Crockpot Peanut Clusters

This is our easy Crockpot peanut clusters recipe that’s perfect during the holidays, with just 4 ingredients. They are cheap, sweet and salty chocolate dessert everyone loves. Cook low and slow or as Instant Pot peanut clusters this year.

Peanut clusters are so easy and yummy! Even better my kids help me make them each year during the holidays. These are just one of many super easy Crockpot recipe we have on our website and make year round when friends come over too.

This quick easy dessert recipe requires only a few ingredients, which I love. You could add some raisins or broken up pretzels into the mix too if you like!

Make sure your nuts are salted so you get that great combo of sweet and salty YUM in your Crockpot chocolate candy treats. Use your favorites. Love walnuts or pecans are better…use what you love really. Make them all in different batches so everyone can choose their own favorite bites.

Can you melt chocolate in a slow cooker?

Yes, but it doesn’t take long and it can burn so stay close. You can set to low or high heat setting but will need to stir occasionally. You can alternatively place chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl or jar inside with a bit of water to on the bottom to create a water bath (like a double boiler). Cover with the lid slightly ajar to prevent condensation from dripping in. This gentle, even heat helps melt the chocolate smoothly without scorching.

What are the best nuts to use for peanut clusters?

The best nuts for peanut clusters are typically roasted, salted peanuts for their classic flavor and crunch, but you can also use almonds, cashews, pecans, or mixed nuts for variety. Using roasted peanuts enhances the taste, while a bit of salt balances the sweetness of the chocolate. Unlike our slow cooker boiled peanuts you will use shelled nuts for this obviously.

Ingredient Notes

You want to use both semi-sweet and/or milk chocolate chips with German chocolate baking bar broken up into pieces for the ideal flavor and texture. You could mix and match the chips with peanut butter chips being a delicious choice too if you want that duo of yum.

White vanilla almond bark is the 4th item you will need. I would not differ from this flavor as it tones down the cocoa flavor of the other 2 and unlike chips it allows the end result to harden.

You could add a handful of raisins and/or dried cranberries too. I have done this before for holiday gifts and they were a real hit! Use some pretty ribbon and clear baggies to make it pretty for any occasion or bake sale.

If you’re having a big cookie exchange this is a great filler in those Christmas tins too. Doesn’t take a lot of time or effort but looks like it does. You literally throw everything in, stir when it’s melted, and then cool.

How long does it take for peanut clusters to firm up?

Peanut clusters usually take about 30–60 minutes to firm up at room temperature, or 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator. The exact time depends on the type of chocolate used and the room temperature. I like to glob it on some parchment paper on the counter or lay on a sheet full to put in the fridge.

Paper towels are handy to have nearby because fingers can get quite sticky with the melting chocolate. I imagine you could even press some colorful chocolate candy coating pieces (like M&Ms) on the top before hardening for the holidays.

How to store peanut clusters

Remember that these will be sensitive to heat. Put them into an airtight container and I like them in the fridge. Put a piece of wax or parchment paper in between the layers so they don’t stick either. Cold salty sweet morsels are the best, but not frozen. (I have too many crowns for hard bites)

Other Christmas Recipes You’ll Love

We have made things like this Crockpot lava cake before, a slow cooker dump cake, and these chocolate covered peanut clusters are great. This will cost you $15-$20 total depending on what brands you’re choosing. Pretty good for feed a bunch.

Having a get together where you want a variety of YUM on several tables around your house? Make our party punch recipe too, that always brings smiles to faces all around. You could even make a version of our butterscotch haystacks candy recipe this way too. Prep is literally less than 15 minutes and it only takes an hour to heat through to perfection.

• Cake mix crinkle cookies are the bomb. Make them any colors you like for the holidays and share with friends.
• Our Lebkuchen is a German spice cookie that’s like cake mix gingerbread cookies kinda’.
• Crockpot apple crisp is always a winner with everyone. Make sure to use green for a killer sweet and tart taste.

My girls and I always have a good time mixing things up with this basic recipe each year. If you have a cookie exchange, pop a few into each persons bag or tin and I bet they’ll ask you how you made them. They may even think you bought them because they’re just so good and look “fancy” all wrapped up. Use your leftover chocolate to make these hot cocoa balls with marshmallows inside.