If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances rich indulgence with a hint of salty crunch, the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. This heavenly treat combines smooth, deep dark chocolate with toasted almonds and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to create a snack that’s both sophisticated and utterly addictive. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests with a homemade delight, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the crunchy almonds to the decadently smooth dark chocolate and the subtle sea salt, every element brings something special to this delightful snack.
- Whole raw almonds: 2 cups of these nutty gems provide the essential crunch and natural flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks (at least 70% cocoa): 1 ½ cups, for that rich, bittersweet coating that melts in your mouth.
- Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon to help the chocolate melt evenly and add a silky texture.
- Flaky sea salt: ½ teaspoon sprinkled on top for that perfect pop of salty contrast.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through to ensure even toasting. This step not only awakens the almond’s natural oils and flavors but also adds a satisfying crunch that’s vital for this recipe.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil
While the almonds cool slightly after roasting, combine your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt this mixture gently over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave using 30-second bursts, stirring frequently until the chocolate is silky smooth. The coconut oil ensures the chocolate coats every almond perfectly without being too thick or stiff.
Step 3: Coat the Almonds
Once the almonds are cool but still warm, stir them into the melted chocolate until each almond is luxuriously covered. This is the moment where the magic happens—your almonds become bite-sized nuggets of chocolatey goodness waiting to be set into clusters.
Step 4: Form Clusters and Add Sea Salt
Using a spoon, drop generous clusters of the chocolate-coated almonds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt on each cluster. This final touch enhances the flavor by balancing the chocolate’s sweetness and highlighting the almonds’ crunch.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set firm. Once chilled, the clusters are ready to enjoy or store for later indulgence.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe
Garnishes
For added flair, sprinkle a few extra flakes of sea salt just before serving or dust lightly with cocoa powder for a subtle, elegant finish. This brings extra texture and elevates the presentation when sharing these treats with friends.
Side Dishes
The Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. Their rich, nutty flavor also complements fresh fruit or a smooth, creamy cheese plate for a sophisticated snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these almond clusters in small glass jars tied with twine for gift-giving, or arrange them on a decorative platter with contrasting colors and textures like dried berries or edible flowers. It’s a snack that looks just as delightful as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe clusters in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool, or in the refrigerator on warm days. This helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents the chocolate from melting prematurely.
Freezing
You can freeze these clusters to extend their shelf life. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 15 minutes—still wonderfully tasty and fresh.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake chocolate clusters, reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer them a little warmer, simply bring them to room temperature or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften up slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews can be excellent substitutes. Just keep in mind that each nut will bring its own flavor and texture, so the overall experience will shift slightly but still be delicious.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
If you can’t find flaky sea salt, a fine sea salt or kosher salt will work. Just use a lighter hand to avoid overpowering the chocolate’s flavor.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil?
Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and sets with a nice texture, but you can try substituting with butter or another neutral oil. The texture might vary slightly, so coconut oil is recommended for the best results.
Can I add sweeteners like maple syrup or honey?
Yes! Adding about a teaspoon of maple syrup to the melted chocolate mixture can add a gentle sweetness and a subtle complexity that’s especially nice if your dark chocolate is very intense.
How long do these clusters last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these clusters can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Frozen, they can last up to three months without losing taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe a try—it’s one of those easy bites that turns snack time into a special moment. Whether for yourself or to share, these clusters bring together the best of crunchy, salty, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to treat in your kitchen.
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Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 clusters
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Roasting, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight is a delicious and simple snack that combines roasted almonds coated in rich dark chocolate, enhanced with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This treat offers a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings or serving as a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Almonds
- 2 cups whole raw almonds
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips or chunks (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Finishing Touch
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Roast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. The almonds should become lightly toasted and aromatic. Remove them from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together either by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water or heating in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Coat the Almonds: Add the roasted almonds to the melted chocolate and stir well to ensure every almond is fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Form Clusters and Add Sea Salt: Using a spoon, drop clusters of the chocolate-covered almonds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. While the clusters are still wet, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt onto each cluster to enhance the flavor.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm. Once set, store the clusters in an airtight container kept in a cool place or refrigerated.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the melted chocolate for extra sweetness and a hint of flavor.
- Using roasted, salted almonds instead of raw almonds can add deeper flavor and a crunchier texture.
