Chocolate Peanut Clusters with dried cranberries
You’re going to love this chocolate peanut cluster recipe because it comes together with minimal prep and cleanup. Plus, it uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand! In the crockpot, combine semi-sweet chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter. Add dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and flavor. Finish them off with a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor combination that is wonderful together.
Ingredients to make Crockpot Peanut Butter Clusters
One of the best things about this dessert is that they’re made from a short handful of budget-friendly staples, many of which you probably already have on hand. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
Cocktail peanuts – the most common peanuts you’ll find, cocktail peanuts are roasted in oil and contain added salt for a more robust flavor; you may use any favorite type of peanuts, such as dry roasted or unsaltedSemi-sweet chocolate chipsCreamy peanut butter – use any favorite brand of natural creamy peanut butterDried cranberries – may substitute dried cherries or snipped dried apricotsFlaky sea salt
Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make Peanut clusters
Like we said, the slow cooker does the majority of the work here! Here are the four quick steps to make these peanut clusters in the crockpot:
Prep the baking sheets: Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Melt the mixture: Place peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the lid and cook on low heat for 1 – 2 hours or until the chocolate is melted. Remove the lid and stir in dried cranberries. Make the clusters: Spoon peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in 1-2 tablespoon mounds. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.Refrigerate to harden: Refrigerate the clusters for 1-2 hours or until firm.
For the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium, and more per serving.
Video: How to make Peanut Clusters
Can I add other mix-ins to this cluster recipe?
Sure! Feel free to mix and match all your favorite ingredients to make this crockpot peanut cluster recipe your own. Some of our favorite mix-ins include:
Chocolate: experiment with different chocolate flavors for a unique tasteNuts: swap out or add to the peanuts with almonds, cashews, walnuts, or any other nut or seed you enjoyDried Fruit: dried cherries, dried blueberries, and raisins are great mix-insShredded Coconut: unsweetened coconut flakes add a slightly chewy textureCaramel: melt caramel in with the chocolate or swirl it on top for extra indulgent peanut clusters
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
Take a look at these easy swaps to make these chocolate peanut clusters suit any dietary needs for people in your household or those who want to enjoy them.
Make it Dairy Free
Substitute the regular chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips (such as Hu Kitchen or Enjoy Life). Get 20% off Hu Kitchen chocolate with code DIETITIANS
Make it Nut Free
Feel free to use any kind of nut or nut butter you like best to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs. Or, replace the nuts entirely and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. The taste will alter slightly, but your chocolate clusters will still be delicious!
Give these crockpot peanut butter clusters Time to melt and cool
Although super simple, this peanut cluster recipe does require a bit of time for the ingredients to melt and then harden again. For this reason, be sure to make them at least 3 hours before you plan on eating, and best if it’s the day before. We think these clusters are great for holiday snack trays, a mid-day snack, and bake sales.
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