These Crockpot Peanut Clusters come together easily with just five ingredients. The result is a sweet and salty nostalgic holiday treat with a flavor upgrade from some real-food additions. Made with a combination of healthy fats, antioxidants, and plenty of fiber, they’re a better-for-you dessert loaded with flavor. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, sit back, and let your slow cooker do the work!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters with dried cranberries
You’re going to love this chocolate peanut cluster recipe because it comes together with minimal prep and cleanup. Plus, it uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand! In the crockpot, combine semi-sweet chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter. Add dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and flavor. Finish them off with a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor combination that is wonderful together.
Ingredient Spotlight! Peanuts
Peanuts aren’t actually nuts, they’re legumes. Peanut pack some healthy fats and plant-based protein. They’re also a good source of some vitamins and minerals, including copper, niacin, folate, vitamin E. As a result, peanuts provide some heart-health benefits and may help prevent gallstones.
Ingredients to make Crockpot Peanut Butter Clusters
One of the best things about this dessert is that they’re made from a short handful of budget-friendly staples, many of which you probably already have on hand. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- Cocktail peanuts – the most common peanuts you’ll find, cocktail peanuts are roasted in oil and contain added salt for a more robust flavor; you may use any favorite type of peanuts, such as dry roasted or unsalted
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter – use any favorite brand of natural creamy peanut butter
- Dried cranberries – may substitute dried cherries or snipped dried apricots
- Flaky sea salt
For the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition information, listing kcals, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fiber, sugar, sodium, total fat, and more per serving.
How to make Peanut clusters
Like we said, the slow cooker does the majority of the work here! Here are the four quick steps to make these peanut clusters in the crockpot:
- Prep the baking sheets: Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt the mixture: Place peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the lid and cook on low heat for 1 – 2 hours or until the chocolate is melted. Remove the lid and stir in dried cranberries.
- Make the clusters: Spoon peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in 1-2 tablespoon mounds. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate to harden: Refrigerate the clusters for 1-2 hours or until firm.
Make Peanut Cluster Clean-Up Easier!
Just when you thought this chocolate peanut cluster recipe couldn’t get any easier, we’ve got a simple tip to make cleanup even faster! Before you begin, add a liner to your crockpot. When you’re done, toss out the liner, and then there’s no need to scrub your crockpot clean.
Can I add other mix-ins to this cluster recipe?
Sure! Feel free to mix and match all your favorite ingredients to make this crockpot peanut cluster recipe your own. Some of our favorite mix-ins include:
- Chocolate: experiment with different chocolate flavors for a unique taste
- Nuts: swap out or add to the peanuts with almonds, cashews, walnuts, or any other nut or seed you enjoy
- Dried Fruit: dried cherries, dried blueberries, and raisins are great mix-ins
- Shredded Coconut: unsweetened coconut flakes add a slightly chewy texture
- Caramel: melt caramel in with the chocolate or swirl it on top for extra indulgent peanut clusters
How to Gift these Peanut Butter Clusters
Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters are one of our favorite recipes for holiday gift giving. After all, some of the best gifts are those that are homemade and edible! Simply nestle the peanut clusters in an airtight container lined with wax paper and wrap them up with a bow. Then, add a small note, making sure to include the recipe card so the recipient can see all of the ingredients included. The clusters keep best when stored in the refrigerator so we recommend including that on the note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once cooled, these chocolate peanut clusters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Yes! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to eat, let your peanut clusters thaw in the fridge for an easy-to-eat- treat.
Yes, just melt the chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat, and stir in the peanut butter. Then, fold in the remaining ingredients, and follow the directions as normal.
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
Take a look at these easy swaps to make these chocolate peanut clusters suit any dietary needs for people in your household or those who want to enjoy them.
Make it Dairy Free
Substitute the regular chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips (such as Hu Kitchen or Enjoy Life). Get 20% off Hu Kitchen chocolate with code DIETITIANS
Make it Nut Free
Feel free to use any kind of nut or nut butter you like best to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs. Or, replace the nuts entirely and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. The taste will alter slightly, but your chocolate clusters will still be delicious!
Give these crockpot peanut butter clusters Time to melt and cool
Although super simple, this peanut cluster recipe does require a bit of time for the ingredients to melt and then harden again. For this reason, be sure to make them at least 3 hours before you plan on eating, and best if it’s the day before. We think these clusters are great for holiday snack trays, a mid-day snack, and bake sales.
Video: How to make Peanut Clusters
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Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters
So delicious and easy to make right in your crockpot, these Peanut Clusters feature peanut butter and some delicious mix-ins to make them a treat that kids and adults love. Prepare them for holiday trays, homemade food gifts, lunchbox treats, and bake sales.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) can cocktail peanuts
- 1 (10-ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in the bottom of a slow cooker. You can stir the ingredients together if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. Add the lid and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is melted.
- Remove the lid and add the dried cranberries. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients together.
- Using a small scoop, spoon the melted mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in mounds, about 1-2 tablespoons each. Sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over the tops.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. May be frozen for longer storage.
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Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 10 g
- (Sat Fat: 2 g)
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Carbohydrate: 13 g
- (Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g)
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dietary
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So delicious and super easy. I made these chocolate clusters for two Christmas parties we have to go to this weekend, and they are sure to be a hit!!
Hi Robin, we’re so glad to hear this and we hope this recipe was a hit at the Christmas parties!
Loved these! Substituted almonds and almond butter and they are delicious! So great to have a GF/DF treat over the holidays!
Fantastic Julie! Thank you for the feedback and 5-star review!
These are delicious with endless combinations of add ins!
Absolutely Cheryl! Thank you for the feedback and 5-star review!