Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters
There’s something irresistibly delightful about Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters. Imagine crunchy peanuts enveloped in layers of smooth, melted chocolate and peanut butter chips, all gently melted to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe brings together a medley of textures and flavors that make for an easy and mouth-watering treat you can prepare with minimal fuss. Whether you’re prepping for a party, gifting homemade goodies, or just craving a sweet snack, these clusters deliver comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity with richness. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Using a slow cooker means you don’t have to babysit the chocolate or peanut butter chips on the stove or in the microwave. Just set it and forget it!
- Perfect Texture: The slow, gentle heat melts the chocolates and chips evenly, creating clusters that are crunchy, creamy, and perfectly set.
- Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in pretty jars or boxes, these clusters make wonderful homemade gifts for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
- Long-lasting: These treats store well and maintain their delicious texture for days when kept airtight.
What Goes Into Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters
The beauty of these clusters is in their simple yet rich ingredient list. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up this batch of deliciousness:
- 16 ounces (453.59g) unsalted peanuts, or dry roasted peanuts – providing the crunchy backbone of the recipe.
- 16 ounces (453.59g) salted cocktail peanuts – a nice contrast with a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 12 ounces (340.2g) semisweet chocolate chips – for that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 12 ounces (340.2g) milk chocolate chips – adding creamy sweetness and smoothness.
- 20 ounces (566.99g) peanut butter chips – these enhance the peanut flavor and add a luscious, melty texture.
- 32 ounces (907.19g) white almond bark or vanilla candy melts – to coat the clusters and help them set with a shiny finish.
Tools of the Trade
Having the right tools on hand makes the process seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity) – for gentle, even melting of all ingredients.
- Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring the mixture without scratching your slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and kitchen scale – to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats – for shaping and cooling clusters.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine peanuts and melted chocolate mixture before spooning onto sheets.
- Microwave-safe bowl (optional) – if you prefer to melt almond bark or candy melts to finish clusters separately.
Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Before starting, make sure your slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips
Place the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and white almond bark or vanilla candy melts into the slow cooker. Set it to the low heat setting.
Step 3: Melt the Chips Slowly
Stir the chips every 10-15 minutes. This slow melting process takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The goal is to avoid scorching and to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Peanuts
Once the chocolate and peanut butter chips are completely melted and smooth, add the unsalted peanuts and salted cocktail peanuts. Stir well to coat all the nuts evenly.
Step 5: Form the Clusters
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. You can make them as large or small as you like. Leave some space between each cluster.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator and allow the clusters to set completely, about 1 to 2 hours. Once firm, you can transfer them to airtight containers for storage.
Seasonal Spins
- Holiday Peppermint: Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the clusters before chilling for a festive touch.
- Spiced Delight: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder with the melted chips for a warm, spicy kick.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in dried coconut flakes or chopped dried pineapple with the peanuts for a sunny flavor profile.
- Nutty Variety: Replace half of the peanuts with cashews, pecans, or almonds for a mixed nut cluster.
- Chocolate Overload: Drizzle additional melted chocolate or Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies inspired swirls on top for extra decadence.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
- Choosing Your Peanuts: Using a combination of unsalted and salted peanuts balances the sweetness perfectly, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Melting Tips: Resist the urge to turn the slow cooker to high heat; slow and steady melting prevents burning and grainy texture.
- Storage: Keep your clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customization: Feel free to swap the peanut butter chips for almond butter chips or even butterscotch chips for a new flavor dimension.
- Serving Suggestions: These clusters are fantastic on their own or as a crunchy topping for ice cream and yogurt bowls.
Save It for Later
Want to enjoy your Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters again and again? Here are some tips to keep this recipe handy whenever you need a quick sweet fix:
- Bookmark this page or save it to your recipe app for easy access.
- Make a double batch and freeze some clusters in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Print out the recipe and keep it in your kitchen binder for effortless reference.
Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters Q&A
Can I use other types of nuts besides peanuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional in this recipe, you can substitute or mix in nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just be sure they’re dry roasted or raw to avoid excess oiliness in the clusters.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I melt the chips another way?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter chips using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Just be careful not to overheat and seize the chocolate.
How can I make these clusters nut-free for guests with allergies?
For a nut-free version, swap the peanuts with roasted chickpeas or crunchy cereal like Cheerios. You might enjoy trying a recipe like Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Can I add mix-ins like dried fruit or candies?
Yes! Feel free to add dried cranberries, raisins, or even mini marshmallows to the clusters before chilling. Just keep in mind that some ingredients may affect how well the clusters hold together.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies – another quick and easy peanut butter treat that’s perfect for busy days.
- Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies – rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious peanut butter twist.
- Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars – crunchy, chewy bars packed with peanut butter goodness.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to make these delectable Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start melting. This recipe is a wonderful way to combine the nostalgic comfort of peanuts and chocolate with the ease of slow cooker magic. Whether for a quick snack, a party treat, or a thoughtful gift, these clusters are sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Enjoy every luscious bite!
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Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 16 ounces unsalted peanuts or dry roasted peanuts
- 16 ounces salted cocktail peanuts
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 20 ounces peanut butter chips
- 32 ounces white almond bark or vanilla candy melts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
- Make sure your slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips
- Place the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and white almond bark or vanilla candy melts into the slow cooker. Set it to the low heat setting.
Step 3: Melt the Chips Slowly
- Stir the chips every 10-15 minutes. This slow melting process takes about 45 minutes to an hour to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Peanuts
- Once the chocolate and peanut butter chips are completely melted and smooth, add the unsalted peanuts and salted cocktail peanuts. Stir well to coat all the nuts evenly.
Step 5: Form the Clusters
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cluster.
Step 6: Chill and Set
- Transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator and allow the clusters to set completely, about 1 to 2 hours. Once firm, transfer to airtight containers for storage.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and kitchen scale
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl (optional)
Notes
- Use a combination of salted and unsalted peanuts to balance sweetness and saltiness perfectly.
- Do not use high heat on the slow cooker to avoid burning or grainy texture.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
