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These Crock Pot Peanut Clusters simplify the traditional holiday treat by letting the slow cooker do the cooking! Simply heat the chocolate, add peanuts and scoop up the peanut clusters! The sweet chocolate and salty peanuts are a match made in heaven!
When the holidays roll around, I’m always so excited to get in the kitchen! I start with a list of all my favorites – frosted spritz cookies, molasses cookies, cookie dough truffles….the list goes on and on! But let’s be honest, free time is limited this time of year and sometimes you just need something super easy and hands-off. This crockpot candy is exactly what you need!!
Why I Love Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters
- A no-fuss treat! No candy thermometer or double boiler needed!
- Homemade candy makes for wonderful holiday gifts!
- The easiest candy recipe that even the kids can help with – have them stir, scoop and top with sprinkles!
- Perfect for the holiday season and really all year round!
- These candies freeze really well, so you can make them before the super busy month of December if you want!
3 Simple Ingredients Needed
- White Almond Bark – You can also use white chocolate chips; I recommend a high quality chocolate chip brand such as Ghirardelli. You can typically find them in the baking aisle in most grocery stores.
- Chocolate Chips – I prefer semisweet chocolate chips as it offsets the sweetness from the almond bark. However, you can certainly use milk chocolate chips or a combination of different types of chocolate.
- Peanuts – Make sure they’re salted peanuts! You can use cocktail peanuts, salted dry roasted peanuts, etc. I don’t recommend unsalted peanuts as they lack flavor and don’t pair as well with the chocolate.
How to Make Crock Pot Peanut Clusters
Start by adding the chopped almond bark and chocolate chips to a slow cooker.
Cover with the lid and turn to low heat. Heat for 60-90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes with a wooden spoon until completely melted.
NOTE: All slow cookers are different – some may take longer than others to melt.
While the chocolate is melting, line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
Once smooth, stir the peanuts into the melted chocolate.
Use a medium cookie scoop to form little clusters on the pan.
If you want to top them with sprinkles, do so right after scooping the clusters onto the pan.
Let the clusters set at room temperature (or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge) and once they’re set, store in an airtight container, cookie tins or resealable baggies.
Variations
- Use 3 cups of salted peanuts and 2 cups of mini marshmallows to make Rocky Road Peanut Clusters!
- Try using cashews, almonds or mixed nuts for a change of flavor!
- Use 1 pound of the white almond bark, 2 3/4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 8 ounces of peanut butter chips for extra peanut butter flavor!
- Add in some crushed pretzels and/or toffee bits for a little more crunch!
- Think beyond the winter holidays! Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, patriotic colors for the Fourth of July, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, etc!
- Drizzle with white chocolate for a classy, upscale look!
How do I store peanut clusters
They can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge. I tend to keep them in a cool place so they stay nice and firm.
Can I freeze peanut clusters?
Absolutely. Place the candies into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Don’t have time for the slow cooker?? Here are my classic chocolate peanut clusters, using the microwave!
Other Favorite No Bake Treats
- Monster Cookie Dough Truffles
- Christmas Puppy Chow
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Crock Pot Peanut Clusters
Equipment
- Cookie Sheets
Ingredients
- 1 1 1/2 pound package white almond bark coarsely chopped
- 2 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 12-ounce containers salted peanuts (about 4 cups total)
Instructions
- Add the coarsely chopped almond bark and chocolate chips to a slow cooker.1 1 1/2 pound package white almond bark, 2 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Cook on "low" for 60-90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes until smooth.
- Add the peanuts and stir to combine.2 12-ounce containers salted peanuts
- Use a cookie scoop to drop the mixture onto cookie sheets lined with waxed paper.
- Let cool in the refrigerator until set.
- Place in an airtight container.
Could you use dark chocolate instead of semi sweet chips?
Yes! That would be just fine. ~Kelsey
I loved this candy when I was a lot younger and had my real teeth. Can you use finely chopped nuts in this recipe?
Yes! I think that would work just fine. Enjoy! ~Kelsey
What brand of white almond bark did you use?
I believe I used Great Value or Plymouth Pantry. Either should work! ~Kelsey