuts cool slightly, then combine them in a large mixing bowl with the butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt, tossing until all nuts are evenly coated with the flavorings.

Set the seasoned nuts aside while you prepare the sugar coating that will bind everything together into beautiful, crunchy clusters.

Creating the Perfect Sugar Coating

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt, stirring just until the sugar dissolves.

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring, as stirring can cause crystallization that will ruin the smooth coating.

Cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage at 300-310 degrees Fahrenheit, which will create the perfect crispy coating that holds the nuts together without being too hard or chewy.

Watch the temperature carefully during the final stages, as sugar can go from perfect to burnt very quickly once it reaches the higher temperatures.

Combining Nuts and Coating

Once the sugar mixture reaches the proper temperature, immediately remove it from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract if using, being careful as the mixture will bubble up briefly.

Working quickly, pour the hot sugar mixture over the seasoned nuts, stirring rapidly with a heat-resistant spatula to coat all the nuts evenly before the sugar begins to set.

The mixture will be very hot and will begin to harden quickly, so speed is essential to ensure all nuts get properly coated and distributed.

Continue stirring until all nuts are well-coated and the mixture begins to thicken and hold together in cluster-like formations.

Forming the Clusters

Using two spoons or a small ice cream scoop, quickly drop spoonfuls of the coated nut mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, working fast before the sugar hardens completely.

Try to create clusters of similar size, about 2-3 tablespoons each, so they cook evenly and look uniform when finished. Don’t worry about perfect shapes – rustic appearance adds to their charm.

While the clusters are still warm and the coating is soft, sprinkle them lightly with flaky sea salt, which will adhere to the surface and provide a delicious sweet-salty contrast.

Allow the clusters to cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the sugar coating is completely set and crispy throughout.

Final Touches and Storage

Once the clusters have cooled and hardened completely, carefully remove them from the parchment paper. They should release easily when properly set.

Store the finished clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week if properly sealed.

Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful appearance.

Tips for Perfect Crunchy Almond Pecan Clusters

Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings, as the difference between perfect and burnt sugar happens very quickly at high temperatures.

Work quickly once the sugar reaches temperature, as it begins to set almost immediately and you need to coat all nuts before it hardens.

Don’t stir during cooking once the sugar mixture starts boiling, as this can cause crystallization that creates grainy rather than smooth coating.

Choose fresh, high-quality nuts as they’re the star of this confection and their flavor will be concentrated and highlighted by the coating process.

Line your pan well with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking that can ruin the appearance of your clusters.

Control humidity by avoiding candy making on very humid days, as moisture can prevent proper setting and make clusters sticky.

Test one cluster first to ensure proper consistency and adjust timing if needed for remaining clusters.

Store properly in airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent the coating from becoming soft or sticky.

Flavor Variations

Create different versions by adding spices like cardamom or ginger to the sugar mixture, or try different nut combinations while maintaining the same basic technique.

Gift-Giving Ideas

These elegant clusters make beautiful homemade gifts when arranged in clear cellophane bags or decorative tins, showing off their golden, crystalline coating.

Nutritional Information

Per cluster (based on 22 clusters):

• Calories: 95
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin E: 2.5mg
• Magnesium: 35mg

These nutritious clusters provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber from the premium nuts, along with vitamin E and magnesium that support heart and muscle health. Almonds and pecans are naturally rich in monounsaturated fats that may help reduce cholesterol levels. While they do contain added sugar, the coating is minimal compared to many commercial confections, and the nuts provide substantial nutrition that makes these treats both indulgent and relatively wholesome when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.