Peanut Clusters are a classic sweet and salty snack made of melted chocolates and salted cocktail peanuts. They are great no-bake homemade treat to put together and they only require 3 simple ingredients. They are so simple you can even have the kids help!
Chocolate Peanut Clusters have always been a holiday tradition in my family. Growing up, they were a staple at the Holidays, and to this day, I still make them every Christmas. Here on Mom's Dinner, I wanted to share the true, classic version. This is exact Peanut Cluster Recipe I've been making for years. No twists, no modern updates – just the original candy-shop style clusters made with three simple ingredients: salted cocktail peanuts, almond bark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Jump to:
- Why Youโll Love This Peanut CLuster Recipe
- Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- How to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Peanut Clusters Recipe Variations
- How To Store Peanut Clusters
- FAQ
- More Super Simple Treats
- Did you make this recipe?
- Old Fashioned Peanut Cluster Recipe + Video
- Leave a comment and rate this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut CLuster Recipe
This is a CLASSIC recipe, not altered or updated. You can trust this one is just like the Peanut Clusters your Grandma made!
The recipe uses a combo of semi sweet chocolate chips and almond bark, which gives you a more balanced flavor.
Using almond bark helps these peanut clusters set up perfectly without adding additional ingredients.
Peanut Clusters are a really simple treat to make and are only made with ingredients that are easy to find.
The recipe is so easy, it’s a great one to make with kids.
These also make a great holiday treat for your neighbors and friends. Wrap them up in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon, then you can print this “We’re Nuts About You” FREE PRINTABLE GIFT TAG and attach it to the bag.
Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Peanut Clusters
You just need 3 simple ingredients to make these Old Fashioned Peanut Clusters:
Cocktail Peanuts – specifically buy “cocktail peanuts” sometimes also known as Virginia Peanuts or Spanish Peanuts.
Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 bag of chocolate chips, the same kind you buy when you make Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Almond Bark – you can also buy a product called white chocolate melting wafers, but don’t use white chocolate chips. If you use almond bark be sure to chop it first so it melts faster and the chocolate chips don’t over-cook before the almond bark melts!!
Recommended Equipment
You will melt the chocolate over a double boiler. That is basically a heat proof bowl set on top of a saucepan. You can buy a product called a double boiler, but it isn’t necessary!
A double boiler allows you to slowly melt chocolate without over-cooking it. The steam and heat from the simmering water is enough to melt the chocolate in the upper bowl.
Fill the saucepan with about 2 inches of water, ensuring that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan on top. Place a heat-proof bowl in the top and bring the water to a simmer. Pour in the chocolate and stir occasionally until it is completely melted.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Step 1
Melt the chocolate chips and white chocolate melting wafers (or almond bark) in a double boiler.
Step 2
Add the peanuts and stir so the chocolates coat the peanuts.
Step 3
With a scoop or spoon, potion out the peanut clusters onto wax paper or parchment paper.
Step 4
Place in the fridge to set up for about 30-45 minutes.
Peanut Clusters Recipe Variations
Nut Variation – swap the peanuts for different type of nut or a combo of nuts: almonds, cashews, and pecans would all be great!
Chocolate – switch up the semi sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Mix Ins – add some different textures and flavors by stirring in about ยพ cup of:
- dried fruits
- toffee chips or caramel bits
- crunched pretzels
- marshmallow bits
How To Store Peanut Clusters
You can keep the Peanut Clusters around for quite a while!
- Room Temperature: Store clusters in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 to 7 days. This keeps the chocolate softer and shinier. Just be sure they're kept away from heat or direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks, though the chocolate may lose a little bit of its glossy finish. Let them sit out for 5-10 minutes before serving so they're not too firm.
- Freezer: Peanut clusters freeze perfectly. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they'll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQ
Yes, you can make Peanut Clusters in the microwave.
– Use a glass or ceramic bowl, plastic can sometimes warp or overheat.
– Add your chocolate (chips and chopped almond bark) to the bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each round. Stop when the chocolate is about 90% melted, then stir until completely smooth (the residual heat will finish melting). This prevents scorching.
– Stir in the peanuts until fully coated in chocolate.
We thing this recipe is best kept classic with a combo of semi sweet chocolate chips and almond bark. However you can change up the semi sweet chocolate chips to dark or milk chocolate to change flavor profiles. However you will want to keep the almond bark or melting wafers as these help "set" the chocolate on the peanut clusters.
More Super Simple Treats
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Did you make this recipe?
I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me
Old Fashioned Peanut Cluster Recipe + Video
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz white almond bark - chopped (or white chocolate melting wafers)
- 1 lb. salted cocktail peanuts or salted spanish peanuts
Instructions
- In a double boiler melt the chocolate chips and almond bark together. Once it is completely smooth, remove from the heat.12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 oz white almond bark
- Stir in the peanuts.1 lb. salted cocktail peanuts or salted spanish peanuts
- Drop spoonful's of the peanut cluster mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper lined baking sheets.Make these about a 2 or 3 bite sized treat! They are rich.
- Pop in the fridge for 30- 45 minutes to set up.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Susan Padilla says
This recipe is very versatile; you can use any nuts you want or in my case my favorites (pecans or macadamias) and it just works, love this snack/ treat because it’s easy to make! ๐
Mary Ann says
Best peanut clusters EVER!! We used to have an old candy store in Williamsville that made these and I have not had this quality cluster since 1960s-these were my dadโs favorite. I put them in the fridge to set and they are just scrumptious!
Susie Weinrich says
I love this! It is so great when recipes remind you of happy memories of the past.
deb says
I absolutely love this easy Peanut Cluster recipe. I added caramel bits at the end of melting the chocolate and almond bark, but otherwise followed recipe as written. Came out wonderful. This is going to be my go to recipe from now on!
Susie Weinrich says
I LOVE the idea of adding caramel bits!!!!
Maru Rissone says
Simple and delicious. I used almonds instead. Thank you!
Mary Rice says
I make mine then drop them into mini cupcake papers color of what holiday making them for. Makes for nice little gift box and donโt stick together. I really enjoy making these and giving them well yeah eating ๐. Enjoy
Stella Hamilton says
Can you chocolate almond bark??
Susie Weinrich says
That should work just fine.
Diana Glandon says
They were delicious! Just like my mom used to make! This recipe is a keeper.
Stella Hamilton says
Can you chocolate almond bark??
Susie Weinrich says
That should work just fine. (although I have not tested this)
Johna S says
Made these for the first time. Turned out great!.Will make again.
Don says
This was sooooo easy. And good! I didโcheatโ and use the microwave but I stirred very regularly to prevent burning and scorching!
Emily Bruno says
So easy to make! Loved these.
Lauren Grant says
Ahhh my fav holiday treat! I LOVE these!
Tawnie Kroll says
These were a hit for the girls night I had on Monday, thank you so much!!