This easy Chocolate Peanut Clusters recipe checks every box! They are sweet, salty, crunchy, and downright irresistible.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.
Crushing on These Chocolate Peanut Clusters
This recipe is a family favorite, one my sister gave me.
So easy, even kids can make them. The clusters can be messy and that is deliciously ok!
Nutty, chocolatey, and salty flavors collide in this peanut chocolate clusters recipe.
These no-bake treats take minutes to make and deliver a tasty treat with a texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Perfect for any occasion, but extra special used to round out a holiday treat tray.
Crunchy Cluster Components
Creamy: Milk chocolate chips melt into a smooth, creamy base that gives these clusters a sweet and glossy finish. Peanut butter chips provide a with warm nuttiness and creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Crunchy: Ruffle potato chips are a surprising ingredient that has a salty crunch. The ridges hang onto the chocolate sauce perfectly. Salted peanuts provide even more crunch and flavor for a satisfying salty and sweet treat.
Topping: Semi-sweet chocolate drizzle adds a pretty finish and a hint of deeper cocoa flavor, and the chopped peanuts bring an extra bit of texture.
Chocolate Peanut Cluster Twist-Ups
Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a bolder, less-sweet flavor.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top for extra gourmet flair. Or for a festive twist, top with holiday sprinkles or use a colored candy melt drizzle.
Stir in mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels for more texture surprises.
Experiment with almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts instead of peanuts.
Press mixture into a pan and cut into squares instead of clusters.
Clever Cluster Tips
Microwave slowly and in short intervals because chocolate can scorch easily.
Don’t over-crush the chips. Larger pieces add a better crunch and help the clusters hold shape.
Work quickly once everything is mixed because the chocolate will begin to firm as it cools.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized clusters.
Let them firm fully in the fridge before adding the drizzle so the topping sets neatly.
Keep Clusters Crisp
These clusters store beautifully, so they are ideal to gift or to prep ahead.
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment for up to three months.
Be sure to allow them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving to soften up.
Try this easy chocolate peanut clusters recipe for a crunchy and sweet holiday hand held treat.
Equipment
large bowl
baking sheet
Ingredients
250gramsmilk chocolate chips
270gramspeanut butter chips
2cupscoarsely crushed Ruffle potato chips
1cupsalted peanuts
Topping
¼cupsemi sweet chocolate chips
2Tablespoonschopped peanuts
Instructions
Line a bake sheet with parchment paper.
In a microwave safe bowl, add milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Microwave at 2 – 30 second intervals, then at 20 second intervals until just melted.
Add coarsely crushed chips and peanuts to the chocolate mixture.
Use a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop to drop mixture onto prepared bake sheet.
Set in refrigerator until firm.
Topping
Add semi sweet chocolate chips in a zippered bag, and microwave for 20 second intervals until melted. Cut the tip from one corner and drizzle over firm clusters.
