gf & df “Take 5” clusters 👩🏼🍳🍫✨ guys these turned out SO GOOD!!!!! full recipe is on my Pinterest under “ALLERGY RECIPES” or below:
BASE LAYER
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- ½ cup Almond Flour
- 1 Tbsp DF Butter
- Pinch of salt
- Handfuls of Peanuts
- Handfuls of Pretzels
CARAMEL LAYER
- ½ cup Almond Butter
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ tsp Salt
CHOCOLATE TOP
- 1 pack of Enjoy Life
chocolate chips (melted)
Instructions:
01 | in a small pot on low heat add all base layer ingredients. stir until combined
02 | remove from heat & add in desired amount of peanuts & pretzels, then cool
03 | spoon 2 inch circles of base onto lined baking tray. allow to harden in freezer for about 15 minutes
04 | while base layer hardens combine caramel layer in small pot for 5-8 minutes on medium heat until the texture resembles caramel
05 | add a layer of caramel directly on top of each cluster’s base layer
06 | put back in the freezer to harden
07 | melt chocolate chips in bowl and cool
08 | cover each cluster in desired amount of chocolate and then transfer back to freezer to harden
09 | store in freezer and allow to thaw a bit before enjoying! #bakewithme #bakingasmr #cookingasmr #glutenfree #dairyfree
Making allergy-friendly treats at home can be both satisfying and delicious, especially when you follow a recipe that combines familiar flavors with safe ingredients. The gluten-free and dairy-free "Take 5" clusters are a great example of a snack that brings comfort and indulgence without compromising dietary needs. In my experience, using natural almond flour enhances the texture and brings a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter base. When preparing the base layer, it's key to gently heat the ingredients just until combined; overheating can alter the consistency. Adding pretzels and roasted peanuts gives a delightful crunch, balancing the sweet and creamy layers. For the caramel layer, the combination of almond butter, olive oil, and maple syrup cooked to the right consistency creates a luscious, creamy caramel without dairy, which many store-bought caramels often contain. A touch of vanilla extract and salt elevates the flavor, ensuring the clusters are rich but not overly sweet. Melting Enjoy Life chocolate chips for the topping is a perfect choice, as they are not only dairy-free and gluten-free but also melt smoothly to coat each cluster with a glossy finish. Freezing the clusters between steps helps each layer set properly, making the final texture just right—firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to bite easily after thawing a few minutes. These clusters are fantastic for anyone who needs gluten-free and dairy-free snacks, whether due to allergies or lifestyle preferences. Storing them in the freezer keeps them fresh for longer and makes them ready to enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits. Plus, sharing these allergy-safe treats with friends and family can make gatherings more inclusive and enjoyable. From my experience, experimenting with adding a pinch of sea salt on the chocolate topping before hardening gives an extra dimension of flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully. Adjusting the amount of peanuts or pretzels also allows you to customize the crunch to your liking. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted with other nut butters or mix-ins while still maintaining the core gluten-free and dairy-free principles.
