Healthy Nut Clusters 4-Ways: Wholesome and Delicious Sweet Nutty Snacks
Enjoying the tempting combination of sweet and salty nut clusters is a true delight. However, I must confess, the highly processed, store-bought varieties laden with refined sugar and unhealthy salts leave much to be desired. That's why I've taken matters into my own hands to craft these mouthwatering nut clusters using the finest ingredients, including raw nuts, organic sweeteners, and a pinch of natural salt. It's important to note that these delightful treats are perfect for snacking but not intended for all-day grazing, given their higher sugar and calorie content. Allow me to introduce you to four exceptional recipes for sweet, nutty clusters that are as wholesome as they are tempting.
Almond-Sesame Maple Clusters: A perfect blend of raw almonds, delicate sesame seeds, organic vanilla, and pure maple sweetness, creating tempting clusters with a hint of salt.
Walnut-Hemp Maple Clusters: Savory walnut pieces and nutty hemp seeds combine with pink Himalayan salt and maple syrup for a wholesome, satisfying snack with a sweet and salty twist.
Toffee-Mocha Walnut-Pecan Hemp Clusters: Experience the rich flavors of pecans and walnuts, enhanced with cacao nibs and coffee extract, all sweetened naturally with maple syrup and a touch of toffee.
Almond-Hazelnut Sweet Sesame Clusters: A nutty symphony featuring raw almonds and DuChilly hazelnuts, paired with sesame seeds, both raw and black, and gently sweetened with vanilla, agave, and maple syrup.
Healthy Benefits of the Ingredients:
Raw Almonds: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and may help lower cholesterol.
Raw Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts promote heart health and may reduce inflammation.
Hemp Seeds: Packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and various minerals, hemp seeds support heart and brain health.
Raw Pecans: These nuts offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, potentially improving heart health.
Raw Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are a great source of vitamins and minerals, with potential benefits for skin and heart health.
Sesame Seeds: High in calcium, healthy fats, and fiber, sesame seeds are a nutritional powerhouse.
Cacao Nibs: These unprocessed cocoa bits are rich in antioxidants and may provide mood-boosting effects.
Pink Himalayan Salt: Contains essential minerals and is considered a healthier alternative to refined salt.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with antioxidants and a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
Raw Agave Nectar: A low-glycemic sweetener that can be used in moderation.
Stevia: A calorie-free, natural sweetener option.
Almond-Sesame Maple Clusters Recipe:
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/4 cup):
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
4 cups raw almonds
4 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
1 tablespoon organic non-alcoholic vanilla extract
1/2 cup grade B maple syrup
A few drops of clear SweetLeaf SweetDrops liquid stevia
Walnut-Hemp Maple Clusters Recipe:
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/4 cup):
Calories: 240
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 4.5g
Ingredients:
3 cups walnut pieces
4 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1/2 cup grade B maple syrup
A few drops of clear SweetLeaf SweetDrops liquid stevia
Toffee-Mocha Walnut-Pecan Hemp Clusters Recipe:
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/4 cup):
Calories: 245
Total Fat: 20.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 15.5g
Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 4.5g
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pecan pieces
1 1/2 cups walnut pieces
3 tablespoons hemp seeds
3 tablespoons cacao nibs
1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon coffee extract
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1/4 cup grade B maple syrup
A few drops of toffee-flavored SweetLeaf SweetDrops liquid stevia
Almond-Hazelnut Sweet Sesame Clusters Recipe:
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/4 cup):
Calories: 230
Total Fat: 16.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 11.5g
Protein: 4.5g
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups raw almonds
1 1/2 cups raw DuChilly Hazelnuts
3 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
3 tablespoons raw black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon organic non-alcoholic vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1/4 cup grade B maple syrup
A few drops of clear SweetLeaf SweetDrops liquid stevia
Preparation (Dehydrator or Oven):
Choose your desired nut cluster recipe.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well. Adjust stickiness by adding more or less of the liquid sweetener (i.e., maple or agave).
For dehydrator: Spread mixture evenly over dehydrator non-stick sheets on trays toward the middle of the dehydrator. Dry for 14 to 24 hours at 114°F (46°C). Scoop off and break apart.
For oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly and bake for 1-2 hours, checking and stirring every 30 minutes until clusters are dry and crunchy.
Allow the clusters to cool before breaking them into pieces.
Suggested Servings and Storage:
One serving is approximately 1/4 cup of nut clusters.
Store the clusters in airtight containers, preferably in the refrigerator, to maintain freshness for several weeks.
Enjoy these clusters as a topping for salads, ice cream, or in chocolates, or simply by the handful as a delightful snack.
Incorporating these nut cluster recipes into your snacking routine not only satisfies your sweet and salty cravings but also provides a healthier alternative to commercial, processed options. By using raw, nutrient-rich ingredients and natural sweeteners, you can enjoy these delightful clusters guilt-free. Whether you're munching on them straight from the container or elevating your desserts and salads, these tempting treats are the embodiment of wholesome indulgence. So go ahead, whip up a batch, share with your loved ones, and relish the delicious journey of crafting your very own sweet nutty clusters.
Disclaimer: Please be mindful of portion sizes as these nut clusters, while made with healthier ingredients, are still calorie-dense. Enjoy them as an occasional treat in moderation.
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