While I don’t especially celebrate Christmas, I truly love the holiday season. There’s just something about it—maybe it’s the cozy energy, the twinkly lights everywhere, or the collective agreement that joy (and dessert) should be abundant. The air feels lighter, people seem warmer, and somehow there’s always chocolate nearby. Hot chocolate, baked goods, little treats passed around “just because.” It’s a season that quietly invites you to slow down and indulge.
Last year, I leaned into that spirit with my chocolate wreath clusters—simple, festive, and delicious. They were a hit, and honestly, I loved how something so minimal could feel so special. This year, I wanted to build on that idea but change the shape just a bit. Inspired by all the holiday baking flooding my Instagram feed (and a box of nuts sitting on my counter), these cashew chocolate cluster trees came to life.
As with all of my bakes, this wasn’t about aesthetics alone. Every element here has a purpose—the buttery cashews, the rich chocolate, and the slivered almonds acting as a subtle crunch at the base. Festive and delicious is always the goal.
Much like last year’s wreaths, this recipe is wonderfully simple. A handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and zero stress—exactly what holiday baking should be. Melt your chocolate using a double boiler, create a tree shape with cashews and almonds at the base onto a parchment-lined tray, and drizzle chocolate on top. Finish with red and green sprinkles on top for that unmistakable holiday feel.
That’s it. No oven. No complicated steps. Just an easy, eye-catching treat that feels festive without demanding too much of your time or energy. Perfect for a holiday gathering, a homemade gift, or honestly, just to keep in the fridge for little moments of joy throughout the week.
Simple ingredients. Intentional flavor. A little holiday magic. 🎄🍫
Chocolate Cluster Trees
Ingredients
- 8 oz (or 1 cup) cashews, almonds, or pecans
- 8 oz (or 1 cup) chocolate of your choice (prefer >70% dark)
- 2 oz (or 1/4 cup) slivered almonds
- Holiday sprinkles red & green
Instructions
- Set up a double boiler by placing a small pot of water on medium heat. Add a heat-proof bowl on top filled with chocolate. (Make sure the water does not boil over; it should stay hot enough to gently melt the chocolate.) Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Create tree clusters by arranging the cashews in increasing rows. At the bottom, have one row of slivered almonds.
- Drizzle the chocolate on top of the tree form to coat well.
- Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles over the tops of the trees as desired.
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
