Dark Chocolate Chili Clusters: Spicy-Sweet Addictive Bites
Imagine the deepest dark chocolate melting on your tongue… then BAM—a gentle chili kick that makes your taste buds dance. These Dark Chocolate Chili Clusters are dangerously addictive: glossy chocolate shells hiding crunchy almonds with a whisper of heat and sea salt. They’re the ultimate holiday gift, midnight snack, or “I deserve this” treat.
The secret? Perfectly crushed almonds that add insane crunch without turning the chocolate grainy. A quick spin with the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater does the job in seconds—uniform pieces, zero dust, total control.
🍫Ingredients (makes ~20 clusters)
10 oz dark chocolate (70%+ for best snap)
1 ½ cups whole almonds (toasted)
½–1 tsp chili powder (adjust to your heat level)
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but magic)
Flaky sea salt for finishing
Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra fire
🔥Step-by-Step: Spicy Chocolate Heaven
1. Toast & Crush the Almonds
Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant and golden. Let cool slightly.
Switch to the crushing blade on your hand crank cheese grater—feed in almonds and crank for perfect coarse pieces (not powder, not chunks—just right).
2. Melt the Chocolate
Chop dark chocolate and melt gently over a double boiler or in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring until silky.
3. Spice It Up
Remove chocolate from heat. Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Taste and adjust—start mild, you can always add more heat.
4. Cluster Time
Fold crushed almonds into the spiced chocolate until every piece is coated. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment-lined trays. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still wet.
5. Chill & Snap
Let set in the fridge until firm. Break apart any clusters that merged—they’ll look beautifully rustic.
✨Tips & Twists
Milder version → use ancho chili powder (smoky, low heat)
Coffee kick → add ½ tsp espresso powder to the chocolate
Gift mode → pack in clear bags with red ribbon
Vegan → just choose dairy-free dark chocolate
Storage → keeps 2–3 weeks in an airtight tin (if they last that long)
🌶️Final Bite
One cluster and you’re hooked: rich, crunchy, sweet, salty, with that sneaky chili tingle that keeps you reaching for “just one more.” That perfect almond crunch comes from the kitchen grater turning toasted almonds into flawless coarse pieces in seconds—no dust, no chunks, just pure addictive texture every time.
