Fresh Pear Chocolate Clusters (Printable Version)

Juicy pears enveloped in dark chocolate, topped with nuts and coconut for a fresh indulgence.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)

→ Chocolate

02 - 7 oz dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa), chopped

→ Nuts & Garnish

03 - 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

→ Other

05 - Pinch of sea salt

# How To Make:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Gently pat the diced pears dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until fully melted.
04 - Remove the chocolate from heat. Allow to cool for 2 minutes, then fold in the diced pears and half of the chopped nuts.
05 - Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet to form clusters.
06 - Sprinkle the tops with the remaining nuts, shredded coconut if using, and a pinch of sea salt.
07 - Refrigerate clusters for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is set.
08 - Serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're deceptively simple to make, yet taste like you've spent hours perfecting them
  • The moment when that fresh pear hits the chocolate is pure magic—juicy, crisp, and absolutely irresistible
  • They come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests
02 -
  • If your pears are particularly juicy, toss them with a teaspoon of cornstarch before mixing into the chocolate—this prevents the clusters from becoming soft or weeping
  • The chocolate must be cooled slightly before adding the pears, or you'll end up with warm, mushy fruit instead of that lovely textural contrast that makes these special
03 -
  • If you find your pears too soft, look for firmer ones at the market or use them within a day of purchase—timing makes all the difference
  • The sea salt on top isn't optional; it creates a subtle flavor complexity that elevates these from good to unforgettable, the kind of small detail people notice without knowing why