Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Prajakta Sukhatme · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Homemade chocolate peanut clusters are the ultimate holiday treat. All you need is just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes to make this rich delectable chocolate treat.

Learn to make this popular edible Christmas gift at home with this fail-proof recipe. I am including Instant Pot, Stovetop, Microwave as well as slow cooker crockpot instructions.

We love making no-bake desserts during Holidays. Chocolate dipped pretzels, Peppermint Bark , Chocolate Egg Nests and these peanut clusters are our favorites.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (1)

Edible Holiday Gift

Chocolate Peanut Clusters are also called peanut turtles since they resemble the shape of the turtles. I have seen people call them as Christmas Candy as well. These clusters gifts wrapped in festive containers look so elegant and gourmet. They are useful for gift giving to friends, family, teachers, co-workers, neighbors, or anyone else you need last minute gifts for. SO make multiple batches.

This is a great recipe to involve kids. It’s super easy for them to handle with proper adult supervision. Gathering in the kitchen and making yummy food is an awesome family bonding activity. Our family enjoys it.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make chocolate peanut clusters. NO DOUBLE BOILERS OR CANDY THERMOMETER NEEDED!

You will love this FOOLPROOF, MAKE AHEAD, STRESS FREE HOLIDAY GIFTS OR DESSERT.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (2)

Ingredients

CHOCOLATE CHIPS : I use a mixture of semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. You can also use dark chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. I like chocolate chips instead of candy melt or chocolate bars. Chips melt better and give a smooth taste. You can use all dark or semisweet or white chocolate chips too.

DRY ROASTED SALTED PEANUTS : it’s a taste preference but I like salty peanuts for the combination of sweet and salty taste. The peanuts add crunch as well savory flavors to smooth rich chocolate. It is just so good. If you use unsalted roasted peanuts, add a pinch of sea salt.

COCONUT OIL OR SHORTENING: Adding a little bit of Shortening helps chocolate to melt smoothly. It helps to coat the peanuts better. I like to use coconut oil for this recipe. You can use any other vegetable shortening as well.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (3)

Line large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. You will need at least 2 large baking sheets.

Stove Top Chocolate Peanut Clusters

  1. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Stir in peanuts. Turn off the heat.
  2. Drop chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cluster. You can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to do this.
  3. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.
  4. Remove all the clusters and store in an airtight container. Keep them away from the heat and direct sunlight. Store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (4)

Instant Pot Chocolate Peanut Cluster

  1. Place an instant pot liner in an Instant Pot. Insert trivet in the liner. Pour 2 cups of water into the liner. Press the SAUTE button.
  2. Place a glass or steel bowl on top of the trivet. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil inside the bowl. Stir occasionally, until completely melted and chocolate is smooth (takes 7-8 minutes).
  3. Add in the peanuts to the melted chocolate. Mix well so that peanuts are completely covered in chocolate.
  4. Drop chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cluster. You can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to do this.
  5. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.
  6. Remove all the clusters and store in an airtight container. Keep them away from the heat and direct sunlight. Store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (5)

Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters

  1. Use a 6-quart slow cooker or crock-pot and spray with cooking oil spray. Put all the ingredients, cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours until melted. Put a timer and stir every 20 minutes to prevent chocolate from scorching.
  2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
  3. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. ( about 15 – 20 minutes) You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.
  4. Remove all the clusters and store in an airtight container away from the heat and direct sunlight. Store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Microwave Method to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters

  1. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 1 minute.
  2. Then remove the bowl and stir. The chocolate should start melting. Put the bowl back in the microwave and heat at 30 second intervals.
  3. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the peanuts. Mix well so that the peanuts are fully covered with melted chocolate.
  4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cluster.
  5. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.
  6. Remove all the clusters and store in an airtight container away from the heat and direct sunlight. Store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (6)

Different Decoration Options

You can make these chocolate peanut clusters all year round and dress them up to match the celebration. Here are some suggestions.

