Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Every time I think of indulging in sweets, I can’t help but reminisce about my favorite treat: Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters. This delightful recipe has a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of baking with my family during the holidays. The smell of melting chocolate wafting through the house instantly makes me feel warm and nostalgic. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting these sweet morsels, knowing they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether it’s a casual movie night or a festive celebration, these clusters are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Crafting Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters is all about the harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crunch of the nuts to the creamy chocolate coating. The combination of sweet and salty with a delightful crunch creates a treat that’s irresistible. Let’s dive into each of the key players that make this recipe a standout.

• 2 (16-oz) jars dry-roasted peanuts: These peanuts provide the essential crunch and nutty flavor that forms the base of our clusters. Their roasted nature enhances the depth of taste, making each bite satisfying.
• 36 oz chocolate candy coating squares: This is the star of the show! The candy coating melts beautifully and hardens to create a glossy finish that holds everything together. It adds a sweet layer that complements the nuts perfectly.
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: These chips provide an extra dose of chocolatey goodness, ensuring each cluster is rich and decadent. They melt down to create a creamy texture that binds the peanuts.
• 1 (4-oz) package German chocolate baking squares, broken into pieces: This chocolate adds a unique flavor profile that sets your clusters apart. Its slightly sweeter taste introduces a delightful contrast.
• 1 (9.75-oz) can salted whole cashews: Adding cashews introduces a creamy, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Their soft texture complements the crunch of the peanuts beautifully.

How to Cook Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Making Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters is an enjoyable process that’s perfect for all skill levels. You’ll be amazed at how simply combining these ingredients can yield a delicious treat. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have your clusters ready in no time!

1. Gather all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a slow cooker, some parchment paper, and a small cookie scoop. It’s essential to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
2. Pour the dry-roasted peanuts and salted whole cashews into the slow cooker. These nuts will be the foundation of your clusters, so make sure they are evenly distributed at the bottom.
3. Next, add the chocolate candy coating squares to the slow cooker. Breaking them into smaller pieces helps them melt more evenly, ensuring a smooth coating.
4. Add the semisweet chocolate chips and German chocolate baking squares into the mix. The combination of chocolate types creates a deliciously rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
5. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to the LOW setting. Allow the mixture to cook for about two hours. As it cooks, the chocolate will melt and envelop the nuts, creating a gooey, decadent mixture.
6. After the two-hour mark, keep an eye on the mixture. You want the chocolate to be fully melted and smooth. Stir the mixture well, ensuring all the nuts are coated thoroughly in the melted chocolate.
7. Prepare your work surface by laying out sheets of parchment paper. This is where you’ll drop the nut mixture to form your clusters.
8. Using a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the nut mixture onto the parchment paper. Each scoop should be heaping to create nice, large clusters.
9. Once all the mixture is scooped out, let the clusters sit at room temperature until they firm up. This usually takes a few hours, allowing the chocolate to harden.
10. After the clusters are set, carefully peel them off the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for several weeks, although I doubt they’ll last that long!

Customization Ideas

There’s no limit to how you can customize your Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are some fun ideas to make your clusters uniquely yours.

• Mix Different Nuts: Use a combination of your favorite nuts! Pecans, almonds, or even walnuts can add distinct flavors and textures.
• Add a Touch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the clusters can enhance the sweetness and add a delicious contrast.
• Try Different Chocolates: Feel free to mix in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a unique flavor combination.
• Include Dried Fruits: Adding dried cranberries or raisins can introduce a chewy texture and a hint of tartness, balancing the sweetness.
• Make It a Gift: Package your clusters in decorative jars or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift. Everyone loves a sweet treat!
• Use Flavor Extracts: Experiment with a few drops of almond or mint extract in the chocolate for an unexpected flavor twist.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: After the clusters have cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an attractive presentation.

How to Enjoy Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Now that you’ve made these delightful Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters, let’s talk about how to enjoy them! These clusters are versatile and can be served in various settings. Here are some fun serving ideas:

• Perfect for Parties: Serve these clusters at gatherings, parties, or potlucks. They’re easy to grab and eat, making them an excellent finger food.
• Movie Night Snack: Enjoy them during a cozy movie night at home. Pair them with popcorn for an indulgent treat.
• Gift Giving: Package them beautifully in mason jars or gift boxes, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends or family.
• Sweet Treat for Kids: These clusters are a great way to treat the little ones. Set them out during playdates or birthday parties.
• Holiday Treat: They fit perfectly into any holiday celebration. Make a batch for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
• Decorate Desserts: Crumble some clusters over ice cream or yogurt for an added crunch and flavor.
• Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these clusters alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. They provide a delicious pick-me-up!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters are a delightful sweet treat that combines rich chocolate and crunchy nuts for an irresistible flavor experience. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing, whether at parties or cozy nights in. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the wonderful taste and memories it brings. You’ll find that these clusters quickly become a favorite!

Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

The ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, Triple Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters combine rich, creamy chocolate with crunchy peanuts and cashews. Perfect for sharing, these clusters are a simple treat that can satisfy any sweet craving. Make them for your next gathering or just because—you won’t regret it!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 60 clusters

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• 6-qt Slow Cooker
• Small Cookie Scoop
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

• 2 jars dry-roasted peanuts
• 36 oz chocolate candy coating squares
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 package German chocolate baking squares
• 1 can salted whole cashews

Instructions

 

• Combine the dry-roasted peanuts and salted whole cashews in the slow cooker.
• Add the chocolate candy coating squares, semisweet chocolate chips, and German chocolate baking squares into the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours or until melted, stirring occasionally.
• Once melted, stir well to coat all the nuts.
• Drop nut mixture by spoonfuls onto wax or parchment paper.
• Let stand until firm, then store in an airtight container.

Notes

• You can use any combination of nuts that you prefer: Pecans, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios – if you like it, you can use it.
• Feel free to mix up the chocolate combination: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips would all be delicious!
• Store the chocolate coated peanut clusters: in an airtight container for 3 to 4 weeks.
• Can Chocolate Coated Peanuts be frozen? Yes! You can freeze the clusters after they have hardened.

Keyword Chocolate Covered Nuts, Easy Chocolate Treats, Peanut Clusters Recipe, Triple Chocolate Clusters