Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe

This Salted Peanut Clusters Recipe has been around for at least a few decades.  This recipe is so easy and fun to make!

When I was younger, I remember that my Dad used to love these, and we had them in the house quite often. These Chocolate Peanut Clusters taste so good and are ridiculously easy to make.

Hello Friends! today I am sharing an easy homemade candy recipe that is so delicious and so easy! Homemade peanut clusters are one of the easiest things to make and they taste delicious!

Like my Rocky Road fudge, my Chocolate Peanut Clusters and my Easy Homemade Fudge , and my Pecan pie bark this is an easy and delicious candy recipe!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• These are so delicious and tastes like store-bought candy clusters. They look scrumptious on holiday trays or dessert boards.
• This peanut cluster recipe is one of those easy recipes that you can make year after year. These are also the perfect treat for movie nights and game nights.
• Made with just a few ingredients, these chocolate peanut clusters are made with both milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. In the old days, we melted the chocolate in a double boiler, but now, thanks to microwaves, these are even easier to whip it.
• These easy no-bake treats take only a few minutes to make if you use the microwave method. A big win when during the holiday season.
• You can make these in your slow cooker too!
• It makes a nice edible gift for Christmas.

Ingredients for Microwave Chocolate Peanut Clusters

All you need is four simple ingredients.

Peanuts – Many peanut cluster recipes call for dry-roasted peanuts, but I prefer mine with salted peanuts. There is just something about the salty-sweetness that makes these fabulous! You can also use Spanish peanuts for this recipe. You can also use unsalted peanuts if you want. 

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – If you are like me, you have these in your pantry year-round. They balance nicely with the next ingredient. I prefer chocolate chips to chocolate melts for this recipe, because you want a true chocolate flavor.

Milk Chocolate Chips – These chips add a nice sweetness to the candy and add a creamier texture to the recipe. I use these chocolate chips.

Shortening – Why do you need to add shortening to the melted chocolate chips? Because it helps thin out the chocolate. Do not try to substitute butter as it will not work.

Equipment & Kitchen Tools

• bowl
• measuring cups
• spoon
• wax paper or parchment paper
• cookie sheets or large baking sheets
• microwave

How To Make Homemade Peanut Clusters

Then you add the peanuts and while it looks like baked beans, it is really quite sweet.

You can put them in cupcake liners or candy liners. If you don’t have liners, you can just drop candies on a sheet of waxed paper or lined baking sheet and chill.

After chilling these are ready!

These make a delicious treat any time of year! These are also great for a Valentine’s Day gift idea.

Pro Tips and Timesaver Shortcuts

• Be sure to place clusters on parchment-lined paper for easy removal when set.
• To speed up the setting process, you can place the clusters in the refrigerator for an hour. 
• To make crockpot peanut clusters, place ingredients in a slow cooker on low for about 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.

Variations, Notes, and Substitutions

• You can substitute white chocolate chips for a nice variation
• You can add a little coconut to the mixture for a candy variation 

Can you make Peanut Clusters in a Crock Pot?

Yes, try my Crock Pot Peanut Clusters recipe.

Serving and Storage Suggestions 

• Store peanut clusters in an airtight container. 
• You can place a few in a cellophane bag and tie them with a ribbon for a fun holiday party favor.
• Place a few in a food-safe candy box or a mason jar for a nice homemade gift idea.

Freezing Tips

• You can freeze homemade peanut clusters
• To freeze, place candies in a zippable freezer bag or a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer.
• You can freeze these for up to 2 months.
• To defrost, simply let warm to room temperature.

More Easy Candy Recipe Ideas

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Salted Peanut Clusters Recipe with Chocolate Chips

I hope you enjoyed this easy homemade peanut clusters recipe. These are great for snacking, lunch boxes or to make for someone special as a gift idea.

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