Sweet & Crunchy Keto Nut Clusters (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free)
Satisfy your cravings for a sweet and crunchy treat with these easy-to-make Keto Nut Clusters! Combining cashews, almonds, and walnuts with a touch of sugar-free maple sweetness, these bite-sized clusters are perfect for a snack, dessert, or energy boost without the added sugars.
Yields: Approximately 18-24 mini clusters Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 18-20 minutes Cooling time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup cashew pieces
- ¾ cup almonds (whole or slivered)
- ¾ cup walnuts (halves or pieces)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or a good pinch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup (e.g., Lakanto, ChocZero, or other keto-friendly brand)
- Optional additions: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
Equipment:
- Mini muffin tin (12- or 24-cup)
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper muffin liners
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions:
- Prepare Nuts: If your almonds and walnuts are not already in smaller pieces, roughly chop them along with the cashew pieces. This helps create a more uniform texture and ensures the clusters hold together well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cashews, almonds, walnuts, sea salt, vanilla extract, and sugar-free maple syrup. If using, add cinnamon or coconut flakes now. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or spoon, making sure all the nuts are well coated with the syrup mixture.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Lightly grease your mini muffin tin with cooking spray, or line each cup with a small parchment paper muffin liner. Spoon the nut mixture into each mini muffin cup, packing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. It’s crucial to use a muffin tin or similar mold; these clusters will not hold their shape if baked on a flat cookie sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the clusters are lightly browned and fragrant. Watch them closely, as sugar-free sweeteners can sometimes brown more quickly.
- Cool & Remove: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the clusters cool completely in the tin for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for them to firm up and hold their shape properly.
- Enjoy! Once cooled and firm, carefully remove the clusters from the muffin tin.
Storage: Store the cooled nut clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification!
- High Protein: Moderate protein from the nuts. While not as high as a meat-based dish, it’s good for a snack.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. It utilizes nuts and sugar-free maple syrup, keeping the carbohydrate count significantly lower than traditional nut clusters made with regular maple syrup.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Cashews, Almonds, Walnuts: These nuts provide healthy fats and fiber. While cashews are higher in carbs than some other nuts, the amount per cluster when divided among 18-24 servings is typically acceptable for a ketogenic diet. Users tracking very strict macros might consider slightly reducing the cashew portion or substituting with more almonds/pecans.
- Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: This is the key ingredient that makes the recipe keto-compliant by providing sweetness without traditional sugars.
- Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt, Optional Cinnamon/Coconut: All are keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.