Description
Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters combine rich, smooth chocolate with crunchy dry-roasted peanuts for an effortless and delicious treat. Easily made in a slow cooker, these gooey, melt-in-your-mouth clusters are perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing during cozy moments. Simple ingredients work together to create a customizable, naturally sweetened dessert that stores well and satisfies every chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 200g good-quality dark or milk chocolate (plant-based), chopped
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Variations
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural) or a pinch of cinnamon for flavor infusion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for mix-ins
- Alternative nuts: almonds, cashews, pistachios (to replace peanuts)
- Sweetener alternatives: agave nectar (natural) or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup (natural)
- Use white chocolate (plant-based) or blend dark and milk chocolate (plant-based) for variation
Instructions
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Line the slow cooker insert with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Preheat the slow cooker on the low setting to ensure even melting of the chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: Add the chopped plant-based chocolate pieces to the slow cooker. Stir frequently as the chocolate starts to soften, allowing it to melt slowly and smoothly without burning.
- Mix in Sweetener and Natural Gelling Agent: When the chocolate is mostly melted, stir in the maple syrup (natural) and the natural gelling agent. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients combine well, helping the clusters set with a perfect texture once cooled.
- Fold in Peanuts and Sea Salt: Gently mix in the dry-roasted peanuts and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure every peanut is evenly coated with chocolate while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
- Portion and Chill: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cluster mixture onto a parchment-lined tray or prepared surface. Allow clusters to set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Notes
- Keep the slow cooker on low heat and stir often to avoid burning or grainy chocolate.
- Measure the natural gelling agent carefully; incorrect amounts can affect the cluster texture.
- Use fresh, crisp dry-roasted peanuts for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Allow clusters to cool completely before storing to help them hold their shape.
- Lining the slow cooker with parchment or a silicone liner facilitates easy removal of clusters without mess.
- Sprinkle additional sea salt or finely chopped smoked turkey slices around clusters for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigeration for up to two weeks.
- Freeze clusters in a single layer on a lined tray then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage.
- Reheat gently in the microwave in 10-second intervals or let sit at room temperature for softer clusters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: slow cooker chocolate clusters, peanut chocolate clusters, easy chocolate peanut recipe, plant-based chocolate treats, natural sweetened clusters
