Creamy vegan chocolate and crunchy roasted peanuts are the perfect pairing! With just these two ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have homemade vegan peanut clusters in no time.
On the long list of perfect flavor pairings--lemon and dill, pumpkin and cinnamon, potatoes and rosemary--chocolate and peanuts are at the top of mine!
The way the sweet, creamy chocolate meets the salty, savory, and crunchy peanuts--it’s like the textures and flavors of these two ingredients are so opposing, they become entirely complementary to one another.
These crockpot peanut clusters are one of my favorite ways to enjoy this dynamic duo. With only two ingredients and very minimal prep work required, these candy clusters are a cinch to whip up in no time. I often make them for parties, bake sales, holidays, and to give as gifts too!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Crockpot Peanut Clusters
- Vegan chocolate - As we will be melting chocolate to make this candy, you can use chocolate of any type and shape you prefer. Vegan chocolate chips (such as semi sweet chocolate chips or vegan milk chocolate chips) are the easiest choice as they are already in small pieces which will encourage melting. You could also use your favorite vegan chocolate bars or blocks. Or, if you prefer the flavor of white chocolate, go ahead and use white chocolate chips or chunks.
- Salted dry-roasted peanuts - Roasted peanuts provide a salty crunch and are the perfect complement to the rich chocolate in this easy candy recipe. You can use unsalted roasted peanuts if you prefer, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the melted chocolate to help accentuate the flavors a bit.
How to Make Crockpot Peanut Clusters
- Chop. If your chocolate is in large chunks, first chop it into smaller pieces, then transfer your chocolate to the slow cooker.
- Cook on high. Set your crockpot to high and cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
- Cook on low. Reduce the setting to low and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
- Add peanuts. Turn off the slow cooker, then add the peanuts. Stir well to ensure that all of the peanuts are more or less evenly coated by the melted chocolate.
- Dollop. Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to drop large dollops of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. If needed, shape the dollops a bit to make sure they hold together.
- Set and serve! Allow your slow cooker peanut clusters to harden at room temperature before enjoying.
How to Store
At Room Temperature. Store these chocolate peanut clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you live in a very warm climate or your kitchen area is hot, you may want to pop them in the fridge to prevent them from melting.
Freezing. These peanut clusters freeze well! Simply place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, let the crock pot chocolate peanut clusters thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
📋 Recipe
Crockpot Peanut Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz. of your favorite chocolate (chips, bars, blocks, chunks, etc.)
- 24 oz. dry-roasted, salted peanuts
Instructions
- If your chocolate is in large chunks or bars, chop into smaller pieces then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Set your crockpot to high and cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
- Reduce the setting to low and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
- Turn off the slow cooker, then add the peanuts. Stir well to ensure that all of the peanuts are about evenly coated by the melted chocolate.
- Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to drop large dollops of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. If needed, shape the dollops a bit to make sure they hold together.
- Allow your slow cooker peanut clusters to harden at room temperature, then enjoy them or package as desired!
Martha @ A Family Feast
I remember my mom making these all the time growing up - but she never used the slow cooker. Great idea!
brenda@sugarfreemom
I love the slow cooker for this, no having to watch anything on the stove, super easy!
Lora @cakeduchess
How cool that you made this in a slow cooker and that is it is just 2 ingredients! I would sneak more than a few just for me!
Cookin Canuck
I would never have thought to make candy in a slow cooker. Brilliant! These would be wonderful for holiday neighbor gifts.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Martha. Love the mom memories!
Ginny McMeans
Exactly Brenda! No hot pot to stand over and no burning worries.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Lora! They are addictive 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Oh, yes Dara! Holiday gifts would be perfect. 🙂
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Holy moly! You have willpower. If I made these, I'd just keep eating the melted chocolate during the 45 minute cook time. 😀 They look SO good!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha Erin! I have to admit I did have some along the way 🙂
Stephanie
I never would have thought to make these in a slow cooker! How fun!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
So easy. So delicious. So want these!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos
Now this is the way to make candy - I am bookmarking for the holidays!!!
Ginny McMeans
Yes! Quick and delicious gifts too!
Kim Beaulieu
I love this stuff. It's so easy to make and so yummy. I think I need to haul my slow cooker out asap.
Ginny McMeans
Super easy and the reward is top notch 🙂
Amanda @ The Kitcheneer
My mother in law makes crockpot candy all the time! She will LOVE this recipe!
Ginny McMeans
Fun! Thanks so passing on my recipe 🙂
Starr @ The Misfit Baker
I never thought of using my slow cooker for something like this. Is there a benefit to melting the chocolate in a slow cooker, instead of in a double broiler or microwave?
Ginny McMeans
It is just easy Starr. You don't have to worry about burning or stand over the stove.
Shelli
What is your "go to" vegan chocolate brand?
Ginny McMeans
Enjoy Life is the easiest to find in grocery stores Shelli.
Debbie
all other recipes call for bark. you don't need it in this recipe?
Ginny McMeans
Not sure what you mean Debbie. The ingredients are all listed and this turns out perfectly. 🙂
Faye
I made these a week ago. My husband loves them! He kept going back for more. Fortunately, I saved a batch in the freezer. I am going to try these with cashews. Thanks Ginny!
Ginny McMeans
Haha, that is great Faye! It warms my heart when they go back for more. 🙂 Cashews would be wonderful!
Kathy Hughes
Make these last night so simple and yummy. Making more tonight with Almonds instead of peanuts.
Ginny McMeans
That is great Kathy! Yes! I think they would be great with almonds too. 🙂
Marie
Yum! Love simple sweet treat recipes like this! I love that you can switch up the type of nuts too or change up the type of chocolate too.
Shashi at Savory Spin
These would make some delightfully delicious not to mention EASY Christmas Gifts!
jacquee | i sugar coat it!
I make these with almonds, hazelnuts and other add-ins for holiday gifting! They are so good. Love how you used the slow cooker to temper the chocolate.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I've never used my slow cooker to make a dessert recipe! This is such a good idea! I'll have to remember this over the holidays!
Mindy Fewless
These look so fun and easy!! I have never made crockpot candy but I need to try it! I might even through some marshmallows in there! 😉
Denise
This recipe worked so well. It was simple and my chocolate craving went away very happy.