Indulge in the delightful combination of salty and sweet with Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters. These candies bring back memories of childhood, when a trip to the local store meant a world of delicious possibilities. Among all the candies, nothing quite matched the allure of the intriguingly named Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters. These clusters were a momentary escape from the pressures of schoolwork, and we could all use a taste of that joy again, even as adults.

What makes these candies so special? The name itself evokes curiosity. The Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters get their name from their unique appearance. As you travel closer to Pennsylvania, you’ll find these delightful clusters more commonly. A medley of cashews mixed with white chocolate, garnished with stripes of chocolate, creates a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey richness. The addition of salted roasted cashews adds a much-needed hint of salt, enhancing the overall flavor to perfection. These clusters are not only a delight to eat but also make excellent gifts. They are a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie tin or a thoughtful gesture for any party host or hostess.

Preparing these clusters is as easy as it gets. The recipe calls for cashews, white-coating chocolate, and milk chocolate chips. Start by melting the white chocolate. If you’re worried about the white chocolate seizing up in the microwave, you can use coating chocolate or almond bark instead. Both options are forgiving and easy to work with. Simply melt the white chocolate or almond bark in 25 to 30-second intervals, stirring in between. The heat from the bowl and the stirring action will ensure that the chocolate melts evenly.

Next, fold in the cashews. Opt for salted roasted cashews to enjoy their robust nutty flavor. The touch of salt beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate. You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a large soup spoon to portion out the clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if the shape looks a bit lumpy; you can easily adjust it once you’ve scooped out the cluster. This recipe yields sixteen large clusters, but feel free to make them smaller for bite-sized treats.

Allow the clusters to set for a while before adding the final chocolate drizzle. The finished product is truly irresistible. The slightly salty cashews combine with the creamy sweetness of the white chocolate, while the chocolate stripes add a deeper contrast. The result is a delectable candy that satisfies every craving—creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet—a culinary delight that will leave you wanting more.

Amish Zebra Cashew Clusters Recipe

Makes 30 clusters
Preparation Time: 16 minutes
Inactive Time: 40 minutes
Allergens: Nuts

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 2 cups) salted roasted cashews
• 20 ounces almond bark or white chocolate
• 8 ounces milk chocolate

Preparation:

1. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. In a large bowl, melt the almond bark in 25-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted.
3. Fold cashews into the melted almond bark, ensuring that each cashew is fully coated.
4. Using a large tablespoon, drop portions of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets. You can shape the clusters further after placing them on the parchment paper.
5. Let the clusters set for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Once the cashews have set, melt the milk chocolate in 20 to 25-second intervals until completely melted. Drizzle the milk chocolate over each cluster.
7. Allow the clusters to set completely (usually another 20 minutes) before serving or storing them in a container.