When you want something sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy without much fuss, Peanut Clusters are a magical answer. These little bites of joy combine creamy chocolate with freshly roasted peanuts in a way that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. The best part? They require minimal effort, a handful of basic ingredients, and hardly any time at all. Whether you’re hosting friends, making a holiday treat, or just craving an easy dessert fix, Peanut Clusters hit the spot every single time with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about making Peanut Clusters is how every simple ingredient truly pulls its weight. Each element brings its own character: the chocolates melt into a lush base, the peanuts add crunch and salt, and coconut oil (if you’re feeling fancy) gives a silky finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The backbone of the chocolate flavor, rich and not too sweet for a balanced base.
- Milk chocolate chips (1 cup): For an extra creamy, mellow contrast that softens and sweetens the finished clusters.
- Roasted salted peanuts (2 cups): These bring a hearty crunch and a salty edge that truly elevates every bite.
- Coconut oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Just a touch helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives the clusters a subtle sheen.
How to Make Peanut Clusters
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures your Peanut Clusters don’t stick, helping them set up into perfect mounds without a mess.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolates
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and that spoonful of coconut oil if you want extra smoothness. Microwave the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each session, until the chocolate is completely melted and satiny smooth. It usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes in total, depending on your microwave. Be careful not to overheat—it’s better to stop while there are still a few unmelted chips and let residual heat finish the job.
Step 3: Coat the Peanuts
Add the roasted salted peanuts straight into your bowl of melted chocolate. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every peanut gets a generous coating. The aroma at this point may put your willpower to the test!
Step 4: Form the Clusters
Using a spoon, scoop up generous mounds of the chocolate-peanut mixture and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart—no need for perfection here, rustic shapes are part of the charm. This mix should yield about 24 bite-sized Peanut Clusters.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow the clusters to set at room temperature until they’re firm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry (or it’s a warm day), pop the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container for storage, or, you know, snag a few before anyone else gets to them.
How to Serve Peanut Clusters
Garnishes
If you’re feeling creative, try a light sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top of your clusters before the chocolate sets. It gives an irresistible sweet-and-salty finish. For festive flair, a dusting of colored sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate can transform your Peanut Clusters into holiday showstoppers.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Clusters with other sweet treats like dried fruit, candied ginger, or a bold cheese platter to balance out the flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa, which enhances their creamy, chocolatey richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile clusters into a decorative bowl, or arrange them in little paper muffin cups for easy serving. Stack them in gift boxes or mason jars tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. Peanut Clusters look marvelous nestled among other candies on a dessert tray or holiday platter, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Clusters keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen runs warm or you prefer a firmer texture, stash them in the fridge—just let them sit a few minutes at room temp before serving so the chocolate isn’t too hard.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Once your clusters are fully set, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll keep their freshness for up to two months—just bring them to room temperature before serving so the chocolate regains its creamy snap.
Reheating
Since Peanut Clusters are meant to be enjoyed as-is, there’s no need to reheat them. If you find your chocolate has lost its shine or feels a little too cold from the fridge, let them sit out for a bit or pop them on a plate and allow to warm gently at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips create a more intense, less sweet cluster, while white chocolate will yield a different flavor altogether. Feel free to experiment with chocolate blends to suit your personal taste.
Are Peanut Clusters gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using gluten-free chocolates. Always check the packaging if you need to be certain for dietary reasons.
Can I substitute other nuts for peanuts?
Definitely—try almonds, cashews, or even mixed nuts in place of the peanuts. Each swap will bring its own unique texture and flavor to the clusters, so don’t be afraid to mix things up!
How can I make my clusters look extra fancy?
A quick drizzle of contrasting chocolate on top (white over semisweet, for example) or pressing a single whole peanut onto each mound before it sets adds a lovely finishing touch. Edible gold dust or festive sprinkles also make these Peanut Clusters party-ready.
Why add coconut oil to the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and gives the finished clusters a beautiful glossy sheen. It’s optional, but it does make the mixing and coating process even easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful, no-fuss treat that always impresses, give these Peanut Clusters a try. I promise you’ll love the satisfying crunch and luscious chocolate in every bite—plus, there’s something special about sharing a homemade candy that everyone adores!
Print
Peanut Clusters Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 clusters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these easy-to-make Peanut Clusters that combine the rich flavors of chocolate and roasted salted peanuts for a delectable treat!
Ingredients
Semisweet Chocolate Chips:
2 cups
Milk Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Roasted Salted Peanuts:
2 cups
Coconut Oil:
1 tablespoon (optional for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Melt Chocolate:
- Coat Peanuts:
- Form Clusters:
- Set Clusters:
- Storage:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and coconut oil if using. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the peanuts until well coated with chocolate.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Let the clusters sit at room temperature until set, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for quicker setting.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for a sweet-salty finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
