These Cardamom Cranberry Clusters are an easy, bite-sized dessert or snack that is naturally gluten free, vegan and better for you! They have BIG flavor!
I mean. Cinnamon is good and all. But, have you tried CARDAMOM?
I feel like it’s on the most under-rated spices but you can do SO MUCH WITH IT. You can make chai energy balls. You can make paleo cookies. Heck, you can even throw it in dairy free paleo casserole for some seriously good flavor!
And it’s basically the BEST spice in these little tangy, sweet and spicy bites that you are going to be ADDICTED TO.
Honestly though? I can’t take credit for this recipe. I asked Mr. FFF “what should I make today?” and he said “cranberry cardamom clusters?
And, well, here are we.
He’s come a long way from only requesting me to making Cajun food for dinner (although the Cajun grilled cod and Cajun Instant Pot Chili ARE delish!)
Cardamom Cranberry Clusters Ingredients
I’m all about the snacks- but not just ANY kind of snacks. Sure, some snacks that taste BOMB are loaded with sugar that makes you crash but there ARE alternatives that will be sweet, tasty, and give you energy to get through the day! Let me introduce you to these amazing clusters that are a great snack for on-the-go or chilling at home. They’re full of nourishing, energy giving ingredients to keep you full! Here’s what you will need:
- Slivered Almonds
- Craisins
- Ground Cardamom
- Zest of an orange
- Salt
- Almond Flour
- Natural Creamy Almond Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Coconut Oil
Health Benefits of Cardamom
Not only is cardamom such a delicious spice that’s full of warmth and sweet and spicy notes that bring so much depth of flavor to baked goods, snacks, and even casseroles. Did you know that there’s even MORE to love about this amazing spice? Cardamom also has plenty of health benefits, and I’m going to outline them for you:
- Antioxidant Properties: Cardamom is known to help lower blood pressure in those that struggle with high blood pressure.
- Anti-Inflammatory: studies show that cardamom may help protect our bodies from developing chronic illnesses and conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Aids in Digestion: Cardamom is known to help keep things moving and can even help heal ulcers!
- Dental health: Cardamom may help with bad breath and can even prevent cavities from developing.
- Antibacterial Effects: Cardamom may help heal infections at a faster rate.
How to Make Cardamom Cranberry Clusters
Now that we know the incredible health benefits of cardamom and have rounded up our ingredients, we are ready to make these dreamy snacks a reality! You may want to make a double batch, because they’re seriously addictive and are going to go FAST!
Preheat
Set your oven to 350 and allow it to preheat fully.
Toast
On a baking sheet, spread out the almonds and toast them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Watch closely to make sure they don’t burn!
Mix
Mix together the craisins and cardamom. Next add the orange zest, salt, almond flour and toasted almonds and stir until well combined.
Heat and Combine
In a small microwaveable bowl, heat the almond butter, syrup and oil until smooth and melted, for about 1 minute. Pour the mixture over the craisin mixture.
Scoop
Line a pan with parchment paper. Pack the mixture into a cookie scoop and press out onto the pan. Use you hands to pack the balls more if they begin to fall apart.
Bake
Bake the clusters until lightly golden brown, which should take about 13 minutes. Cool completely on the pan, and DEVOUR!!
How to Store
I love to make an extra batch of on the go snacks whenever I’m already making them! Whether I am making Peanut Apple Bites with Kettle Corn, Vegan Cookie Dough Stuffed Peanut Butter Bites, or Cranberry Orange Energy Bites, I like to have lots on hand to get me through the week and to share! If you make a bunch of THESE tasty clusters and have some left over, fear not! Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and enjoy whenever the craving hits you!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Slivered Almonds
- 1 1/3 cups Dried Cranberries
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- zest of one Orange (large)
- pinch of Salt
- 2/3 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 cup Creamy Almond Butter (natural)
- 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and cook until lightly golden brown, about 5-10 minutes. They burn quickly, so watch them!
- Mix the craisins with the cardamom. Then, add in the orange zest, salt, almond flour and toasted almonds and mix until combined.
- Place the almond butter, syrup and oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until smooth and melted, about 1 minute.
- Pour over the craisin mixture and mix well! Additionally, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pack the mixture into a cookie scoop and press out onto the pan, using your hands to pack the balls together if they start to separate.
- Bake until lightly golden brown, about 13 minutes. Cool completely on the pan.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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