Easy Crockpot Peanut Clusters Recipe
This easy candy recipe for Crockpot Peanut Clusters makes a great hostess gift or delicious treat any time of year. Plus, homemade candy that doesn’t use a candy thermometer is always a good thing!
Crockpot chocolate peanut clusters are a perfect treat for chocolate lovers, especially around Christmas. This is one of the easiest candy recipes you can make, and it only uses a few simple ingredients. The crockpot does all the work melting everything together while you relax.
These chocolaty sweet and salty peanuts make an excellent homemade gift or holiday dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this no-fuss recipe will surely become a holiday favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The two big reasons I love this slow cooker chocolate peanut clusters recipe are because it’s easy and it reminds me of my Dad. He would have enjoyed this peanut cluster recipe.
- You make this easy recipe in a slow cooker making clean up a cinch.
- Very few dishes.
- It has great flavor with a mixture of chocolate and butterscotch.
- If you love sweet and salty treats these could become one of your favorite candies.
- While it’s a great Christmas time hostess gift make this crockpot peanut cluster recipe any time of year.
- Sprinkle crockpot peanut clusters with nonpareils, or flaked sea salt, or leave them plain.
Ingredients for Crockpot Peanut Clusters
This slow cooker candy recipe is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make. You can get everything you need at the grocery store. There’s no need to make multiple stops.
- Salted and Dry Roasted Peanuts – also known as cocktail peanuts.
- Vanilla Almond Bark – also known as candy coating. This is different than candy melts, which you don’t want to use.
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- Butterscotch Chips
- Festive Nonpareils – optional garnish
- Flaked Sea Salt – optional garnish
Scroll down for full instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Foolproof Tips for Crock Pot Peanut Clusters
There are some things you need to know about making this great recipe.
- If the lid of your slow cooker gets water on it GENTLY lift it so you don’t drip water into the chocolate mixture. Water is chocolate’s enemy. It will seize and you will have to start over. There is no recovery from water in chocolate.
- When stirring the peanut and melted chocolate mixture DO NOT use a wooden spoon. Wooden spoons can split and harbor moisture. See above what I said about water and chocolate. Use a rubber spatula.
- Use a small cookie scoop to drop the crock pot candy onto the prepared baking sheets.
More easy candy recipes
I love making up trays of treats for family and friends. These haystacks are a favorite and these reindeer candy cane pops are so fun. If you’ve never had Christmas muddy buddies, they need to be on your list to make too.
How do you store crockpot peanut clusters?
Store this crockpot candy in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. If you refrigerate them they may bloom. They will still be edible but won’t look as pretty.
Can I use another type of nut instead of peanuts?
Yes! A mixed nut variety would be a nice alternative to peanuts.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Easy Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Equipment
- 6 Quart Crock-Pot
- Rubber Spatula
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 16 ounce Jars Salted and Dry Roasted Peanuts
- 32 ounces White/ Vanilla Almond Bark also known as candy coating, broken into large pieces.
- 1 ¼ cups Dark Chocolate Chips
- ¾ cup Butterscotch Chips
- Festive nonpareils optional garnish
- Flaked Sea Salt optional garnish
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Lightly coat a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.Non-stick Cooking Spray
- Layer the ingredients in the crockpot in the following order: peanuts, almond bark, dark chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips. Do Not Stir!2 16 ounce Jars Salted and Dry Roasted Peanuts, 32 ounces White/ Vanilla Almond Bark, 1 ¼ cups Dark Chocolate Chips, ¾ cup Butterscotch Chips
- Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low for 1 hour. Do Not Stir. Do not lift the lid.
- After an hour has passed, remove the lid carefully, do not allow any condensation that may have formed to fall into the peanut mixture, and stir until the peanuts are completely coated with chocolate. Wipe any condensation off of the lid and cover the crockpot again. Continue to cook on low, stirring every 15 minutes for an additional hour. Turn off the crockpot.
- Line a few baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Sprinkle festive nonpareils or sea salt on each cluster if desired. Leave some plain if desired.Festive nonpareils, Flaked Sea Salt
- Chill in the refrigerator for up to 60 minutes to set or allow to set up on the counter until firm to the touch.
- Store in a single layer in an airtight container.
Meet Ellen
Recipe Creator ~ Food Writer ~ Food Photographer
Hi, I’m Ellen and welcome to Family Around the Table where I share recipes the whole family will enjoy. They are also easy to make. With 20 years of experience in food writing and recipe creation, you will surely find something for everyone. Read more by clicking About Ellen below.
Favorite Recipe: Almond Crusted Chicken
Favorite Cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
Favorite Cocktail: Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Favorite Dessert: Hershey Bar Pie
Read More About Ellen
I definitely need to try this recipe! I’ve loved everything I’ve made from your site so far. Can’t wait to try these.
Thank you for the kind words, Karen! I hope you make them because they are so easy and delicious.