Easy Caramel Coconut Clusters (No-Bake Dessert Recipe)
If You Love Girl Scout Samoas, You’ll LOVE These!
If you’re a fan of those iconic Girl Scout Samoas (Caramel deLites) with their chewy coconut, caramel, and chocolate combo — these Caramel Coconut Clusters are going to blow you away. They have that same irresistible flavor but with a homemade twist that makes them even better. Plus, no baking required!
The rich dulce de leche, toasted coconut, and dark chocolate shell come together for a flavor explosion that’ll satisfy every sweet tooth.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these delicious clusters, with helpful tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party, gifting them to friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Coconut Clusters
No-Bake Convenience: No oven required! These clusters come together with minimal effort.
Perfect Texture: Chewy, crunchy, creamy, and coated in smooth dark chocolate.
Crowd-Pleaser: These are always a hit at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Great for Gifting: Package them up in cute tins or boxes for an easy homemade gift.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent Caramel Coconut Clusters:
14 oz sweetened shredded coconut - Toasted to bring out a deep, nutty flavor.
11 oz crushed vanilla wafers - Adds crunch and sweetness with that classic vanilla taste.
14 oz sweetened condensed milk - Binds everything together with creamy, caramelized sweetness.
14 oz dulce de leche - Rich, thick caramel flavor that takes these clusters over the top.
16 oz dark chocolate melting wafers - Perfect for dipping and drizzling — a bittersweet balance to the sweet filling.
How to Make Caramel Coconut Clusters
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Toasting the coconut is a game-changer. It adds a nutty, toasty depth of flavor that you just can’t get from raw coconut.
Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the shredded coconut, stirring frequently.
Toast until golden brown and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
The toasted coconut
Crushed vanilla wafers
Sweetened condensed milk
Dulce de leche
Stir until everything is fully combined into a sticky, cohesive mixture.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out the mixture and form into balls (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
• Place the clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Freeze for 30 minutes to help them firm up for easier dipping.
Step 4: Dip in Dark Chocolate
While the clusters are chilling:
Melt the dark chocolate wafers according to package directions (microwave or double boiler).
Dip the bottom of each cluster into the melted chocolate.
Place back onto the parchment paper.
Step 5: Drizzle and Finish
With the remaining melted chocolate:
You can use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle chocolate over the tops of the clusters. However, my preferred method is placing the melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle, this makes it
Let them sit at room temperature (or pop them back in the fridge) until the chocolate sets.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Coconut Clusters
Don’t Skip Toasting the Coconut: This enhances the flavor and adds the perfect amount of crunch.
Chill Before Dipping: Freezing helps the clusters hold their shape and makes dipping easier.
Use Quality Chocolate: A good dark chocolate (around 60-70% cacao) balances the sweetness.
Double the Batch: These are highly addictive and disappear quickly!
Store in an Airtight Container: Keep them fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Variations You’ll Love
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Caramel Coconut Clusters:
Milk Chocolate Lovers: Swap the dark chocolate for creamy milk chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Add a Crunchy Center: Press a pecan or almond into the center of each cluster before chilling.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt after drizzling chocolate adds the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Holiday Vibes: Sprinkle crushed peppermint over the chocolate drizzle for a festive touch.
Tropical Twist: Add chopped dried pineapple or mango for a tropical variation.
What to Serve with Caramel Coconut Clusters
These clusters are rich and satisfying on their own, but they also pair well with:
A cup of coffee or espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with sweet caramel and coconut.
A glass of cold milk: For a classic, comforting combo.
An after-dinner dessert platter: Pair with fresh berries, other bite-sized treats, and chocolate-covered nuts.
Holiday dessert tables: These look beautiful alongside cookies, bars, and truffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind the recipe is balanced for sweetened coconut. If you use unsweetened, you might want to add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture to compensate.
Do I have to use dulce de leche?
Dulce de leche gives these clusters their signature rich caramel flavor. However, you could substitute with a thick caramel sauce in a pinch.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! These clusters store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or gifting.
How do I crush the vanilla wafers?
The easiest method is to place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. You want fine crumbs for best texture.
Can I freeze Caramel Coconut Clusters?
Yes! Once dipped and drizzled, freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why This Recipe Works (And You’ll Keep Coming Back to It)
What makes these Caramel Coconut Clusters so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors:
The chewy coconut and wafer filling provides that satisfying bite.
The creamy caramel (dulce de leche) adds a rich, buttery sweetness.
The dark chocolate shell cuts through the sweetness with a bold, bittersweet edge.
The process is simple, approachable, and fun — no complicated techniques, no fancy equipment.
It’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make on a whim.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Caramel Coconut Clusters are versatile and fit into so many occasions:
Holiday cookie swaps & dessert trays
Birthday party treats
Potlucks & family gatherings
Homemade gifts for teachers, friends, or neighbors
Sweet treats for movie nights or cozy weekends
The simplicity of the ingredients means you can keep everything on hand and whip up a batch whenever the craving hits.
Final Thoughts
If you love no-bake desserts that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, these Caramel Coconut Clusters are going to be a new favorite. They’re chewy, chocolatey, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent — everything you want in a bite-sized treat.
Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, prepping for the holidays, or just want a fun kitchen project with the kids, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
So grab your ingredients, get toasting that coconut, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible clusters.
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Easy Caramel Coconut Clusters | No-Bake Dessert Recipe
