Chocolate Peanut Clusters

🥜 The Easiest Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters: No-Bake Holiday Candy

Overview

This is the fastest, easiest, and most delicious recipe for No-Bake Peanut Clusters! Requiring only three simple ingredients and minimal effort, these crunchy, chocolate-covered treats are perfect for holiday gift-giving, party platters, or satisfying a quick sweet craving. Using a slow cooker (Crock-Pot) ensures the chocolate melts smoothly without scorching, making the process virtually foolproof.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 3-Ingredient Wonder: Uses minimal ingredients you likely already have.

• No-Bake & Easy: Perfect for kids and beginner cooks—just melt, mix, and scoop!

• Crowd-Pleaser: A classic candy that everyone loves, especially during the holidays.

• Perfectly Melted Chocolate: The slow cooker method guarantees silky smooth chocolate every time.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted, depending on preference)

• 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (or melting wafers)

• 1 (12-ounce) package peanut butter chips (or milk chocolate chips, depending on desired richness)

• Optional Additions:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup salted pretzels, broken into pieces (for extra crunch)

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

1. Prep Slow Cooker: Line a slow cooker (Crock-Pot) with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, or spray the inside lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Layer Chocolate: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the peanut butter chips (or milk chocolate chips) to the slow cooker. Do not stir yet.

3. Melt: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 1 to $1.5$ hours. The low, even heat prevents the chocolate from burning. Check the chocolate after $1$ hour—it should look melted around the edges but may still hold its shape in the middle.

Step 2: Mix the Clusters

1. Stir: Once the chocolate is mostly melted, stir the mixture vigorously until completely smooth and glossy. If the mixture is too thick, continue heating on LOW for another 15 minutes, then stir again.

2. Add Peanuts: Add the roasted peanuts (and any optional pretzels or vanilla) to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir gently until every peanut is thoroughly coated in the chocolate.

Step 3: Scoop and Set

1. Prepare Pan: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.

2. Scoop: Use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to drop clusters of the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Keep the clusters relatively small, about $1.5$ to $2$ inches wide.

3. Set: Allow the clusters to set completely at room temperature (about 2-3 hours) or transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for faster setting (about 30 minutes).

Step 4: Garnish and Serve (Optional)

1. Drizzle: For an extra touch, melt white chocolate chips in a separate bowl and drizzle thin lines over the set clusters.

2. Serve: Store the cooled, set clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

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• Primary Keywords: No-Bake Peanut Clusters, Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy, Easy Holiday Candy, 3-Ingredient Dessert.

• Secondary Keywords: Crock-Pot Peanut Clusters, Chocolate Covered Peanuts, Homemade Christmas Candy, Fast Dessert Recipe.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Clusters

• The Best Peanuts: Use dry roasted peanuts, as the oil from natural peanuts can sometimes affect the chocolate’s texture.

• Don’t Overheat: The key to using the slow cooker is LOW heat. High heat will cause the chocolate to seize or burn.

• Nut Variations: You can substitute the peanuts with almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend.

• Chocolate Variety: Use different combinations of melting chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate, to customize the flavor.