If you’re looking for a fun, absolutely delicious treat that practically makes itself, you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to share my Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe with you — a no-fail dessert that’s rich, crunchy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re bringing something to a party or just craving a homemade chocolate snack, you’ll find that this recipe is as simple as it is tasty. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work — minimal stirring and zero stress.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of different peanuts gives a satisfying crunch every bite.
- Deliciously Foolproof: I learned the trick to prevent seizing by covering the lid with a towel — your chocolate will be silky smooth every time.
- Ideal for Gifting: These clusters make wonderful homemade gifts, and they hold up nicely at room temperature.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve picked ingredients that marry perfectly for that classic chocolate-peanut combo. Quality chocolate chips and baking chocolate create a rich base, while the mix of peanuts adds dynamic crunch and flavor. A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt at the end really makes those flavors pop.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes cleanup easier and keeps chocolate from sticking to your crockpot.
- White almond bark: Melts smoothly and helps balance the chocolaty sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (quality like Ghirardelli): Adds depth and a rich chocolate flavor — avoid cheaper chips with fillers.
- German sweet baking chocolate bar (or milk chocolate): Used to temper the chocolate for a silky texture and shiny finish.
- Salted dry roasted peanuts: The classic peanut crunch, perfect for that salty-sweet combo.
- Cocktail peanuts: Smaller nuts that add variety and keep every cluster unique.
- Coarse sea salt: A garnish that brightens the sweetness and adds a nice contrast.
Variations
This recipe is a great blank canvas for making it your own. I love switching up nuts or chocolate types depending on what I have on hand — you can really make it fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Nut varieties: I’ve swapped salted dry roasted peanuts for roasted almonds or cashews before — all delicious options that add a new twist.
- Chocolate swaps: Using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet can add a richer, less sweet flavor profile.
- Nut-free version: For allergies, sub pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep that crunch.
- Add-ins: Some friends toss in mini marshmallows or dried cranberries for a festive touch.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot for Easy Melting
Start by giving your slow cooker a light spray with nonstick cooking spray — trust me on this, it saves a lot of scrubbing later. Then, pop in the white almond bark followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips. One little trick I discovered (and it’s a game changer) is to cover the crockpot opening with a kitchen towel before you put the lid on. This catches condensation and keeps water from dripping into your chocolate when you stir, which can cause it to seize up and get all grainy. It sounds like a fuss, but it really makes a difference.
Step 2: Melt and Stir Slowly for Silky Chocolate
Set your crockpot to LOW heat and give everything a gentle stir every 20 minutes or so. This slow melting process usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. When the chocolate chips and almond bark are fully melted, stir in the chopped German sweet baking chocolate. This step tempers your chocolate, making it beautifully glossy and smooth. Once that’s mixed in, toss in all your peanuts and stir until they’re evenly coated with the luscious chocolate mixture.
Step 3: Portion and Set Your Clusters
Line your counter with a long strip of parchment paper or set out mini cupcake liners if you’re gifting these treats. Use a tablespoon to scoop clusters onto the lining, spacing them out a bit. Here’s a pro tip: sprinkle the coarse sea salt on right after dropping each group of clusters — don’t wait until they all are set or the early ones will harden without the salty finish. Let these set for about 45 to 60 minutes at room temperature, or until they’re completely firm.
Step 4: Store Properly for Freshness
Once your clusters are set, store them in an airtight container with rows separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Keep them in a cool, dry spot — no need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is very warm.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
- Cover the Lid: Taking that extra step to cover the lid with a towel ensures your chocolate melts smoothly without seizing due to condensation.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Remember, the better the chocolate, the tastier your clusters — I swear by Ghirardelli chips for this recipe.
- Stir Gently and Patiently: Frequent but gentle stirring helps melt evenly and prevents scorching or clumps.
- Salt Timing Matters: Sprinkling sea salt immediately after dropping each cluster keeps the salt in place and enhances that perfect salty-sweet balance.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a touch of coarse sea salt because it brings out the chocolate’s richness and the peanuts’ savory crunch. Sometimes, I’ll add a tiny sprinkle of cayenne for a subtle kick that surprises guests — it’s a favorite twist in my house!
