Caramel Coconut Clusters are the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who loves the combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate. With crunchy vanilla wafers, creamy dulce de leche, toasted coconut, and a rich chocolate coating, these clusters are a decadent bite-sized dessert perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines coconut, caramel, and chocolate into one irresistible bite.
No baking required — just mixing, shaping, and dipping.
Easy to make in large batches for parties or gifts.
Freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time.
The toasted coconut adds a nutty, flavorful depth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

14 oz sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
11 oz crushed vanilla wafers
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
14 oz dulce de leche
16 oz dark chocolate melting wafers

Directions

Toast the coconut
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded coconut and stir frequently for 5–7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Mix the filling
- In a large bowl, combine toasted coconut, crushed vanilla wafers, sweetened condensed milk, and dulce de leche.
- Stir until well combined into a sticky mixture.
Scoop and shape
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form 1–1.5-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
Dip in dark chocolate
- Melt dark chocolate wafers according to package directions.
- Dip the bottoms of the clusters into the chocolate, then return them to parchment paper.
Drizzle and finish
- Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the tops using a spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottle.
- Let sit at room temperature or refrigerate until chocolate sets.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 clusters
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
Add chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts) to the filling for extra crunch.
Mix in a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle for a salted caramel version.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks for longer freshness.
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Do not microwave, as the chocolate coating will melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?

It’s best to use sweetened shredded coconut for the right texture and sweetness.

Do I need to toast the coconut?

Toasting adds flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a softer, sweeter bite.

Can I make these without dulce de leche?

Yes, you can use caramel sauce or extra sweetened condensed milk, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers?

Yes, crushed graham crackers work as a good substitute.

Can I make these clusters nut-free?

Absolutely — this recipe doesn’t require nuts, and you can avoid any optional add-ins.

How do I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly wet or oil your hands before shaping the clusters.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales up easily for parties or holiday gifting.

Can I use regular chocolate bars instead of melting wafers?

Yes, but tempering the chocolate will help it set properly without becoming sticky.

How long do these clusters take to set?

At room temperature, about 20–30 minutes; in the fridge, around 10–15 minutes.

Can I gift these clusters?

Yes, they make an excellent homemade gift when wrapped in candy bags or boxes.

Conclusion

Caramel Coconut Clusters are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the richness of dulce de leche, the crunch of vanilla wafers, and the deep flavor of toasted coconut — all wrapped in smooth dark chocolate. They’re easy to make, versatile with flavor variations, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re preparing them for holidays, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these clusters will always impress.