Are you ready to dive into the delicious world of Clodhoppers? These delightful candy clusters bring together crunchy cashews, chunks of graham crackers, and creamy white chocolate in an irresistible treat. Whether you’re an experienced candy maker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating something special that you’ll want to share with friends and family—or keep all to yourself!
Table of Contents
A unique, recipe-specific section about what makes it great
Clodhoppers stand out because of their simplicity and addictive flavor. The combination of textures—crispy graham crackers, nutty cashews, and smooth white chocolate—creates a treat that’s both delightful and satisfying. The best part? This no-bake recipe means you can whip them up without the need for complicated cooking techniques or a hot oven. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or as a homemade gift, these clusters are bound to become a beloved favorite.
Equipment you’ll use
To make Clodhoppers, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- A microwave-safe bowl
- A spatula or spoon for stirring
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups broken graham crackers
- 1 cup salted cashew pieces
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Start by covering a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking later on.
- Crush and Measure the Grahams: Break around one sleeve of graham crackers into bite-sized pieces. Avoid pulverizing them; a variety of sizes adds interest to the clusters. Measure out two cups and place them in a large bowl.
- Combine with Cashews: Add the salted cashew pieces to the graham cracker pieces. Gently toss them together to ensure an even mix.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 45 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is mostly melted. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Mix It All Together: Pour the smooth chocolate over your graham and nut mixture. Stir carefully so every piece gets a nice coating of chocolate.
- Form the Clusters: Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You want to keep some clumps to create the distinctive cluster shape.
- Let It Set: Allow the candy to firm up completely. You can let it sit at room temperature, or place it in the fridge to speed things up.
- Break and Store: Once set, break into smaller pieces if needed, and store in airtight containers.
Tips, troubleshooting, and common mistakes
- Avoid Overheating the Chocolate: If the chocolate overheats, it can seize up, becoming grainy. Melt slowly and stir often for the best texture.
- Keep It Clumpy: When spreading the mixture on the tray, don’t flatten it too much. Keeping clusters clumpy ensures that delightful chunky bite.
- Watch the Salt: Using salted cashews balances perfectly with the white chocolate’s sweetness. If using unsalted nuts, consider adding a small pinch of salt to the mix.
Pairing ideas and variations
Clodhoppers are delicious as is, but for a creative twist, try adding dried cranberries or shredded coconut to the mix for added sweetness and chewiness. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. If you’re craving something more decadent, a drizzle of dark chocolate over the clusters adds a bittersweet contrast.
FAQs about Clodhoppers
Can I make these homemade cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
How do I freeze homemade cinnamon rolls?
Conclusion
The first bite into a Clodhoppers cluster is a journey of textures and flavors—from the crispy crack of graham, the crunch of a nut, to the smooth finish of white chocolate. These little treats aren’t just a joy to make; they’re an experience for the senses. So gather your ingredients, embrace the mess, and enjoy every moment you spend creating and savoring these incredibly moreish Clodhoppers. Serve them up at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!
More Delicious Recipes
- Biscoff Tiramisu No-Bake Dessert: A creamy, no-bake dessert that combines layers of flavors, just like Clodhoppers offer a mix of textures and tastes.
- S’mores Cookie Bars: These bars combine graham crackers and chocolate, echoing the delicious graham element found in Clodhoppers.
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream: A delightful cold treat that pairs beautifully with the sweet crunchiness of Clodhoppers, perfect for warm days.
Clodhoppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Crush about one sleeve of graham crackers into bite-sized pieces, avoiding powdery crumbs if possible.
- Measure two cups of graham pieces into a large bowl.
- Add the cashew pieces to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 45 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until mostly melted. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the graham and nut mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet. Keep it somewhat clumpy for chunk-style candy.
- Let it firm up completely — either at room temperature or in the fridge for quicker results.
- Once set, break into smaller chunks if needed and store in airtight containers.
