Coconut Fruit Clusters

These chocolate fudgey coconut clusters are not too sweet however they indulge in a rich chocolate almond flavour with just a hint of rum. Fudgey, chocolatey, fruit cakey whichever way you want to describe it these are simply luscious.

Coconut Fruit Clusters

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makes approximately 30 clusters

5 cups sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped dried fruit

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup dark cocoa powder

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 tablespoons dark rum

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons almond extract

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Set aside.

Combine the coconut, chopped fruit mix, condensed milk, cocoa powder, melted butter, rum, and almond and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking tray.   

Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until just set. Remove immediately from the baking tray and allow to cool completely on wire racks. Repeat until all mixture has been baked.  

Notes: Your dried fruit taste may vary however I used a pre-chopped dried fruit mix which consisted of dried dates, cranberries and apricots.  

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Was a warm one in E-town and seems like the warmer temperatures will continue.  - JD