Chocolate Peanut Clusters
User Reviews
5
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Description
Chocolate Peanut Clusters are made by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, then mixing in roasted peanuts and raisins along with vanilla extract and a pinch of coarse salt. The combination of ingredients is spooned out on parchment to cool and harden into irregular bite-sized clusters. The salt sprinkled on top balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate's flavor.
The texture is a mix of crunchy peanuts and chewy raisins surrounded by smooth chocolate. Melting can be done over a double boiler or carefully in a microwave, with frequent stirring to avoid overheating or seizing the chocolate. Once formed and cooled, the clusters are ready for serving.
This treat is straightforward to prepare and stores well, making it an easy option for homemade candies that don't require baking or fancy equipment. They can be customized with different chocolate types or by adding crushed pretzels for extra crunch, altering the flavor profile by using mint extract instead of vanilla, or omitting salt if preferred.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 6 ounces peanuts salted or non-salted, roasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt coarse
- 6 ounces raisins
- ½ Teaspoon salt optional topping, coarse
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Melting the chocolate.
- Double boiler method:
- In a double boiler pot (or place a medium glass bowl in a large pot filled with just enough water so the bowl with chocolate chips starts to float slightly.) Add the chocolate chips to the top pot or bowl.
- Heat uncovered over medium heat until the chocolate chips have completely melted, stirring often. Be very careful not to let any water droplets get into the chocolate or it will seize and harden.
- Microwave method:
- Add the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Then remove and stir. Repeat for 2 more 30-second intervals, stirring the chocolate between each interval. Again, be very careful not to over heat the chocolate. The chocolate will continue melting as you stir it after removing from the microwave as the bowl usually is still warm.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted, add the peanuts, vanilla extract, salt, and raisins, if using.
- Stir well until thoroughly mixed and all of the peanuts and raisins are covered with chocolate.
- Scoop 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons at a time and place onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Then place they sheet the refrigerator for 1 hour or 15 minutes in the freezer until firm.
Notes
- You can replace vanilla extract with mint extract for a different flavor.
- To vary texture, crushed pretzels can be added to the mix.
- Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or almond bark as alternatives to semi-sweet chips.
- If you prefer less saltiness, omit the salt entirely or adjust to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 21Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 150 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cluster | |
| Calories | 150kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 115mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 190mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 11IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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