  • Valentine’s Day : Use red and pink sprinkles or red food glitter. You can shape the clusters in the heart shape using a cookie cutter.
  • Easter : Use only white or milk chocolate chips and make the clusters. Top them off with pastel blue or pink sprinkles.
  • Fall / Halloween: Use only white or milk chocolate chips and add a couple drops of orange food coloring while making the clusters. You can also use various fall shaped sprinkles including pumpkin, maple leaves etc.
  • Thanksgiving and Christmas: Classic red and green sprinkles, m&m’s and shiny glitters work best. You can also dust white glitter and use shredded coconut to make them snow covered clusters.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (7)

How long will homemade peanut clusters last?

Chocolate Peanut Clusters last best when refrigerated in an airtight container. Separate the layers with pieces of parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They should be last for couple weeks.

Can you freeze peanut clusters?

Absolutely. When they are set, place them in freezer bags or air tight containers to freeze. Thaw Chocolate Peanut Clusters in the refrigerator before serving.

Pro tips

  • Candy melts or chocolate barks also work besides chocolate chips. Almond Bark peanut Clusters are very popular.
  • You can use mini cupcake liners for serve-size ready gifts.
  • Use the same recipe to make various chocolate nut clusters. Almonds, cashews, pecans or walnuts are great choices. You can also mix different nuts.
  • To make nut free clusters use pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes or sunflower seeds.
  • Besides using chocolate chips to make Dark Peanut Clusters or White Peanut clusters, you can add peanut butter, caramel, or butterscotch for variety.
  • Adding marshmallows, rice krispies or chow-mein noodles for extra texture also works beautifully.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (8)

Follow us on PINTEREST and like our FACEBOOK page. We love creating delicious, plant based recipes from around the world. DO JOIN US

We would love to hear your feedback!! Use the PIN button in the recipe card or image below to pin this recipe !

If you make this Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe , do let us know how you like it by star rating it and leaving a comment below.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (9)

Peanut Clusters Recipe

Prajakta Sukhatme

Chocolate Peanut Clusters make classic Holiday Gift. Learn to make homemade peanut clusters with this fast and easy 3 ingredient recipe. This recipe includes instructions to make this no bake candy using Instant Pot, Microwave, Slow cooker and Stove top.

4.75 from 39 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 50 -60 clusters

Calories 134 kcal

Ingredients

Optional Garnishes

Instructions

  • Line large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. You will need at least 2 large baking sheets.

How To Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters in Instant Pot

  • Place an instant pot liner in an Instant Pot. Insert trivet in the liner. Pour 2 cups of water into the liner. Press the SAUTE button.

  • Place a glass or steel bowl on top of the trivet. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil inside the bowl. Stir occasionally, until completely melted and chocolate is smooth (takes 7-8 minutes).

  • Add in the peanuts to the melted chocolate. Mix well so that peanuts are completely covered in chocolate.

  • Drop chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cluster. You can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to do this.

  • Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.

  • Remove all the clusters and store in an airtight container. Keep them away from the heat and direct sunlight. Store them in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

STOVE TOP CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

  • In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Stir in peanuts. Turn off the heat.

  • Rest of the instructions use 4, 5 and 6 steps above.

MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

  • Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in Microwave safe bowl. Microwave it for 1 minute.

  • Then remove the bowl and stir. The chocolate should start melting. Put the bowl back in the microwave and heat at 30 second intervals.

  • Stir between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the peanuts. Mix well so that the peanuts are fully covered with melted chocolate.

  • Rest of the steps are same as 4, 5 and 6 above.

How To Make Crock pot Chocolate Peanut Cluster

  • Use a 6-quart slow cooker and spray with cooking oil spray. Put all the ingredients, cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours until melted. Put a timer and stir every 20 minutes to prevent chocolate from scorching.

  • Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, and peanuts are well stirred, use steps 4,5 and 6 to make the clusters.

Notes

  • Candy melts or chocolate barks also work besides chocolate chips. Almond Bark peanut Clusters are very popular.
  • You can use mini cupcake liners for serve-size ready gifts.
  • Use the same recipe to make various chocolate nut clusters. Almonds, cashews, pecans or walnuts are great choices. You can also mix different nuts.
  • To make nut free clusters use pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes or sunflower seeds.
  • Besides using chocolate chips to make Dark Peanut Clusters or White Peanut clusters, you can add peanut butter, caramel, or butterscotch for variety.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Clusters about 1 Tablespoon eachCalories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

Did you make this recipe?Mention @ProfusionCurry or tag #ProfusionCurry!

Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why won t my peanut clusters harden? ›

This is caused by the ratio of almond bark to chocolate being too low. You need enough almond bark to ensure ensure your Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters harden.

How many calories in chocolate covered peanut clusters? ›

Peanuts, Chocolate Covered, Peanut Clusters (1 peanut cluster) contains 7g total carbs, 6.3g net carbs, 4.7g fat, 1.8g protein, and 73 calories.

Why are peanuts and chocolate so good together? ›

In a nutshell (pardon the pun), our research showed that our taste buds just love it when food has contrasting tastes, making the saltiness of nuts combined with the sweetness of chocolate every taste bud's dream. This phenomenon even has a fancy scientific name – 'dynamic sensory contrast'.

How long does it take for peanut to dry? ›

Once dug, move the peanuts to a shaded area with good air circulation and spread them out to dry. Place the plants so that the peanuts are facing up and the greens are underneath. The peanuts should be allowed to dry in their shells for two to three weeks. Once the peanuts are dried, there are a few ways to store them.

When were peanut clusters invented? ›

The Goo Goo Cluster is an American candy bar created in 1912 by Howell Campbell and the Standard Candy Company in Nashville, Tennessee. The disk-shaped candy bar contains marshmallow nougat, caramel, and roasted peanuts covered in milk chocolate.

When was peanut clusters invented? ›

Fun Fact: Peanut clusters have been around for many years dating way before 1912 when they were made popular by the Goo Goo Cluster.

How unhealthy are chocolate covered peanuts? ›

Not to mention all the sugar, preservatives and additives found in the candy coating. One serving of chocolate-covered peanuts (1.4 ounces) contains 230 calories, 15 grams of fat (6 grams of it saturated), 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 11 grams of sugars.

Are chocolate covered peanuts good for you? ›

While chocolate-covered nuts may appear to be a treat, chocolate and nuts also provide health advantages. Essential fatty acids and linolenic acids are abundant in nuts. Nuts include mostly unsaturated fat, with some monounsaturated fat, which can lower blood cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and enhance heart health.

How much sugar is in peanut clusters? ›

Our Family
Nutrition Facts
How much sugar is in Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters? Amount of sugar in Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters: Sugar 9g-
How much fiber is in Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters? Amount of fiber in Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters: Fiber 2g8%
18 more rows

What should you not eat with peanuts? ›

Some of the highest-risk foods for people with peanut allergy include:
  • Cookies and baked goods. Even if baked goods don't contain nut ingredients, it is possible that they came into contact with peanuts through cross-contamination. ...
  • Candy. ...
  • Ice cream. ...
  • Asian, African, and other cuisine. ...
  • Sauces.

Why do men love eating peanuts? ›

Many men consume peanuts as a snack due to their salty, savory flavor. However, peanuts are also versatile ingredients in peanut butter, sauces, smoothies, and baked products. Healthy vitamins in peanuts, such as vitamin E, folate, and magnesium, make them incredibly nutritious.

Can I kiss my boyfriend after eating peanuts? ›

But the amount of allergens in the mouth goes down over time, and after a few hours they are all but gone. Experts advise brushing your teeth and waiting at least 4 hours before kissing someone if you think you ate a food that person may be allergic to.

How do you fix peanut brittle that did not harden? ›

Why Is My Peanut Brittle Chewy / Sticky / Didn't Harden?
  1. Break up the brittle and place it in a glass, microwave-safe bowl. Heat on HIGH heat 1-2 minutes until soft and semi-melted. ...
  2. Transfer the semi-melted brittle to a a clean saucepan. ...
  3. Immediately remove from the heat and add additional 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Nov 18, 2022

Why are my peanut butter balls too soft? ›

If your butter was too soft or if the peanut butter you're using is too thin, the filling can get a little soft and sticky as you're rolling. The refrigerator can fix that—stop what you're doing and chill the bowl of filling for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before trying again to roll into balls.

Why won t my peanut brittle get hard? ›

If the brittle does not reach a hard crack stage (300F degrees) it will not set up and harden properly. Also, the correct pan size matters. If your pan is too small then the brittle mixture will be too thick and won't be able to harden up properly.

Why is my peanut brittle still soft? ›

Didn't combine ingredients right. Didn't get it hot enough. You have to hit hard crack stage heat or it's not going to harden.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5904

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.