Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters

Featured in: Sweet Prairie Treats

These elegant clusters blend roasted pistachios with tart dried cranberries, coated in smooth dark chocolate. They come together quickly with simple melting and mixing, then chill to set. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds contrast. Perfect as a gluten-free, vegetarian snack, they offer rich nutty flavors balanced by fruity tartness and silky cacao. Versatile and easy, these clusters store well and can be customized with nut substitutions or chocolate types.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:54:00 GMT
Close-up of Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect gourmet snack, showing chocolate coating beautifully. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, perfect gourmet snack, showing chocolate coating beautifully. | honeyprairie.com

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

This is one of my favorite snacks to prepare when I need something sweet yet healthy. My family loves the balance of tart cranberries with rich dark chocolate.

Ingredients

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

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.
Golden, bite-sized Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters on a parchment, ideal for sharing or gifting. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bite-sized Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters on a parchment, ideal for sharing or gifting. | honeyprairie.com

My family enjoys making these clusters together during the holidays. It's a simple treat that brings everyone joy.

Nutritional Information

Each cluster contains approximately 125 calories, with 8 g of total fat, 13 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of protein.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains tree nuts (pistachios) and may contain soy or traces of milk depending on the chocolate used. Always check labels for allergens.

Optional Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor twists.

Freshly made Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, a delicious treat with vibrant cranberries and nuts. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters, a delicious treat with vibrant cranberries and nuts. | honeyprairie.com

These clusters are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a quick snack anytime.

Questions & Answers

What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao offers rich flavor and smooth texture. You can also use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter profile.

Can I substitute other nuts?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts can replace pistachios for different textures and tastes while keeping the clusters delicious.

How do I set the clusters properly?

After mixing, refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens and the clusters hold their shape.

Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients contain no gluten, making them safe for gluten-free needs.

Can these be made vegan?

Use dairy-free chocolate to create a vegan-friendly version while preserving flavor and texture.

Pistachio and Dried Cranberry Clusters

Bite-sized nut and fruit clusters bound with rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
5 minutes
Overall time needed
15 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type International

Makes 12 Number of portions

Diet specifications Meatless, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Nuts & Fruits

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

Chocolate

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

Optional Garnish

01 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

How to Make It

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

Step 04

Coat mixture with chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.

Step 05

Form clusters: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set.

Step 08

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

Essential 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

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • Contains tree nuts (pistachios)
  • May contain soy (if chocolate contains soy lecithin)
  • May contain traces of milk; verify chocolate label

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 125
  • Lipids: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 2 g