This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
I tore the November page off of my desk calendar last night. I’ve been staring at a gigantic diet coke stain for about 2 weeks and couldn’t take it anymore. Although I’m a couple of days early, seeing December in big, bold letters across my desk made me feel flustered and anxious.
In theory, the holidays really shouldn’t be all that stressful, but let’s face it – they are. My holiday to-do list is a mile long. The rational side of me knows that I’ll never accomplish everything on it, but the go-getter in me forces me to give it one hell of a shot.
Because I know how crazy December can be, I decided to create a variety of recipes to share with you. Some will be a little more involved, but others will be incredibly simple like these Caramel Cashew Clusters. My hope is to arm you with a vast array of holiday recipes that will get you through any cookie swap, gift exchange, holiday party, or emotional eating extravaganza.
Today’s post is all about simplicity. These Cashew Clusters only require a few ingredients; they come together in minutes and always end up disappearing just as quickly as you made them. I hope you adore this sweet and salty holiday candy as much as we do.
Caramel Cashew Clusters
Ingredients
- 30 individually wrapped caramels unwrapped {about 8 ounces}
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup salted cashews coarsely chopped
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
- 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine caramels and cream. While stirring constantly, heat mixture until caramels are fully melted. Remove pan from heat.
- 3. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the vanilla and cashews until they are thoroughly mixed into the melted caramels.
- 5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and shortening until smooth stirring every 30 seconds or so.
- 6. Drizzle melted chocolate over clusters. See recipe notes for storage information.
Notes
- Definitely feel free to experiment with the type of nuts that you use. Salted pecans or peanuts would be delicious.
- Love chocolate? You can definitely cover these completely with chocolate, you'll just have to play around with the proportions a bit. We prefer them with just a drizzle.
It is the end of the year list of to do’s that make me stressed out…Inventories, financial reports, household lists and errands to do and deadlines to beat. Ugh! The holidays should be festive, I know right! That is why I am staying in the kitchen with my apron, despite the piles of paper works left undone. I am making myself these Caramel Cashew Clusters…After all, I need a stress reliever! Thanks for sharing!
I cannot get individual packed caramels any other idea?
thanx a lot!
I love all kinds of caramel so this is wonderful!
I like caramel, I like cashews, and I love chocolate. These seems perfect for whipping up on a weekend.
these look amazing, perfect for the holidays :)
Looks absolutely delicious!
Jamie,
Do you have an ounces measurement for the caramel. I have a package of the small beads of caramel unwrapped. This would be a great recipe to use them with.
Thanks!
Joyce-
I just weighed them for you. It’s about 8 ounces for 30 pieces. Hope this helps! I’ll update the recipe to reflect this.
-Jamie
oh man these look delicious!!!!! i loooove cashews & have never thought to put them in a candy-ish treat like this… yummmm! thanks jamie!
How much of a package is 30 caramels? whole bag? I ask because my local Target has bags of Kraft caramel bits. Comes in 11oz bags and about size of chocolate chips. I love adding them in cookies!! A little easier than unwrapping too.
Allison-
It is less than the whole bag – ends up equaling about 8 ounces of caramels. Hope this helps!
-Jamie
Thank you Jamie. Can’t wait to try this!
DELISH!!!!!! I need to make these for sure. Would be great holiday party snacks!! :D