Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

These elegant clusters combine roasted pistachios and tart dried cranberries enveloped in smooth dark chocolate, creating a deliciously satisfying bite-sized snack. Preparation involves melting high-quality dark chocolate to coat the nut and fruit mixture, then chilling until set. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor balance. Ideal for a quick, gluten-free, vegetarian treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or dessert wine.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:49:00 GMT
Delectable Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect for a quick gourmet vegetarian snack. Save to Pinterest
Delectable Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect for a quick gourmet vegetarian snack. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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

I love making these clusters for guests because they always ask for seconds

Ingredients

  • 120 g (1 cup) shelled roasted pistachios (unsalted): use fresh roasted nuts for best flavor
  • 80 g (2/3 cup) dried cranberries: tart and chewy add a burst of flavor
  • 150 g (5 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao) chopped: ensures smooth coating
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling: optional garnish to enhance taste

Instructions

Prepare baking sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Combine ingredients:
In a medium bowl combine pistachios and dried cranberries
Melt chocolate:
Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water double boiler stirring until smooth
Mix coating:
Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mixture Stir gently until evenly coated
Spoon clusters:
Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them apart
Optional garnish:
If desired sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of flaky sea salt
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until chocolate is set
Store:
Store clusters in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week
Golden, bite-sized Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, a satisfying treat with dark chocolate. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bite-sized Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, a satisfying treat with dark chocolate. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This recipe is a family favorite perfect for holiday gatherings and casual snacking alike

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts pistachios Contains soy if chocolate has soy lecithin May contain traces of milk Check ingredient labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

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

Serving Suggestions

Pair these clusters with dessert wine coffee or tea for a delightful treat

These beautiful Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters boast a mix of textures and flavors. Save to Pinterest
These beautiful Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters boast a mix of textures and flavors. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These clusters are quick to make and sure to impress with their gourmet taste

Common Recipe Questions

What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao provides the ideal balance of richness and smooth melting texture for coating the clusters.

Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts make excellent alternatives, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining the clusters' crunch.

How can I store these clusters?

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

Is it possible to make a vegan version?

Use dairy-free dark chocolate to create vegan-friendly clusters while preserving the rich taste.

Why add flaky sea salt?

Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor contrast by balancing the sweetness of chocolate and tartness of cranberries.

Pistachio Dried Cranberry Clusters

Bite-sized clusters of roasted pistachios and dried cranberries coated in rich dark chocolate for a gourmet snack.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Daybreak Buddy Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Recipe Yield 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Nuts & Fruits

01 1 cup (120 g) shelled roasted unsalted pistachios
02 2/3 cup (80 g) dried cranberries

Chocolate

01 5 oz (150 g) high-quality dark chocolate (minimum 60% cacao), chopped

Optional Garnish

01 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Steps to Follow

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 pistachios and dried cranberries.

Step 03

Melt chocolate: Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Step 04

Mix chocolate with nuts and fruit: Pour melted chocolate over the pistachio and cranberry mixture and stir gently until fully coated.

Step 05

Form clusters: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing clusters evenly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Chill clusters: Refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes or until the chocolate solidifies.

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains tree nuts (pistachios)
  • May contain soy (if chocolate contains soy lecithin)
  • Potential traces of milk depending on chocolate brand

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 125
  • Fat Content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams