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    🏠Home » Recipes » Candy Recipes

    Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters

    Oct 12, 2022 · Modified: Oct 26, 2022 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · 42 Comments

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.24 from 93 votes

    Chocolate peanut clusters are super easy to make at home in your crock pot. Lightly salted peanuts covered with sweet chocolate coating make the perfect gift, or keep them all for yourself—you can always make more with this smaller recipe.

    close up photo of a pile of Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters on a red plate

    Jump To:
    • 👨‍🍳How to make this candy
    • Ingredients to use
    • ♨️Stovetop method
    • Serving and recipe size
    • âť“FAQs and tips
    • đź“–Crock Pot Candy Recipes
    • 🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • 📝Recipe

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    Introduction

    It is the holiday season, and everybody is rushed for time. But nothing will tell your friends and family you care more than homemade candy. But don't let them know how easy (and cheap) they are to make.

    This chocolate peanut cluster recipe will take you only a few minutes of preparation time, mostly spent adding ingredients to the crock pot. 2 hours on low in your crock pot, and a few minutes scooping bit size pieces of your love.

    I used the Food.com version as my stated inspiration recipe. This recipe is very forgiving—change the nuts to pecans, walnuts, or almonds, add some coconut, and switch out the almond bark for candy melts. Vary the chocolate types or even the amount. It just always works.

    👨‍🍳How to make this candy

    1. Place all the ingredients in a 3 quart or larger crock pot. Break up any large pieces of almond bark—mix well.
    2. Cover and cook on low, never high.
    3. Check at 90 minutes; it will probably not be done.
    4. Stir and cook another 30+ minutes until all ingredients mix easily.
    5. Spoon out small amounts on sheets of parchment paper and allow to cool completely—2-3 hours.

    Ingredients to use

    The chocolate

    Use good-quality chocolate chips or chunks. I like to use semisweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even some peanut butter chips if mixing. Do not use the cheaper baking chips that are not real chocolate and have almost no cocoa butter—quality matters.

    Add a Bakers German chocolate bar higher in cocoa butter for more flavor to make up for using the candy melts or almond bark.

    The amount of chocolate to melts/bark can vary. By weight, the total amount of chocolate should be approximately equal to the weight of candy melts or almond bark. But it can vary a lot and still work.

    White chocolate is not real chocolate and has a low level of cocoa butter. Making nut clusters with white chocolate needs some special attention. Please see Crock Pot White Chocolate Almond Clusters for details.

    About candy melts and almond bark

    Candy melts and almond bark will make your homemade candy harder and cover the nuts better when cooled. They are made with hydrogenated vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter and contain artificial coloring and flavoring.

    Candy melts are the newer version of old-fashioned almond bark and are generally sold everywhere. Almond bark is harder to find. Use them interchangeably.

    Use the white vanilla version of either one. The chocolate version will have artificial flavoring you do not want. If you use white almond bark, break it up to help it melt easier.

    What nuts to use?

    Use lightly salted skinless peanuts—dry roasted to eliminate all water, which will affect the chocolate.

    Feel free to use other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds, but they should be dry-roasted to avoid moisture. If they are unsalted, a touch of salt should be considered but be careful.

    ♨️Stovetop method

    You can do this in a large, heavy pot on the stovetop over low heat. You will need to add everything but the nuts. Stand there and frequently stir until the chocolate and the melts come together completely. This will take about 15 minutes to complete. Stir in the nuts at the end. You can also use a double boiler if you have one.

    The crock pot method is easier, but the stovetop is faster.

    Serving and recipe size

    My original recipe was double this size and had no variability. I have republished this at half its original size, making it much friendlier for most homes. And I added some options for flexibility.

    The serving size is about one tablespoon, about one heaping kitchen teaspoon. Make your candies a little small, says the guy who has eaten hundreds of these.

    ❓FAQs and tips

    Why do the nuts need to be dry-roasted?

    Moisture and chocolate do not do well together, especially when heated. It will affect the texture but can also totally ruin the candy.

    What size crock pot to use to make chocolate peanut clusters?

    As written, this fits in a crock pot of 3-quarts or bigger. A double recipe will fit in a 6-quart cooker.

    If you use a large crock pot for the smaller recipe, it can heat faster, so in addition to my recommended check at 90 minutes into cooking, please also check at 60 minutes. But it will probably still take the whole 2 hours.

    Can I cook on high?

    The crock pot needs to be on low. This is not a recipe to be cooked on high. On low, most crock pots will slowly get to 210° over hours. So a great slow heat to melt chocolate.

    On high, some crock pots may run 250°+. They shouldn't, but they do. Also, the run-up to full temperature is much faster on the high setting. This adds a good chance of overheating the chocolate.

    How to store chocolate peanut clusters.

    Chocolate peanut clusters may be kept at room temperature for 4-5 days or up to a month refrigerated in an airtight container.

    You can freeze them in a freezer bag in a single layer. They will be good in a freezer for 3 months,

    đź“–Crock Pot Candy Recipes

    Crock Pot White Chocolate Almond Clusters

    Crock Pot Fudge

    Banner for Christmas Candy Recipes

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    101's Best Recipes, Appetizer and Party Recipes, Candy Recipes, Crock Pot Recipes, Featured | Crock Pot Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Small Crock Pots Recipes
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    🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    Note: All images are for a double batch, which we usually make. All discussion is for a smaller amount, half the previously published recipe.

    Ingredient for peanut clusters with peanuts with chocolate and almond bark

    Only a few ingredients.

    adding peanut cluster ingredients to crock pot

    Use a 3-quart crock pot or bigger. Add one pound of lightly salted dry roasted peanuts. Add 16 oz. of chocolate chips or chunks and Bakers chocolate (See the discussion above or the recipe card about the chocolate amount and types.) Top with 1 pound of vanilla almond bark (broken up) or candy melts.

    mixing melted ingredients of chocolate peanut clusters_

    Cook on low with the lid on. DO NOT cook on high. Crock pots can vary, so check the chocolate at 90 minutes into cooking. It is done when you can mix everything thoroughly. It will usually take about 2 hours.

    using spoons to make individule candy pieces

    Allow to cool for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then scoop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper lined baking sheets or just parchment on a clean countertop. Try not to make them too big. It is candy, not cookies.

    chocolate peanut clusters cooling on parchment paper

    Allow to cool for about 2 hours.

    chocolate peanut cluster on parchment paper
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    📝Recipe

    red plate full of chocolate peanut clusters

    Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    Chocolate peanut clusters are the best candy treat and are super easy to make at home in your crock pot. Lightly salted peanuts covered with sweet chocolate coating make the perfect gift, or keep them all for yourself—you can always make more with this smaller recipe.Only a few ingredients.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.24 from 93 votes
    Print Email CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 48

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 1 pound dry roasted peanuts - salted or light salted
    • 1 pound candy melts or almond bark - vanilla
    • 16 oz chocolate - Usually 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 4 oz of Bakers chocolate
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    Instructions

    • Use a 3-quart crock pot or bigger. Add one pound of lightly salted dry roasted peanuts. Add 16 oz. of chocolate chips or chunks and Bakers chocolate (See the discussion above or the recipe card about the chocolate amount and types.) Top with 1 pound of vanilla almond bark (broken up) or candy melts.
      adding peanut cluster ingredients to crock pot
    • Cook on low with the cover on. DO NOT cook on high. Crock pots can vary, so check the chocolate at 90 minutes into cooking. It is done when you can mix everything thoroughly. It will usually take about 2 hours.
      mixing melted ingredients of chocolate peanut clusters_
    • Allow to cool for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then scoop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper lined baking sheets or just parchment on a clean countertop. Try not to make them too big. It is candy, not cookies.
      using spoons to make individule candy pieces
    • Allow to cool for about 2 hours.
      chocolate peanut clusters cooling on parchment paper

    Stovetop Version

    • Place the chocolate and the candy melts (or almond bark) into a pan over low heat.
      peanuts with chocolate for candy
    • Cook while stirring occasionally until melted and smooth (about 10-15 minutes). Stir in nuts at the end then let it cool for 5 minutes before spooning the candy out.
      peanut cluster on parchment
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

    Your Own Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
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    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. For the chocolate, use brand-name semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. I like to add a bar of Baker’s chocolate which will add more cocoa butter to help the almond bark. That is 12 oz. of chips and 4 oz. of Baker's chocolate usually.
    2. The amount of chocolate can vary. The amount of chocolate should about equal to the candy melts (or almond bark),
    3. Use the dry-roasted nuts you want.
    4. Cook on low with the cover on. Do not cook on high.
    5. For the recipe as written, this fits nicely in a 3-quart crock pot. A double recipe, which I usually make, needs 6-quart or larger.
    6. Crock pots can vary, so check the chocolate at 90 minutes into cooking. It is done when you can mix everything completely, which is usually about 2 hours.
    7. If you use a large crock pot for a smaller recipe, it may cook a bit faster. So check the crock pot at 60 and 90 minutes into cooking.
    8. You may use candy "melts" or almond bark. Get the vanilla flavor since the chocolate flavor can taste odd.
    9. The serving size is about one tablespoon which is about one heaping kitchen teaspoon. Make them a little small.
    10. While still hot, give them a topping of a few candy sprinkles if you want for the kids.
    11. Chocolate peanut clusters are good stored at room temperature for 4-5 days. You can freeze them in a freezer bag in a single layer. They will be good in a freezer for 3 months,

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Nutrition Facts
    Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 109 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 3g15%
    Sodium 67mg3%
    Potassium 62mg2%
    Carbohydrates 9g3%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 2g4%
    Calcium 5mg1%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Appetizer
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Editor's Note: Originally Published November 25, 2016. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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    1. Jan Kolkema

      December 22, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh! Seriously the best chocolate covered peanuts I have ever made! I really don't know if they will last until Christmas at the rate we are "testing" them....I used a cookie scoop to plop them on the parchment to cool...next time( and there will be a next time...and I won't wait until Christmas) I will add a few flakes, maybe one or two, of sea salt on top before they cool... thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
    2. Janice Godek

      November 03, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Hi Dr. Dan,
      Can a dark chocolate be substituted for the milk chocolate? If so, how would the measurements change? My husband loves dark chocolate covered cashews and is having trouble finding any of good quality.

      I truly enjoy your recipes and pictures and will await your reply.
      Thank you, Janice

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        November 03, 2021 at 11:40 am

        Hi Janice,

        Welcome to the blog.

        Yes, definitely. This substitute is covered in the post, also. But NOT in the post, if you want to go intense into the dark chocolate, then use a dark version of the bakers chocolate (if they still make it) or boost the amount of dark chocolate chips to equal the amount of candy melts/almond bark. But don't go to the "chocolate" versions of melts/bark—that will change the taste some.

        Enjoy your candy making.

        Dan

    3. Heather

      November 22, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Is the cooking time still the same for the original larger recipe? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        November 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm

        Hi Heather,

        Welcome to the blog.

        Cooking time is esentually the same. Remember that small volumes in large crock pots can cook a bit faster and the is some variability with different crock pots. The end point of cook is when it is all melted and comes together. So check a bit early if you are unsure. I have done this as a double in three different larger crock pots and cut down in my 3.5-qt crock pot. All took 2 hours.

        Dan

    4. Susan

      October 24, 2020 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Could you do the same recipe with shredded coconut (haystacks)? Maybe add it at the end of cooking?

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        October 24, 2020 at 10:25 am

        Hi Susan,

        Yep. Once the chocolate/almond bark is melted, you can add anything to it. So skip the nuts, melt, then add anything you want before spooning it out.

        Dan

    5. Cynthia W

      January 01, 2020 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Hi DrDan,
      Thanks for your response to my question regarding nut substitutions. Will give it a try.
      How long will the candy last? Will be making your recipe with the nuts for gift giving. Thanks much.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        January 01, 2020 at 11:28 pm

        Hi again,
        I would say airtight container for about 1 week at room temperature, 2-3 weeks refrigerated and probably 2-3 months frozen. I think these are very conservative numbers and are based on other candy. I have never had this last more than 3 days since they are quick to be eaten.

        I doubt the pretzels will stay crunchy though since they will absorb the oil. You might want to freeze quickly if using other than nuts.

        Dan

        Dan

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