Chocolate Peanut Clusters
These peanut clusters are ridiculously easy, and they are incredibly delicious! Peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanuts, and almond bark are all you need!
These chocolate peanut clusters are one of the easiest homemade candies you can make—all you need are a few simple ingredients and a saucepan. The combination of almond bark, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and crunchy peanuts melts together into a smooth, glossy mixture that sets into irresistible bite-size treats.
They’re perfect for gifting, holiday candy trays, or keeping in the fridge for a quick chocolate fix. Because the recipe scales easily and requires no special equipment, it’s a great option for beginner candy makers and anyone who wants a fast, homemade sweet.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Amazing flavor with no effort. Chocolate, peanut butter, and peanuts create a candy-shop taste with almost zero work.
Great for gifting. These candies set beautifully and pack well in tins or bags.
Fast, foolproof method. No thermometers or special techniques—just melt, mix, and drop.
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate almond bark: Melts smoothly and sets firmly without tempering—ideal for candy making.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Deepen the chocolate flavor and add richness.
- Peanut butter: Use creamy or chunky; it helps create a smooth, flavorful mixture.
- Peanuts: Unsalted or lightly salted work well—salted peanuts provide a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Steps to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Melt the almond bark, chocolate chips, and peanut butter gently in a saucepan.
- Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Add the peanuts and combine well.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper.
- Let stand until firm, or chill briefly in the refrigerator.
- Store the clusters in a covered container.
Pro Tip:
Melt the almond bark and chocolate mixture over low heat—slow, gentle melting keeps the mixture smooth and prevents scorching, ensuring glossy, evenly set clusters.
Recipe Variations
- White chocolate clusters. Replace almond bark with vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips.
- Sweet-and-salty twist. Use lightly salted peanuts or top clusters with a pinch of flaky salt.
- Rocky road version. Stir in mini marshmallows with the peanuts.
- Crunchy mix. Add pretzel pieces for extra texture.
- Nut mix. Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend.
- Slow cooker version. Combine the almond bark, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and peanuts in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 1½ hours, without stirring, until the chocolate is fully softened. Stir gently to blend, then drop spoonfuls onto parchment and let set. This method melts everything evenly with no risk of scorching and is ideal for large batches.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a holiday candy tray or at gatherings.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet treat.
- Add them to cookie tins or edible gift boxes.
- Choose to keep a stash in the freezer for a quick dessert bite.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store the clusters in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Freeze in layers separated by wax paper for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: The clusters may stay firm at room temperature if your kitchen is cool, but refrigeration is usually best.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chocolate almond bark, or candy melts/melting wafers
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- 2 cups peanuts, unsalted or lightly salted
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the almond bark, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Place the pan over low heat and cook until the mixture is smooth and melted, stirring occasionally.
- Add the peanuts and stir to blend.
- Drop a tablespoon onto wax paper. Let stand until set.
- Refrigerate or freeze briefly for faster setting.
- Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
