Chilli Chocolate Clusters

Name: Chilli Chocolate Clusters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 150 g (5.25 ounces) dark chocolate (See Note 1); 150 g (5.25 ounces) slivered almonds (See Note 2); 1 1/2 tsp dried chill/red pepper flakes (or to taste)

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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These Chilli Chocolate Clusters contain just three ingredients. If you like both chocolate and spicy food, this is the recipe for you. They are quickly and easily made, perfect with a cup of coffee, ideal as a mid-afternoon energy boost or a sweet treat at any time throughout the day. If you have not previously ventured into the world of confectionery, this is a great place to start.

small round white dish with chocolates piled on top of each other.

Why we love this recipe:

This is a simple confection which is quickly and easily made. Just 20 minutes and you will have a batch prepared and be waiting impatiently for the chilli chocolates to set.

It may sound like a strange combination of flavours, but chocolate and chilli are a match made in heaven. Sweet and savoury flavours complement each other and roasted almonds add flavour and textural contrast.

This is a healthier sweet treat than many. Dark chocolate is rich in health-benefiting antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in iron, magnesium and zinc.

For the most health benefits, it is recommended to consume chocolate which has 70% or more cocoa solids.

Almonds are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in healthy fats and are ideal for an energy boost.

Chilli peppers add much more than spice to our dishes. There is a multitude of reported health benefits. They are believed to boost heart health, aid digestion, boost our metabolism and increase our overall sense of well-being.

These Chilli Chocolate Clusters are a taste sensation which will excite your senses and satisfy your chocolate cravings. The spicy chocolates are great with coffee, as a mid-afternoon snack or perfect anytime really. As well, the chocolate almond clusters make great gifts; package some in a cellophane bag, tie with a pretty ribbon and delight fellow lovers of chocolate and chilli.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Dark chocolate – for maximum health benefits, I recommend chocolate which has 70% or more cocoa solids.

Almond slivers – these are blanched almonds which have been sliced into little batons. They are readily available in supermarkets. For this recipe, the nuts are roasted to enhance their flavour and make them even more crisp.

Chilli flakes – add dried chilli flakes, as much or as little as you like.

Step by Step Instructions:

the four steps required to make this recipe

To begin, add the slivered almonds to a baking tray and place in a preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until they are aromatic and a light golden colour. Stir the almonds occasionally so they toast evenly. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Then, add ⅔ of the chocolate to a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir occasionally. When the chocolate has almost melted, remove the bowl from the heat, add the remaining ⅓ chocolate and stir to combine until all the chocolate has melted. Add the slivered almonds to the melted chocolate and mix to combine.
Use a teaspoon to place small mounds of the mixture on a baking paper-lined tray.
Sprinkle with chilli flakes and leave until set.

small round white dish of chocolates sitting on a white marble bench.

Tips for Success and FAQs:

As chocolate is the main ingredient, it is important to use a good quality dark chocolate. I have used dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids.

Pleased don’t be tempted to skip toasting the slivered almonds. Toasting the nuts intensifies their flavour and the flesh becomes crisp. Slivered almonds that have not been toasted have a bland flavour and a waxy texture.

What method is best for melting chocolate?

My preference is the stovetop method. A double boiler gives the best control over the heat. If you use a chocolate bar, break or chop it into pieces of a similar size so that it will melt evenly. Be careful when melting the chocolate. If using a double boiler, ie, a bowl placed over a saucepan of water which has just begun to simmer, care must be taken to ensure that not a drop of water gets into the bowl or the chocolate will seize. The bowl and the spoon/spatula that you use must be thoroughly dry. Further, the bowl must not touch the water in the saucepan.

Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?

You can also use a microwave. Melt the chocolate in 30 second increments. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it does not overcook.

How spicy are these chilli chocolates?

The amount of spice is up to you; customise them to suit your palate, add as much or as little chilli as you like. And if you think you would like to try them without chilli flakes, go right ahead. In fact, you may like to sprinkle them with some sea salt flakes.

small round white dish with a selection of chilli chocolates.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

If you’re as much of a chocolate fan as we are, you’ll love these recipes also:

These Chilli Chocolate Clusters have great flavour and are a simply made confectionery which is extremely moreish. If you like chocolate and spice, this is sure to become a favourite.

Let me know in the comments below when you give them a try!

Alex xx