Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

Enjoy elegant clusters featuring roasted pistachios and tart dried cranberries enveloped in smooth dark chocolate. These bite-sized delights come together quickly with simple steps: combining nuts and fruit, melting dark chocolate, coating the mixture, and letting it set cool. Perfectly balanced with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these clusters offer a rich blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for a quick snack or a refined treat, they store well and can be customized with alternative nuts or chocolate types to suit your preferences.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:51:00 GMT
Pistachio and dried cranberry clusters: a close-up of beautifully arranged, bite-sized chocolate clusters. Save
Pistachio and dried cranberry clusters: a close-up of beautifully arranged, bite-sized chocolate clusters. | basilrise.com

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

These clusters have become my go-to snack when I need a quick energy boost without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

  • 120 g (1 cup) shelled roasted pistachios (unsalted): Provides crunch and a nutty flavor
  • 80 g (2/3 cup) dried cranberries: Adds tart sweetness
  • 150 g (5 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao), chopped: Binds clusters with rich chocolate taste
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: Optional garnish to enhance flavor

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.
Vibrant image of crunchy pistachio and dried cranberry clusters, perfect for a delicious snack. Save
Vibrant image of crunchy pistachio and dried cranberry clusters, perfect for a delicious snack. | basilrise.com

These clusters are a hit at family gatherings, always disappearing the fastest from the snack table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these clusters with a glass of dessert wine or serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Storage Tips

Keep the clusters in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Dietary Information

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free, with vegan options available by using dairy-free chocolate.

Sweet and salty pistachio and dried cranberry clusters: a homemade treat ready to be enjoyed. Save
Sweet and salty pistachio and dried cranberry clusters: a homemade treat ready to be enjoyed. | basilrise.com

Enjoy these pistachio and dried cranberry clusters as a perfect sweet snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Recipe Help

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts work well as substitutes, providing a different texture and flavor while maintaining the clusters' integrity.

What type of chocolate is best for coating?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao offers a rich, smooth coating that balances the sweetness of the dried cranberries.

How do I properly melt the chocolate?

Melt the chocolate gently over simmering water using a double boiler method, stirring until smooth to avoid scorching.

Can these clusters be made vegan?

Yes, choose dairy-free dark chocolate to make the clusters suitable for a vegan diet without sacrificing flavor.

How should I store the clusters after preparation?

Store them in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to one week.

Is it necessary to add flaky sea salt?

Flaky sea salt is optional but recommended; it enhances the flavors by adding a subtle contrasting taste.

Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Bite-sized clusters combining roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate for a gourmet snack.

Getting Ready Time
10 min
Time to cook
5 min
Time Required
15 min
Created by Claire Hastings

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meatless, No Gluten

What You Need

Nuts & Fruits

01 1 cup (4.2 oz) shelled roasted unsalted pistachios
02 2/3 cup (2.8 oz) dried cranberries

Chocolate

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

Optional Garnish

01 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine nuts and fruit: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pistachios and dried cranberries.

Step 03

Melt chocolate: Gently melt the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth.

Step 04

Coat mixture: Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mixture, stirring gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 05

Form clusters: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cluster.

Step 06

Add salt garnish: Optionally, sprinkle each cluster lightly with flaky sea salt.

Step 07

Set clusters: Refrigerate clusters for a minimum of 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.

Step 08

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

Kitchen Essentials

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

Possible Allergens

Go through ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a health expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (pistachios).
  • May contain soy if chocolate contains soy lecithin.
  • Possible traces of milk depending on chocolate brand; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference only, not a substitute for specialist advice.
  • Calorie Count: 125
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g