These 3 Ingredient Peanut Clusters are one of the easiest homemade holiday treats you can make. With just chocolate chips, roasted peanuts, and a little coconut oil, you can have rich, crunchy chocolate peanut clusters ready in about 15 minutes.
There is no baking, no complicated candy-making process, and no long ingredient list. Simply melt the chocolate, stir in the peanuts, scoop into clusters, and let them set.
These easy no-bake peanut clusters are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, edible gifts, or whenever you want a quick chocolate treat. Similar to Peanut Butter Fudge with Condensed Milk, Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, this recipe is our favorite holiday candy recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Clusters Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- No oven or candy thermometer needed
- Made with dark and milk chocolate chips
- Crunchy roasted peanuts in every bite
- Great for holiday cookie trays and dessert platters
- Easy homemade edible gift
- Perfect make-ahead holiday treat
The combination of creamy melted chocolate and crunchy roasted peanuts is simple but so satisfying. Using both dark chocolate and milk chocolate gives these clusters a rich chocolate flavor without making them overly sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Chips
I like using a combination of dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. The dark chocolate adds a deeper, slightly bittersweet flavor, while the milk chocolate makes the clusters creamy and sweet.
You can adjust the ratio depending on your preference.
Coconut Oil or Shortening
A small amount of coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a glossy texture. It also makes it easier to coat the peanuts evenly.
Roasted Peanuts
Use roasted peanuts for the best flavor and crunch. Salted or unsalted peanuts both work. If using salted peanuts, keep in mind that they will add a little extra salty flavor to the finished clusters.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Start by melting the chocolate chips with coconut oil. You can do this in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Gentle heating and frequent stirring will give you a smooth chocolate coating.
Once melted, add the roasted peanuts and stir until every peanut is coated with chocolate.
Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Scoop small spoonfuls of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the parchment, forming little clusters.
Let the clusters cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
That’s it!
Easy Holiday Treat
These homemade peanut clusters are especially convenient during the busy holiday season. You can make a batch while preparing other Christmas desserts, and they require very little hands-on time.
They also make a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert platter. Place the chocolate clusters in mini cupcake liners for an easy party presentation.
For gifting, arrange the clusters in a small holiday box or treat bag. Add parchment between layers if stacking them.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Clusters
Use good-quality chocolate. Since chocolate is one of the main ingredients, its flavor really comes through.
Don't overheat the chocolate. Melt it slowly and stir often for the smoothest texture.
Make evenly sized clusters. A small cookie scoop makes this quick and easy.
Chill to set faster. Refrigerating the clusters helps the chocolate firm up in less time.
Store properly. Keep the peanut clusters in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate them for a firmer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only milk chocolate?
Yes. You can make these clusters with all milk chocolate, all dark chocolate, or your favorite combination.
Do peanut clusters need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. They can be stored in an airtight container in a cool area. Refrigeration will make them firmer.
Can I make peanut clusters ahead of time?
Absolutely. These are an excellent make-ahead holiday dessert. Prepare them several days before serving and store them in an airtight container.
Are these no-bake peanut clusters?
Yes! These are no-bake chocolate peanut clusters. The chocolate is simply melted, mixed with roasted peanuts, scooped, and allowed to set.
The Easiest 3 Ingredient Holiday Treat
When you need a quick homemade dessert, these 3 Ingredient Peanut Clusters are hard to beat. They have everything you want in a holiday treat: rich chocolate, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a simple preparation that takes only about 15 minutes.
Make a batch for your next Christmas party, cookie exchange, holiday gathering, or edible gift. One bite and you'll understand why these easy chocolate peanut clusters disappear so quickly!
For more homemade gift ideas, try Apple Butter, Apple Chutney, Rice Krispies Trail Mix, Spiced Tea Mix, Homemade Garam Masala, Chai Spice Mix, Pumpkin Spice Mix, and Instant Pot Dulce de Leche.
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.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- 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.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator until it sets. ( about 15 - 20 minutes) You should be able to easily lift up the cluster.
- 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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Peanut Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips 18oz
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips 6oz
- 2 cups Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts 12oz
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil or Shortening 15ml
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
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a heat-safe bowl on a trivet above the water. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté – Low and let the chocolate melt gently, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, carefully remove the bowl, and stir in the roasted peanuts. Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
How to Make Peanut Clusters on stove top
- 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.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Gentle heating and frequent stirring will give you a smooth chocolate coating. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Scoop small spoonfuls of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the parchment, forming little clusters. Let the clusters cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
If Using Microwave to melt Chocolate
- 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.
How To Make Slow Cooker 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, scoop small spoonful of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the parchment, forming little clusters. Let the clusters cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate is completely firm.
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
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This recipe was originally published on ProfusionCurry Website on November 13, 2021.
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Susan Renee Walker
Could you use caramel bits for this recipe?
Prajakta Sukhatme
Yes
Megan
Can’t wait to try. For 2 clusters it’s 134Cals?? Just wondering just trying to eat better but also have some sweet treats too.
Rose
Can’t wait to try them but they looked perfect!
Prajakta Sukhatme
So happy to hear that !
Alvie Kernells
Do you have to put them in the fridge to harden?
Prajakta Sukhatme
Unless in you are in warm climate, it doesn't . But they harden quickly if you put them in refrigerator.
Pam
this is a winner. sooo good
Eileen
I have made these 3 times now and take them to work. The last time I put in Toffee Bits and sprinkled some on top everyone really liked them.