5 Ingredients + 10 minutes to make nutty, salty, mapley clusters = YES PLEASE!
Saturday: I awoke by sitting bolt up right in bed and shrieking, SNOW!? Terror. Even though I live in Toronto, where we spend almost half the year covered in snow, the first flakes are always a shock. The day didn't get much better from there, disappointing waffles, and a failed sweet potato pie. -Pie crust, you are my nemesis- The day was pretty much a wreck and left me pouting around the house. (I'm not at all a baby or over dramatic or anything).
Sunday: Daylight savings time gave me an extra hour to sleep in, I woke up to a beautiful sunny day, and enjoyed a super creamy soy latte while I created these Salted Caramel Maple Nut Clusters. Not only did these bad boys work out shockingly perfect (like really, it's kind of shocking that they stick together like they do), but they were delectably crunchy, sweet and salty. I went for a long, crisp walk on the beach (yes, beach and snow are in the same story), and then I created another successful recipe of Creamy Potato Soup, Sunday was looking mighty fine. Sunday, we can be friends.
Two more exciting things happened this week, it's hard to beat the excitement of Maple Nut Clusters, but here we go, exciting thing number one: I officially became a published author!
Something I never thought I would be. Like really, never. I'm not a fan of writing, or English, or speaking. I think speaking is my second language, not sure what the first is. My high school English teacher Mr. Mason, even wrote on my report card "Samantha is the best actor in our English class". Well, at least I was good at acting like I was good at English... right?
I realized that when I started writing about something I love → vegan food ← It's not only super fun, but kind of my favourite thing ever. So here I stand, (well sitting currently) all published and proud. You can check out my article (originally seen here) on How to Cut a Mango in the latest issue of Healthy Juicing Magazine.
Exciting thing number 2: I'm featured as a a Cooking Superstar (I'm blushing), on Cut Out + Keep. So thank you Cat for selecting me to be part of this! I'm even interviewed like a famous person might be. I feel fancy. You can read my interview here.
Speaking of fancy, did I mention Salted Caramel Maple Nut Clusters? Let's get back to what's most important in life, sugary treats.
Let's get cooking!
Preheat your oven to 350F (180C).
Choose whatever nuts you like. It could be all one type of nut, or a mixture, just so long as it makes 1 cup.
Chop up your nuts if they aren't already.
Now add the maple syrup, chili powder (if using), vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl.
Mix it all up!
Line a muffin tin with parchment or silicone muffin liners, or use a silicon muffin pan. (Regular paper liners will stick).
Divide the mixture evenly among the cups, making sure that the maple syrup liquid is about the same in each cup. You might look down and think, there is now way these nuts are ever going to cluster, but just pat them down with a spoon and trust me on this.
Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The maple syrup will be boiling when you take them out. Sprinkle a bit of flake salt on each one (optional), then let them cool a bit. Pop them in the fridge to finish firming up (just speeds up the process). Store in an air tight container. They will be crunchy the first day, and if they make it to the second day, the will begin to soften up and become chewier. Try to be nice and share with friends. Make no promises.
(click stars to vote)
Salted Caramel Maple Nut Clusters
Servings: clusters
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Ingredients
- 1 cup nuts of choice (almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews), chopped
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder, (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Couple pinches of flake salt, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line a muffin tin with parchment, or silicone muffin liners or use a silicon muffin pan. (Regular paper muffin liners will stick).
- Add the nuts, maple syrup, chili powder if using , vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon (or a small pinch) of salt in a bowl and mix it up. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, making sure that the maple syrup liquid is about the same in each cup. lightly pat down each cluster with a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. The maple syrup will be boiling when you take them out. Sprinkle a bit of flake salt if using on each one, then let cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
Nutrition
Bon Appetegan!
Sam.
Veronica says
I tried making these and they turned out like crap. They stuck to the paper. Will never make them again.
Sam Turnbull says
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that Veronica. It sounds like you may have used regular paper lines. The parchment or silicon liners are a must for this recipe or it will stick for sure. Hope that helps!
Angie Pickett says
Made these great nut clusters this week. I added vegan chocolate chips to my first batch and 2nd batch added chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Easy to make and love the added chili pepper!
Angie Pickett says
This should have 5 stars - not sure how to change
Sam Turnbull says
I can't change it either, no worries 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Oooh those sound like delicious ideas! So happy you loved them 🙂
Tina says
Glad I stumbled across your blog!
Soooo, I made these last night, and while they are really delicious (the salt and maple combination is just divine), they did not harden...? They clumped together okay but when handled, they just fall apart (which does not take away from how yummy they are 🙂 )... I'm trying to figure out where I made a mistake. Too much maple syrup? Too little? I live in Europe and don't have proper measuring spoons, in fact I have yet to find them. (I do have an American measuring cup, which does help...otherwise we mostly use scales here.)
My mixture seemed to match your picture perfectly. Should it be really syrupy or just a bit syrupy? I kept them in the refrigerator for quite some time...was this correct?
Thank you and I look forward to trying your other recipes out too! 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
It's difficult to know without being in the kitchen with you, but there was definitely something off in your measurements. They should harden up almost to a brittle like texture. Perhaps you used too much maple syrup?? Hopefully you can get your hands on a full set of measuring spoons and cups to make your life a little easier 🙂
Tina says
Thanks so much!!
Tina says
Tried again, this time being very careful with the maple syrup, and it worked like a charm!
