Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. The flavors settle and sing overnight. Pack them up the day before a gathering and they will arrive ready to share.

What kind of chocolate should I choose?

Use what you like to eat. If you prefer a less sweet candy, choose dark chocolate. If you want a milder taste, choose milk or semi-sweet. Chocolate quality matters. When you use a chocolate that melts smooth in your mouth, everyone notices.

Will the peanuts get soggy in the chocolate?

No, they will keep their toasty character if they are dry-roasted. If you start with raw nuts, roast them first to protect their texture. Stirring the nuts in after the chocolate has melted prevents the peanuts from absorbing too much moisture.

Can I add other ingredients like dried fruit or coconut?

Yes, but add them sparingly. Dried fruit adds chew and a sweet-tart lift. Coconut adds a tropical note. Both change how the clusters set, so test a small portion first.

What is the best way to gift these clusters?

Layer them between parchment in a shallow tin or small cardboard box. Tie with twine and add a handwritten note. People appreciate a little story about where the recipe came from.

Easy Crockpot Peanut Clusters Recipe 2026

Description

A nostalgic slow cooker recipe that combines melted chocolate and roasted peanuts into delightful clusters, perfect for sharing and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

32 oz. chocolate (chips, bars, blocks, chunks)
24 oz. dry-roasted, salted peanuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
A pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Parchment paper for baking sheet
A large spoon or cookie scoop
A 4–6 quart slow cooker

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Instructions

Chop large pieces of chocolate, and transfer to the slow cooker.
Stir once to lay the pieces evenly.
Set crockpot to high and cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Once smooth, reduce the setting to low and cook for another 15 minutes.
Turn off the slow cooker and add the peanuts, stirring to coat them in chocolate.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between clusters.
Allow clusters to harden at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Notes

Use quality chocolate for best results. Experiment with different nut varieties or add-ins like pretzels or dried fruit.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cluster
Calories: 150
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg