If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of salty crunch, you are going to adore this Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of creamy peanut butter, rich melted chocolate, crunchy salted peanuts, and chewy dried cranberries, all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a party, gift baskets, or just a treat to satisfy those late-night cravings, these clusters are impossible to resist and so simple to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite for you too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five white dishes on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. In the largest bowl at the bottom left, there are golden brown roasted peanuts with some skins on. Next to it on the bottom right, a smaller bowl is filled with dark red dried cranberries that have a shiny, slightly wrinkled texture. At the top right, a medium-sized bowl contains a large amount of small, smooth, dark brown chocolate chips. Below that, a white measuring cup holds creamy, light brown peanut butter with a smooth surface and a small swirl on top. Finally, a very small round bowl at the top left has coarse white salt. The arrangement forms a loose circle, showing a variety of textures and colors in a neat and clean composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your clusters. Each component plays a special role, from the salty note of peanuts to the natural sweetness of cranberries and the luscious smoothness of peanut butter.

Salted cocktail peanuts: These bring a satisfying crunch and a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt smoothly to coat everything in a rich, velvety chocolate layer.
Natural creamy peanut butter: Adds creamy richness and deep peanut flavor without overpowering.
Dried cranberries: Offer bursts of tartness and a chewy texture that complements the nuts and chocolate.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it enhances the overall flavor and gives a little sparkle to each cluster.

How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your clusters don’t stick once they’re ready to set. Having everything ready before the cooking begins always makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the salted cocktail peanuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter directly into the slow cooker. You can gently stir them together if you like, but it’s not mandatory since they’ll melt and blend as they cook. Set the slow cooker to low heat for one to two hours, allowing everything to melt and marry into a luscious chocolate-peanut mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Dried Cranberries

Once the chocolate and peanut butter have melted completely, remove the crockpot lid and add the dried cranberries. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute those tart, chewy bursts among the creamy and crunchy ingredients.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape Your Clusters

Using a small scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture into mounds on the parchment-lined baking sheets. Aim for about one to two tablespoons per cluster to get a perfect bite-sized treat. This is where things start to look and smell heavenly!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of each cluster while the chocolate is still warm. This final seasoning elevates the flavor with just the right hint of salt that contrasts beautifully against the sweetness.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Pop the baking sheets into the refrigerator and chill the clusters for one to two hours. This step is crucial for allowing the chocolate to solidify and the flavors to meld into those irresistible, crunchy, chewy bites you’ll love.

How to Serve Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe

A close-up view of many small, round clusters made of dark chocolate and nuts, stacked together in a white bowl lined with white parchment paper, with some clusters sprinkled with tiny white salt flakes for contrast; the chocolate looks smooth and shiny, coating the nuts that create a rough texture on the outside, set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle some crushed peanuts for an even crunchier finish. These tiny adornments make a lovely presentation and add layers of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

While these clusters are snack-worthy on their own, they pair incredibly well with a cup of rich coffee, cold milk, or even a hot cup of tea. The contrasting flavors make these little bites shine even more as part of a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with these clusters when serving. Present them in mini cupcake liners for a charming bite-sized display, or package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifts. They also make fantastic toppings for ice cream or yogurt bowls when broken into smaller chunks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe is complete, keeping them fresh is easy. Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to two weeks. This allows you to enjoy them over multiple snack sessions without losing that delightful crunch.

Freezing

If you want to keep your clusters for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they’ll maintain their quality for several months and can be defrosted as needed.

Reheating

Since these are meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them softer, just leave them out for 15-20 minutes to gently warm to a softer texture. Avoid microwave reheating which can melt the chocolate unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! While salted peanuts provide a perfect balance here, you can substitute almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile. Just be mindful of salt levels if your nuts aren’t salted.

Is it necessary to use a crockpot for this recipe?

The slow cooker makes melting the chocolate and peanut butter super easy and hands-off, but you can carefully melt the ingredients on a double boiler stove setup if needed. Using a crockpot just adds convenience and reduces the chance of burning.

Can I use natural crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your clusters, making them even more interesting to eat. Just expect a slightly chunkier mix.

Are these clusters gluten-free?

They are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free chocolate chips and peanuts. Always check labels to be sure if you have dietary restrictions.

How long do these clusters stay fresh at room temperature?

Because of the peanut butter and chocolate, it’s best to keep these refrigerated. At room temperature, they might soften and lose their shape within a day or two, especially in warmer climates.

Final Thoughts

Making the Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe is such a rewarding experience – it’s quick, fuss-free, and offers a wonderfully delicious reward you can share with family and friends. I love how every bite balances sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, creating a snack that feels indulgent yet homemade. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your snack arsenal—you’re going to be so glad you did!