History
The Standard Candy Company invented the Goo Goo Cluster in Nashville in 1912: caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts and milk chocolate. It is widely cited as the first combination candy bar in America, predating the Snickers by 18 years. The cluster shape was named in a streetcar after a passenger said 'goo goo' at a child. Goo Goo's are still made in downtown Nashville; the Standard Candy flagship at 116 3rd Avenue South runs a chocolate-shop tasting and limited-edition flavours.
Common allergens: Peanuts, Dairy, Soy
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 300g caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 200g salted roasted peanuts
- 150g marshmallow fluff
- 300g milk chocolate, chopped
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt caramels with cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Place small spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff onto the parchment, spaced apart.
- Press a few peanuts onto each marshmallow mound.
- Drizzle the warm caramel over each cluster to cover the marshmallow and peanuts. Chill 30 minutes.
- Melt the milk chocolate gently in a clean bowl over simmering water.
- Dip each cluster into the chocolate, return to parchment and chill until set.
Tip from the editors. Work in small batches; the caramel firms up fast. Salt the peanuts well; the contrast with the chocolate is the whole point.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
Where to eat goo goo cluster
Goo Goo Cluster in Nashville
Featured by TableJourney as a signature dish of Nashville. See the Nashville signature dishes guide for the canonical version.
More cities are in research. Want goo goo cluster covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.