This easy Sweet and Salty Candy recipe is a delicious homemade treat that comes together in no time! Made with toasted almond slivers, crunchy pretzels, and chewy raisins, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy goodness. Best of all, these simple homemade candies are easy enough for beginners to make and are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings, parties, or whenever your sweet tooth calls. Whip up a batch and watch these irresistible little treats disappear!

Easy Sweet and Salty Candy Recipe

Over the years, I’ve made all sorts of candy clusters, but I always seem to find my way back to this tried-and-true combination. I’ve always been a fan of Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut candy bars, so adding chewy raisins to these sweet and salty clusters was a natural choice. The original recipes that inspired me left out the pretzels and were a little skimpy on the chocolate, too. Well, after a bit of tweaking to suit our Southern sweet tooth, I can honestly say I wouldn’t make them any other way! Fair warning, y’all, these little bites of goodness are downright addictive, and stopping at just one is mighty hard to do.

Come the holidays, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the kitchen with family and friends to whip up homemade goodies to share. Whether you’re putting together a little something for teachers, hairstylists, the folks at your doctor’s office, or the neighbors down the road, homemade candy is always a welcome treat. These Sweet and Salty Candy Clusters are so easy to make that everyone can join in, from the youngest helpers to the grown-ups. After all, it’s those simple moments spent in the kitchen, making a little mess and a whole lot of memories, that make the holidays special for kids and adults alike.

Key ingredients to make Sweet and Salty Candy: (Scroll down for the full recipe card and quantities.)

Nuts – Toasted slivered almonds add a nutty flavor.
Chocolate – Milk chocolate chips or semi sweet chocolate chips for a chocolaty flavor.
Shortening – Solid vegetable shortening to melt with the chocolate chips. Shortening is stable at room temperature and thins the chocolate. You could use coconut oil as well.
Raisins – Golden raisins add a chewy texture and fruity texture.
Pretzels – Broken pretzel sticks for a salty crunch.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Candy Recipe

Toast Almonds – Spread the almonds on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven until lightly golden brown and toasted.
Melt Chocolate – In the top of a double boiler, melt together the chocolate and shortening until smooth.
Combine – Place pretzels, raisins and toasted almonds in a large mixing bowl. Pour melted chocolate on top. Stir until evenly coated.
Divide Candy Mixture – Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop to drop in clusters onto wax paper.
Cool – Allow to set up for 1 hour or until and dry.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Sweet and Salty Candy

Double boiler or bowl fitted into a pot.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Large sheet pan covered with wax paper.
Rubber spatula.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Chocolate – You can make this candy with semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
Shortening – You can replace Crisco with coconut oil. Don’t use heavy cream, it adds moisture and will make the pretzels soften.
Nuts – You can make this candy with peanuts, cashews, pecans or walnuts.
Raisins – You can use classic raisins or golden raisins.
Make Your won Double Boiler – If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make your own! Find a bowl that will fit into a small saucepan without touching the water. If using a glass bowl make sure it’s tempered glass. Place the chocolate and vegetable shortening in the bowl, then place over about 1 inch of simmering water. Don’t let the bowl touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth.
How to Serve and Share – When sharing candy as a gift, remember the packaging is everything. Most candies can be gifted in pretty tins or seasonal cellophane bags. Don ‘t forget the ribbon. Mason jars are also a fun option.
Label – When sharing as a gift, don’t forget to include a card telling the recipient the best way to store the homemade gift. Consider any special dietary needs of those whom you’re giving the gift of food.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store Sweet and Salty Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer – You can freeze this candy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge then bring to room temperature for serving.

More Candy and Sweet Treats to Make

Chocolate covered homemade Bourbon Balls.
This DIY Hot Chocolate Mix has a bonus how-to for making floating snowmen.
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without these Snowball Cookies on the menu.
Friends and family will swoon over these Santa Hat Brownies.
Fluffy Southern Divinity Candy filled with pecans.
White Chocolate Snack Mix is great for snacking and gift giving.
If you aren’t inclined to bake, see how to make this stunning Christmas Dessert Board to serve.
Classic Peanut Butter Balls.
Sweet and Salty Crockpot Candy a great way to gently melt the chocolate without fuss.
Dipped Pretzel Rods from Very Best Baking.

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