I think I'll be making these a lot in the coming weeks... 😉
Thank you again!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy they worked out this time. 😀
Erin says
Do you think these would work with sugar-free syrup? I've never really experimented with it and am not sure if it hardens when cooked like real sugars do. I don't want to waste all those precious nuts!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Erin, I've never cooked with sugar-free syrup before, but my guess is that it wouldn't work the same, but that's just a guess. You could do a test and just make one cookie, if it doesn't work, just stir the sticky nuts into oatmeal for breakfast. Hope that helps!
Melissa says
These are fabulous! I'm so glad I tried them. They're easy to make and so delicious that I'm trying not to eat them all right now. Thanks for a keeper.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you love them Melissa! I know what you mean, they are really difficult to stop eating!! Haha
Raven says
These look delicious!! Would you mind if I used this recipe in my next YouTube video? The content is vegan desserts; I would link this page in the description 🙂 My channel name is "Raven Chantal" -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_8xd0nreCysqm8br1Iij4g
Thanks!
Sam says
Thanks Raven! Sure, feel free, as long as you include a link to the full recipe, I'm a happy camper. (You can see my copyright policy in my sidebar). Thanks for asking!
Sanne says
Wowie!
Samantha Turnbull says
Haha! Thanks Sanne.
Maija says
I wonder what it would look like done in a cookie sheet then broken?
Would it look like bark or would it be softer and messy?
Any idea?
(parchment paper cupcake thingies?! From where?)
**Waving from the booming metropolis of Napanee!
Samantha Turnbull says
Waving back from Toronto! 🙂
I think it would work if you used a smaller cookie sheet, so that it doesn't spread to thin, then it would be a bark of sorts. Maybe an 8"x8" pan?
I just got the parchment cupcake liners from my regular grocery store. I'm not sure if regular paper ones would work or not, as I haven't tried them. I just love the non stick power of parchment! If you do try a different technique, let us know how it goes!
Nikki @ The Road to Less Cake says
They look like little clusters of heaven.
Samantha Turnbull says
Haha, I like that... hmmmm.. recipe rename!!
Anne Marie @ ciao-mama.com says
Wow, these look absolutely incredible - and definitely worthy of saving a weekend. 🙂 I have had so many Saturdays like that, where a recipe or a craft I was excited all week to make just went south. So thank goodness for Sundays - and in your case, an extra hour of sleep! Also, congrats on the published piece and selection for Cut Out + Keep!
Samantha Turnbull says
Thank you very much Anne Marie. Don't you just love it when sweet treats save the weekend!? Works every time!
Danielle @ It's a Love/Love Thing says
These seem so easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing with us!
Samantha Turnbull says
They are totally both those things! Haha. You're welcome Danielle! I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Stephanie @ Sustaining the Powers says
Simple, and nut, and maple, and chili powder- you have all my favorite things in one place!! I can't wait to make these. And congrats on getting published! Found you via BlogHer.
Samantha Turnbull says
Thank you Stephanie! Oh you are gonna love these. Those are sone if my favourite things too!
Julie @ Tastes of Lizzy T says
I love that these are considered paleo! Yummy!
Samantha Turnbull says
Ha! Now all i can visualize is large browed cavemen hunkering over a fire in bare feet, eating these nut clusters. Haha!
shannyn kelly says
I just found your blog today via BlogHer. Love it, can't wait to try this recipe as little Christmas gifts! *waving at you from Brampton
shannyn kelly says
Sorry!! I found it through "SewMamaSew" ....oops 🙂
Samantha Turnbull says
Haha! As long as you found it, I'm glad! Thank you for loving my blog. It's a labour of love so it makes my day when it is loved right back. Waving back at you from Toronto!
Deanna says
I wonder if this would work with honey.
Anonymous says
i think i'm needing my glasses... what temp? XO
itdoesnttastelikechicken says
Haha! No problem 350 F (180C). I write the step by step instructions with pictures following the ingredient list. 🙂
Megan says
1 cup of each kind of nut, or combined?
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi Megan,
1 cup combined. You can use all one kind of nut, or as many different kinds of nuts you like, just make sure the total is 1 cup. 🙂
Megan says
Thank you, Samantha. I ended up doubling the recipe and eyeing it. Turned out great, everyone loved them! Ready to make more today!
Samantha Turnbull says
Great! So glad you enjoyed them Megan! Thanks for coming back and leaving your review 🙂
Lilly says
I fell in love. These little fellows are heavenly! Thank you so much for the recipe, Sam. And thanks for trying the agave syrup version 🙂
Samantha Turnbull says
Thank you for coming back and leaving a comment, Lilly! Much appreciated. I'm glad they turned out so well for you. And it was my pleasure... so much tasty pleasure.
Taylor @ What Vegetarians Eat says
These look super yummy! And congrats on being published - how exciting!
Samantha Turnbull says
Thanks Taylor! Yes, I was pretty super when I was contacted by the Healthy Juicing Magazine people! Getting the vegan word out. Woot woot!
Cheryl says
OK, so of course these are just adorable and I love how sticky and sweet and indulgent they look but... Sam!!! I am so freaking proud of you I feel like your mom! That is too cool. Can't wait to see more famousness in the future!!
Samantha Turnbull says
Haha!! Aww thanks Cheryl! That totally made my day! You're the best! I'm sorry 40 Aprons wasn't mentioned in the interview, that took place way before I knew about you, or you would have been top of the list. I can't wait to see more famousness for the both of us!