Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters
Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters are a type of candy or confection made with cashew nuts coated in white chocolate or almond bark, with a drizzle of milk chocolate over the top creating a "zebra" striped pattern. Originating from or be popular among Amish communities, particularly in Pennsylvania, the name refers to both their Amish origins and their zebra-striped appearance.
Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters
Mmm, these Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters are phenomenal! Let me tell y'all about my latest kitchen adventure with this deliciously vintage candy.
I was strolling through the local farmers market last weekend when a little basket of these striped cashew bites caught my eye. Taking a sample, I was instantly transported - the crunch of the roasted cashews, the creamy sweetness of the white chocolate coating, with those delightful zebra stripes of rich milk chocolate drizzled over top. It was love at first bite!
After devouring the entire basket (oops!), I knew I had to recreate these nostalgic treats at home. A little digging unveiled their Amish origins and vintage country charm. I could just picture ladies in bonnets and aprons whipping these up for church potlucks generations ago.
Making them myself was easier than a Sunday morning. Just a handful of simple ingredients - roasted salted cashews, white chocolate or almond bark, and some milk chocolate chips for striping. The hardest part was avoiding snacking on the cashews before coating them!
I melted the white chocolate first, being careful not to overheat it. You know how finicky that stuff can be. A few stirs with a fork and it was silky smooth. Then I folded in those crunchy cashews until they were completely enrobed in that ivory coating.
Using a spoon, I portioned the cashew clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, trying my best to make them all equally lump-shaped and rustic looking. Once they set up a bit, it was time for the zebra stripes!
I melted some milk chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil to keep it drizz-able. Using a fork, I wildly drizzled streaks of chocolate over the white cashew mounds. Looked just like a zebra went trick-or-treating in my kitchen!
After the chocolate set, I had these crunchy, creamy, salty-sweet candy clusters ready for devouring. The sweet cashews with hints of salt played perfectly with the rich chocolate coatings. Each bite was addictively delicious!
Whether you pack them up as gifts or keep the whole batch for snacking, these Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters are a super easy way to travel back in time. They're a nostalgic candy craft that's perfect for modern candy lovers.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to dip into my stash for few more quality control "tastes"...crunch crunch
A Couple Disclaimer-y Things: This is not an official or authorized Amish recipe, just my own interpretation. Nutrition facts may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used. *Please consume responsibly and share with friends! Zebra Cashew Cluster addiction is real.
Maple Bacon Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters Recipe
prep time with cook time.
Serves 18 clusters and contains approximately 190 calories.
American, Amish / Dessert, Candy
Ingredients
- 12 oz salted roasted cashews
- 8 oz white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon bits
- 4 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler or microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals, melt the white chocolate chips with the maple syrup, stirring until completely smooth.
- Remove from heat and fold in the salted cashews and bacon bits until fully coated.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cashew mixture into clusters on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the clusters for 30 minutes to set.
- In a small bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips with the coconut oil until liquid and smooth.
- Using a fork or spoon, drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the set cashew clusters in a zebra stripe pattern.
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving, about 1 hour.
This unique recipe adds smoky, salty bacon bits and rich maple syrup to complement the chocolate and cashews. The coconut oil in the milk chocolate drizzle gives it a silky, drizz-able texture. The combination of salty, sweet, smoky and nutty flavors makes these indulgent cashew clusters perfect for gifting or snacking. Enjoy this Amish countryside-inspired treat!
Rated 5.0 by 9 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters, Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters Recipe
Published by: Dish Dupes
Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters Recipe FAQ
What are Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters? Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters are a vintage-style candy made by coating roasted salted cashews in white chocolate or almond bark, then drizzling with stripes of milk chocolate to create a "zebra" pattern.
Why are they called "Amish"?
The name refers to their origins among Amish communities, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch country. These simple nut cluster candies have been made for generations by Amish cooks.What is the difference between white chocolate and almond bark? White chocolate contains cocoa butter, while almond bark is a chocolate-flavored confectionary coating made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. Almond bark tends to be more heat-stable for dipping and coating.
Can I use other nuts besides cashews? Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, walnuts or peanuts would all work well. Just be sure to use roasted, salted nuts for the best flavor and crunch.
How do I melt the chocolate without seizing it up? For best results, melt white chocolate or almond bark at 50% power in the microwave for 25-30 second intervals, stirring well each time. You can also use a double boiler on the stovetop.
How long do Amish Cashew Clusters last? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can refrigerate them for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze Zebra Cashew Clusters? Yes, they freeze beautifully! Once set, place the clusters in an airtight freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What coconut oil for the milk chocolate drizzle? Adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the melted milk chocolate helps thin it out to the perfect drizz-able consistency for those zebra stripes.
Do I have to temper the chocolate? No tempering is required for this easy recipe! The chocolates are simply melted and used for coating/drizzling.
Can kids help make these candy clusters? Absolutely, this is a great kid-friendly recipe! Let the kids help coat the cashews, scoop the clusters, and drizzle the chocolate stripes.
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