Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Featured in: Sweet Tooth Fix

This elegant snack combines roasted pistachios with tart dried cranberries, all enveloped in rich dark chocolate. The mixture is scooped into clusters and chilled until set, creating a perfect balance of crunchy nuts, chewy fruit, and smooth chocolate. Optional flaky sea salt adds a hint of savory contrast, making these clusters an irresistible treat that’s quick to prepare and suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:44:00 GMT
Vibrant clusters: Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, drizzled with glossy dark chocolate and flaky salt. Save
Vibrant clusters: Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, drizzled with glossy dark chocolate and flaky salt. | tastyeffect.com

Elegant, bite-sized clusters combining roasted pistachios and tart dried cranberries, bound with smooth dark chocolate for an irresistible gourmet snack.

This recipe quickly became a favorite for its delicious flavor and simple preparation.

Ingredients

  • Nuts & Fruits: 120 g (1 cup) shelled roasted pistachios (unsalted), 80 g (2/3 cup) dried cranberries
  • Chocolate: 150 g (5 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped
  • Optional Garnish: Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine pistachios and dried cranberries.
Step 3:
Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth.
Step 4:
Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mixture. Stir gently until evenly coated.
Step 5:
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Step 6:
If desired, sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 7:
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until chocolate is set.
Step 8:
Store clusters in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week.
Enjoy homemade Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters; a satisfying snack with a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Save
Enjoy homemade Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters; a satisfying snack with a balance of sweet and salty flavors. | tastyeffect.com

This treat brought so many smiles during family gatherings and made for perfect quick snacks.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 125 Calories, 8 g Total Fat, 13 g Carbohydrates, 2 g Protein.

Tips for Storage

Store your clusters in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness up to 1 week.

Variations

Try using different nuts or adding seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Close-up of freshly made Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect bite-sized treats ready to be served. Save
Close-up of freshly made Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect bite-sized treats ready to be served. | tastyeffect.com

With this simple recipe, you’ll enjoy a healthy and delicious snack any time of the day.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao ensures a rich, smooth coating and balanced bitterness complementing the nuts and cranberries.

Can I substitute other nuts?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts can be swapped in place of pistachios for different flavor and texture profiles.

How should I store the clusters?

Store in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture for up to one week.

Is there an option to add salt?

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before chilling enhances the flavor by adding a subtle savory note.

Are these clusters suitable for special diets?

They are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. For a vegan variation, use dairy-free dark chocolate.

Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Bite-sized clusters featuring roasted pistachios and dried cranberries coated in dark chocolate.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Nuts & Fruits

01 1 cup shelled roasted unsalted pistachios
02 2/3 cup dried cranberries

Chocolate

01 5 oz high-quality dark chocolate (minimum 60% cacao), chopped

Optional Garnish

01 Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Phase 02

Combine Nuts and Fruits: In a medium bowl, mix the shelled pistachios with dried cranberries.

Phase 03

Melt Chocolate: Using a double boiler setup, melt the chopped dark chocolate over gently simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Phase 04

Coat Nut Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate over the pistachio and cranberry mixture; stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

Phase 05

Form Clusters: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cluster apart.

Phase 06

Add Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Phase 07

Chill to Set: Refrigerate the clusters for at least 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.

Phase 08

Storage: Store clusters in an airtight container in a cool environment for up to one week.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Heatproof bowl and saucepan for double boiler
  • Spoon or small cookie scoop
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (pistachios).
  • May contain soy if chocolate includes soy lecithin.
  • Potential trace amounts of milk depending on chocolate brand.
  • Verify ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contamination risks.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 125
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g