Side Dishes
These clusters are perfect alongside a creamy cup of coffee or your favorite cold milk. If you’re serving a dessert spread, pair them with fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream — the simplicity balances the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re giving these as gifts or hosting a party, try presenting clusters in mini cupcake liners arranged on a pretty tray. Another favorite idea I’ve tried is wrapping small portions in wax paper tied with ribbon — such an easy way to impress friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, separating each layer with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and perfect for about two weeks, which works great when you want to prolong that homemade goodness.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, I’ve frozen these clusters wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags with parchment layers — they thaw quickly and still taste just as amazing.
Reheating
Because these are no-bake, you generally don’t need to reheat them. But if they soften on a warm day, a quick chill in the refrigerator sets them right back up without losing texture or flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a regular chocolate bar instead of baking chocolate?
You can substitute with a good-quality milk or dark chocolate bar, but be sure to chop it finely so it melts evenly in the crockpot. The baking chocolate helps temper the mix, so using it improves texture, but the substitute works in a pinch.
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Why do I need to cover the crockpot lid with a towel?
This clever trick catches condensation inside the lid so water doesn’t drip onto the melting chocolate, which can cause it to seize and become grainy. It’s a simple step that ensures your clusters turn out silky smooth every time.
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Can I make these clusters without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can melt the chocolate on a double boiler or in the microwave at low power, stirring frequently. Just be careful not to overheat to avoid seizing. The crockpot just makes it super hands-off and foolproof.
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How long do the clusters keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these clusters stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Just keep them away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent melting.
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Can I use unsalted peanuts?
You can, but I recommend using salted peanuts or adding a little extra sea salt on top to keep that perfect salty-sweet balance we all love in peanut clusters.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe turns out every time — it’s one of those simple recipes that looks way more impressive than it is. When I first tried this, I was nervous about melting chocolate in a slow cooker, but once I used the towel trick and picked good-quality chocolate, it became a go-to treat in my house. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to whip up and how everyone goes crazy for these crunchy, chocolaty bites. Seriously, give it a try next time you want a homemade dessert that feels like a little celebration.
Print
Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 85 clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters are a foolproof, decadent treat combining smooth melted almond bark, rich semi-sweet and German baking chocolates, and a mix of crunchy roasted peanuts. Easy to prepare in your slow cooker, these clusters make perfect gifts or snacks, finished with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an irresistible sweet and salty flavor.
Ingredients
Base Chocolates
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 lbs. white almond bark
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli)
Added Chocolates and Nuts
- 4 oz. German sweet baking chocolate bar, chopped (or milk chocolate)
- 16 oz. salted dry roasted peanuts
- 16 oz. cocktail peanuts
Garnish
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Base Chocolates: Place the white almond bark into the slow cooker followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cover the slow cooker with a kitchen or paper towel before placing the lid to catch condensation and prevent chocolate seizing while melting.
- Melt Chocolates: Set the slow cooker to LOW and melt the chocolate for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir every 20 minutes to ensure smooth melting. Add the chopped German sweet baking chocolate and stir until fully melted to temper the chocolates.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in all the roasted peanuts until they are evenly coated with the melted chocolate mixture.
- Form Clusters: Lay out parchment paper or line mini cupcake liners if gifting. Drop peanut and chocolate mixture by the tablespoon onto the parchment or liners.
- Garnish: Immediately sprinkle the clusters lightly with coarse sea salt to enhance flavor before the chocolate hardens.
- Set the Clusters: Allow clusters to set at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes until completely hardened.
- Store Properly: Store the clusters in an airtight container in a cool place. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use a kitchen towel between the slow cooker and lid to absorb condensation and prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Stir chocolate regularly to ensure smooth melting and to avoid burning.
- Sprinkle sea salt immediately after forming clusters for best texture and flavor.
- Clusters can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a cool, dry place.
- For gifting, use mini cupcake liners to make handling easier and presentation attractive.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
