Need an impressive and easy holiday treat? Look no further than these crockpot chocolate peanut clusters! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this traditional Christmas candy is perfect for last-minute preparations. They are great for holiday gifts or to keep on hand for unexpected guests.
I don't know about you, but I love a good peanut cluster. There's something about that sweet and salty combo that just sets my taste buds on fire.
We go through them so quickly during the holidays, and buying them can get expensive.
Luckily, even my teens can make these slow-cooker chocolate peanut clusters! This easy candy recipe has minimal prep time and is ridiculously easy to put together.
Using the slow cooker means you can easily keep an eye on them and ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
So get ready to indulge in some no-bake deliciousness.
You Will Need
- Chocolate: I used a blend of milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white, and dark chocolate. Feel free to use any type of blend that you like.
- Peanuts: I recommend using roasted peanuts. If you shop at a grocery store that has a bulk section, this is the best place to get them most of the time.
- Salt: Top these with finishing salt, such as Maldon sea salt, for a salty-sweet treat that is crave-worthy. Typically, I will salt half of them and leave salt off the other half so that friends and family have the option to enjoy this crockpot peanut cluster recipe if they aren’t fond of added salt.
Step by Step
For complete instructions with measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Making slow cooker chocolate peanut clusters has three basic parts.
First, we are going to melt the chocolate in our slow cooker. After that, we add the peanuts and form the clusters.
Finally, top with salt if you like and let them set. Ready to get started? Let's go!
Melt Chocolate
Start by melting your chocolate in your slow cooker.
To do this, simply combine your chocolate in the slow cooker and turn it on low.
Stir the chocolate occasionally to prevent burning. This is key - don’t simply dump the chocolate into your slow cooker and walk away for an hour.
If you know that your crockpot runs hot, you may only need to keep it on low for a bit and then turn it to warm.
Making the Clusters
After 1-1 ½ hours, your chocolate should be melted and ready to go. Add the peanuts to the mixture and stir well, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A silicone mat is also a great option.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out the crockpot candy with peanuts and place them on your baking sheet.
Salt or No Salt? You Decide!
If you like, sprinkle a pinch of salt over each cluster. I like to scoop out about five or six clusters and then salt. (Or get a helper to do the salting for you.)
Once your clusters are formed, place them in the refrigerator to set.
You can remove the peanut clusters from the fridge after about an hour if you are ready to enjoy your crock pot chocolate covered peanuts. They should be firm enough to handle without sticking to your fingers.
Tips & Tricks
- If your slow cooker runs hot, use the warm setting instead of low. Always check the chocolate as it melts - burning can happen and you don’t want to lose the whole batch of chocolate!
- Make sure that your slow cooker is completely dry before adding the chocolate. Even a small drop of water can cause chocolate to seize up.
- Want to experiment with different nut choices? Try substituting almonds, cashews, or walnuts for the peanuts.
- If you like, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate when you add the peanuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do peanut clusters take to set?
Depending on the type of chocolate that you use and the size of your clusters, it can take anywhere from an hour to several hours for these easy crockpot peanut clusters to set.
The time will also vary depending on how cold your refrigerator is. You can check by gently pressing down on one or two clusters with a finger.
If they feel firm and don't stick to your finger, they are ready. If not, keep them in the fridge for a little longer and try again later.
Can I use all dark chocolate to make peanut clusters?
Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give the slow cooker chocolate covered peanuts a richer, slightly more bitter flavor than milk or white chocolate would.
Should chocolate-covered peanuts be refrigerated?
Chocolate covered peanuts are generally safe to eat even when they are not refrigerated. However, if you plan on storing them for a long period of time or traveling with them, it may be a good idea to refrigerate them.
Just make sure that they are stored in an airtight container and take care to avoid condensation when you take them out of the fridge.
If you live in a humid climate (looking at my home state of Florida here!), I recommend always storing them in the fridge or freezer - they will be a bit tacky if you don’t.
Can I use a different variety of baking chips to make this recipe?
Yes, you can! There are many different types of baking chips available, from milk and white melting chocolate to butterscotch and peanut butter chips. Feel free to experiment with different flavors for a totally unique treat.
Tools Needed to Make
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- Slow cooker
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Storing Homemade Peanut Clusters
Store slow cooker peanut clusters in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
You can freeze them for up to three months.
I recommend freezing them first on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for storage.
You can enjoy crock pot nut clusters straight from the freezer or let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature if you prefer. (I love them straight from the freezer!)
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
Easy Crockpot Peanut Clusters - (15 Minutes Hands On Time!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag milk chocolate chips
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 bag white chocolate chips
- 1 bag dark chocolate chips
- 2 pounds roasted salted peanuts
- Optional: flaky salt such as Maldon sea salt
Instructions
- Place the chocolate in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring often to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
- When the chocolate is melted, give it a good stir and add the nuts to the crockpot.
- Stir well and turn the slow cooker to warm.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop clusters onto the parchment lined baking sheets. If desired, sprinkle with salt every 5 or 6 clusters. (Before the chocolate starts to set.)
- Allow to set in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until firm.
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