Irresistible 3-Ingredient Chocolate Covered Almonds with Sea Salt: Your New Favorite Easy No-Bake Treat!
Crafted with just three simple ingredients, these homemade chocolate covered almonds offer a delightful and incredibly easy no-bake dessert that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the day. Prepare to fall in love with this perfect blend of crunchy almonds, rich chocolate, and a hint of flaky sea salt.
Why Chocolate Covered Almonds are a Must-Try Dessert!
There’s something inherently satisfying about the combination of salty and sweet, and these dark chocolate covered almonds truly exemplify that perfect balance. This recipe stands out as one of the best no-bake dessert options, requiring only three simple ingredients to create a gourmet-level treat right in your own kitchen.
Let’s be honest, almost anything coated in chocolate transforms into an instant delight. We adore classic indulgences like chocolate covered Oreos and chocolate covered pretzels. However, these chocolate covered almonds offer a more sophisticated and satisfying experience. They flawlessly blend the luxurious, smooth texture of melted chocolate with the distinct crunch and nutty essence of almonds, creating a textural and flavor harmony that is hard to resist.
The addition of flaky sea salt elevates this dessert from good to extraordinary. Sprinkling sea salt on top provides a brilliant salty contrast that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, highlighting its depth of flavor. For me, sea salt flakes are an absolute game-changer, enhancing the taste of almost any chocolate dessert and adding that professional touch.
The Simple Magic of Just Three Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible simplicity, relying on a minimal ingredient list that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. You don’t need fancy equipment or a long shopping list to whip up a batch of these delectable treats. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect chocolate-covered almond.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Covered Almonds
- Almonds: For the best results, we recommend using raw, unsalted almonds. Raw almonds offer a clean, natural nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. If you prefer a slightly deeper, toasted flavor, you can lightly roast your almonds beforehand. Ensure they are unsalted to fully control the saltiness with the sea salt flakes. You can use whole almonds or blanched slivered almonds for a different texture.
- Chocolate Chips: While dark chocolate chips are highly recommended for their rich, complex flavor that complements almonds exceptionally well, feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic sweetness, milk chocolate chips offer a creamier, milder taste, and even white chocolate can be used for a different twist. For a vegan-friendly version, simply opt for high-quality dairy-free dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. The quality of your chocolate will significantly impact the final taste, so choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own.
- Sea Salt Flakes: These are crucial for that irresistible salty-sweet dynamic. Unlike finely ground salt, sea salt flakes provide bursts of saltiness and a delicate crunch, enhancing the overall experience. While other salts can work, the visual appeal and textural contribution of flakes are unmatched.
How to Make Perfect Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: Step-by-Step
Making these gourmet treats is surprisingly simple and requires no baking. Follow these steps for perfectly coated, delicious chocolate almonds every time.
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Properly
Place your chosen dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts, stirring thoroughly every 15-20 seconds. It’s crucial to watch the chocolate closely, especially towards the end, as it can burn quickly. Stirring helps distribute the heat and ensures a smooth, glossy melt. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method for a more controlled melt: place a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir until smooth.
Step 2: Dip Each Almond with Care
Once your chocolate is perfectly melted and smooth, it’s time to coat the almonds. Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each almond into the melted chocolate. Gently tap the fork against the edge of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off. This step is key to achieving a thin, even coating that hardens beautifully. Place each dipped almond onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Sprinkle with Sea Salt Flakes Immediately
This step is all about timing! As soon as you place each chocolate-covered almond on the baking sheet, gently sprinkle it with flaked sea salt. You need to do this quickly before the chocolate begins to set, ensuring the salt adheres beautifully to the surface. The contrast of the dark chocolate with the glistening salt flakes not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the visual appeal.
Step 4: Harden and Enjoy
Once all almonds are dipped and seasoned, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for about 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm and set. The cold helps the chocolate harden quickly, ensuring a satisfying snap with every bite. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Should Chocolate Covered Almonds Be Refrigerated? Storage Tips
The best storage method for your homemade chocolate covered almonds often depends on a few factors: the temperature of your kitchen, the time of year, and how long you intend to store them. While these treats are quite stable, proper storage helps maintain their quality, texture, and extends their shelf life.
