The Easiest Peanut Clusters Recipe

The Easiest Peanut Clusters Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a delectable peanut clusters recipe requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Sweet chocolate melts perfectly with roasted nuts in this simple treat.

Chocolate lovers find pure joy in these bite-sized delights.

No complicated techniques stand between you and dessert success.

Pantry staples create magic with just a few steps.

Quick preparation means indulgent snacks are always within reach.

Peanut Clusters with Minimal Effort, Maximum Joy

  • Whip Up Effortless Delights: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks seeking a quick and delicious treat.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Snacks: Peanut clusters are universally loved, offering a perfect blend of sweet chocolate and crunchy peanuts that appeal to both kids and adults at gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra mix-ins like sea salt or different nuts to personalize the clusters, making them adaptable to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • No-Fuss Holiday Gifting: These clusters make excellent homemade gifts, allowing you to package them beautifully for friends and family during festive seasons with minimal effort.

Easy Peanut Clusters (4-Ingredient) Ingredient List

Chocolate Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth, rich chocolate coating.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the clusters.
Nut Component:
  • Peanuts: Provides a crunchy texture and classic nutty taste.
Binding Ingredient:
  • Peanut Butter: Helps bind the mixture and enhances the nutty flavor.

Making Peanut Clusters: Easy Holiday Recipe

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Magic

In a medium saucepan, create a delicious chocolate base by combining:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Peanut butter

Warm the ingredients over medium to medium-low heat, stirring gently until everything transforms into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 2: Fold In Nutty Goodness

Pour the peanuts into the melted chocolate blend, stirring carefully to ensure every single peanut gets perfectly coated with the rich, creamy chocolate.

Step 3: Create Cluster Treasures

Grab two spoons and carefully drop small spoonfuls of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure to space the clusters slightly apart for easy separation.

Step 4: Let Clusters Set

Allow the peanut clusters to rest and harden at room temperature for about two hours. For those who can’t wait, pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. The clusters are ready when they’re firm and have a beautiful, glossy sheen.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Once set, gently remove the clusters from the baking sheet. These irresistible treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or a sweet personal indulgence. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Peanut Cluster Tips for Easy, Holiday-Ready Candy

  • Melt Chips Gently: Use low heat to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring constantly for smooth, glossy texture.
  • Choose Quality Nuts: Select roasted, salted peanuts for deeper flavor and extra crunch in your clusters.
  • Line Perfectly: Use parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
  • Control Cooling Speed: Let clusters set at room temperature for softer texture or refrigerate for quicker, firmer results.
  • Adjust Chip Ratios: Experiment with different chocolate and butterscotch chip combinations for unique flavor profiles.

Easy Storage Tips For Peanut Clusters

  • Store peanut clusters in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
  • Wrap clusters individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 3-5 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Gently warm clusters in the microwave at 50% power for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

What Pairs with Easy Peanut Clusters

  • Elevate Chocolate Pairings: Match these rich peanut clusters with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complement the deep chocolate flavors and nutty undertones.
  • Contrast with Cool Beverages: Serve alongside creamy milk or a chilled espresso to balance the sweet, dense texture of the clusters and refresh the palate.
  • Dessert Companion Strategy: Create a dessert platter featuring these clusters with vanilla bean ice cream or a light whipped cream to enhance the overall indulgent experience.
  • Seasonal Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm spiced apple cider during holiday gatherings to add a cozy, complementary flavor profile that highlights the clusters' sweet and nutty characteristics.

Peanut Cluster Combo Suggestions

  • Vegan Nutty Clusters: Replace chocolate and butterscotch chips with dairy-free dark chocolate chips, use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and swap peanuts with mixed nuts like almonds, cashews, and pecans.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Clusters: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace peanut butter with almond butter, and choose low-carb nuts like macadamia or brazil nuts to keep the carbohydrate count minimal.
  • Gluten-Free Holiday Clusters: Ensure all chocolate chips and peanut butter are certified gluten-free, and verify that peanuts are processed in a gluten-free facility to maintain safe preparation.
  • Low-Sugar Nutty Treats: Substitute regular chocolate chips with stevia-sweetened chocolate chips, use natural peanut butter without added sugars, and select unsalted roasted peanuts for a healthier version.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. The recipe is flexible with chocolate varieties.

  • Do I need to toast the peanuts first?

No toasting is necessary. Raw or roasted peanuts work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they are unsalted for the best flavor balance.

  • How long will these peanut clusters last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these clusters will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. In the refrigerator, they can last up to 3 weeks.

  • Are these suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this recipe contains peanuts and is not safe for those with nut allergies. Always check ingredients carefully if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

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The Easiest Peanut Clusters Recipe

The Easiest Peanut Clusters Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate-coated peanut clusters bring sweet indulgence straight from grandma’s kitchen. Homemade candies deliver rich nutty flavor with simple ingredients, melting together for a quick and delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 4 cups unsalted or roasted peanuts
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) butterscotch chips

Binding Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together in a saucepan over gentle heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.
  2. Incorporate peanuts into the warm, molten mixture, gently folding until each nut is thoroughly enrobed with the chocolate blend.
  3. Carefully dollop the nutty chocolate concoction onto a lined baking sheet, using two spoons to create rustic, irregular cluster shapes.
  4. Let the clusters set at ambient temperature for several hours, allowing the chocolate to solidify naturally, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for quicker firming.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or cashews to create unique texture and taste variations.
  • Use a silicone mat for easier removal and cleaner presentation of the peanut clusters.
  • For dietary modifications, swap regular chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 248
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 4 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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