No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters are the ultimate no-fuss, easy holiday treat that brings comfort, crunch, and creamy chocolate goodness in every bite. If you’re looking for an easy dessert that will win over a crowd, this recipe is your go-to. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create delicious candy-like clusters that are perfect for holiday cookie trays, potlucks, or gifting. Best of all, there is no baking involved, which means you can focus on the fun parts, like decorating or sharing them with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters
This recipe is beloved for its rich, layered chocolate flavor and irresistible crunch. It combines milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chips with salted dry-roasted peanuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Using the slow cooker makes the process nearly hands-off, letting the chocolate melt slowly and evenly. You’ll also love how versatile it is—you can easily swap in your favorite types of chocolate chips or nuts. Plus, this recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. salted dry roasted peanuts
- 11.5 oz. package milk chocolate chips
- 11.5 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 11.5 oz. package white or vanilla milk chocolate chips
- 10 oz. package peanut butter chips
Step-by-Step: How to Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Layer the Ingredients: In your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, add the salted dry roasted peanuts first. Then pour all the baking chips—milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chips—on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the mixture melt for about 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Stirring is crucial to prevent the chocolate from burning.
- Check Consistency: Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the insert from the slow cooker and place it on a heat-safe surface using pot holders.
- Form the Clusters: Line three baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Use a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the paper. Flatten slightly into cookie-like shapes.
- Add Decorations: If desired, top each cluster with festive sprinkles for a decorative touch.
- Chill Until Set: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until the clusters are fully set.
Helpful Tips
- Use a Reliable Slow Cooker: Some slow cookers run hotter than others. Stirring frequently helps prevent overheating.
- Avoid Overcooking: Chocolate can burn quickly. If you see any sign of scorching, reduce the cook time or stir more often.
- Choose High-Quality Chips: Better quality chocolate yields smoother, more flavorful results.
- Add a Touch of Sea Salt: For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of the clusters before chilling.
- Make It Festive: Customize with seasonal sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut Options: Try almonds, cashews, or pecans instead of peanuts.
- Chocolate Swaps: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor or butterscotch chips for a richer sweetness.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for a warming twist.
- Mix-ins: Mini marshmallows, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels can be added for extra texture.
- Holiday Variations: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel ones for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They stay firm and delicious.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Note that their appearance may change slightly after thawing, but they’ll still taste amazing.
- Serving Tip: Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 336 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 202mg
- Potassium: 243mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin A: 28 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 48mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Cookie Trays: These clusters are perfect for cookie swaps and holiday gift boxes.
- Party Snacks: Serve them at potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
- Gift Giving: Wrap a few in a decorative bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Midnight Craving Fix: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
- Dessert Platter Addition: Pair with fudge, bark, or cookies for an indulgent dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Can I use unsalted peanuts? Yes, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture to maintain that classic sweet-salty balance.
Do I have to stir the mixture while it cooks? Absolutely! Stirring every 30 minutes ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and prevents burning.
Can I make these in advance? Yes, these clusters are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in the fridge or freezer and they’ll keep their delicious texture.
Can kids help make these? Definitely! This is a great recipe for little hands to help with scooping and decorating with sprinkles.
Is it okay to melt the chocolate on the stove or in the microwave instead? You can, but the slow cooker provides more consistent, gentle heat and keeps the chocolate warm for longer while you scoop the clusters.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out this delicious and easy recipe for No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters. This is one of my favorite go-to holiday treats, not just because it’s so simple to make, but because every bite is a delightful combination of rich, velvety chocolate and crunchy, salty peanuts. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or just indulging in a sweet snack for yourself, these clusters deliver on both flavor and convenience. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these treats as much as I do. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of this wonderful food-loving community!
Print
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 clusters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters are an easy holiday treat packed with chocolate and roasted peanuts. Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or party snacks. Make a big batch with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Save and try this crowd-pleasing recipe today!
Ingredients
2 lbs. salted dry roasted peanuts
11.5 oz. milk chocolate chips
11.5 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
11.5 oz. white (or vanilla milk) chocolate chips
10 oz. peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: In your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, add the salted dry roasted peanuts first. Then pour all the baking chips—milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chips—on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the mixture melt for about 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Stirring is crucial to prevent the chocolate from burning.
- Check Consistency: Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the insert from the slow cooker and place it on a heat-safe surface using pot holders.
- Form the Clusters: Line three baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Use a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the paper. Flatten slightly into cookie-like shapes.
- Add Decorations: If desired, top each cluster with festive sprinkles for a decorative touch.
- Chill Until Set: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until the clusters are fully set.
Notes
Stir every 30 minutes while cooking to prevent chocolate from burning.
Customize with different chips like butterscotch, cinnamon, or toffee.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform clusters.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 9g