If your kitchen is cool (below 70°F or 21°C) and you plan to consume them within a couple of days, you can absolutely leave them at room temperature in an airtight container. However, to preserve their firmness and prevent any potential melting or softening of the chocolate, especially during warmer months or in warmer climates, refrigeration is highly recommended.
You can store chocolate almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the chocolate firm and prevents it from blooming (a harmless but aesthetically unpleasing grayish film that can form on chocolate due to temperature fluctuations). For even longer storage, the freezer is your best friend. In an airtight bag or container, these delicious treats can last in the freezer for up to 1 month, or even longer without a significant change in quality.
Personally, I find that storing mine in an airtight bag in the freezer is the ideal solution. Not only do they last longer, but the chilled, firm texture of the chocolate and the satisfying crunch of the almond right out of the freezer is incredibly refreshing. Whenever a sweet craving strikes, grabbing a handful of these salty-sweet almonds from the freezer is the perfect way to satisfy it. They also make a fantastic, slightly healthier alternative to many traditional candies.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
These chocolate covered almonds are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. They are an excellent choice for a quick, no-bake dessert during the bustling holiday season, offering a touch of elegance without the effort. Beyond the holidays, they serve as a simple yet sophisticated sweet treat suitable for any time of the year. Consider packaging them in decorative bags or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Variations to Try:
- Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, cashews, or even hazelnuts for a unique flavor profile.
- Chocolate Types: As mentioned, milk, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate can be used. For a marbled effect, drizzle a different color of melted chocolate over the set dark chocolate.
- Additional Toppings: Beyond sea salt, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick, orange zest for a bright citrus note, finely chopped dried fruit, or even colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Nut Butters: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly coat the almonds in a thin layer of almond or peanut butter before dipping them in chocolate.
Chocolate Almonds FAQs
You have a few excellent options! Dark chocolate chips are highly recommended for a rich flavor that beautifully complements the almonds and sea salt. However, you can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a slightly sweeter profile, or milk chocolate chips for a milder, creamier taste. To make these chocolate covered almonds vegan, simply ensure you choose a high-quality dairy-free semi-sweet or dark chocolate chip brand.
For optimal freshness and to prevent melting, store your chocolate covered almonds in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. If you’re looking for a longer storage solution, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Many people, including myself, prefer them chilled or even straight from the freezer for a delightful firm texture and an extended shelf life.
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for raw almonds, using pre-roasted almonds will add a deeper, more intense nutty flavor. If your roasted almonds are salted, you might want to reduce the amount of sea salt flakes you sprinkle on top, or omit them entirely, depending on your preference for saltiness. Unsalted roasted almonds work perfectly.
The key is low heat and patience! When using a microwave, heat the chocolate chips in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring thoroughly after each interval. This distributes the heat evenly and prevents scorching. Stop microwaving when there are still a few small lumps, as the residual heat will melt them as you stir. For a more controlled method, use a double boiler: place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
More Easy Desserts to Delight Your Taste Buds
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these chocolate-covered almonds, you’ll love exploring other easy, no-fuss dessert recipes. These are perfect for quick treats, last-minute gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers
- Ritz Cracker Toffee
- Oreo Balls
- Crock Pot Peanut Clusters
If you’re looking for a dessert option that feels indulgent yet offers some nutritional benefits, these homemade chocolate covered almonds are an impressive choice. Almonds are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, while dark chocolate offers antioxidants. It’s a truly great, light, and satisfying sweet treat for almost any occasion, whether it’s an after-dinner indulgence, a thoughtful gift, or a quick energy boost. Dive into the world of simple, delicious no-bake desserts and make these delightful chocolate almonds today!
Chocolate Covered Almonds
Joy Shull
20 minutes
20 minutes
8
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Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes, for topping
Instructions
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Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until melted, stirring every 15-20 seconds. Watch closely to avoid burning the chocolate.
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Dip the almonds one by one into the melted chocolate with a fork, tap off the excess chocolate, then place on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
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Sprinkle the chocolate covered almonds immediately with flaked sea salt before the chocolate sets.
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Place in fridge to harden until set.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month.
Nutrition
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