Crunchy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters: A Modern Take on Classic Chocolate Treats

Chocolate and peanuts are a timeless duo, evoking memories of childhood candy bars and cozy dessert nights. But what if you could recreate that indulgence in your kitchen with a fresh, modern twist—without even turning on the oven? Enter Crunchy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters, a simple, satisfying, and utterly addictive treat. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or elevating your dessert table, these clusters combine the richness of chocolate, the crunch of roasted peanuts, and a hint of modern flair with optional add-ins like sea salt, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delightful clusters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a batch of 20–25 clusters, gather:

1 ½ cups roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted, depending on preference)
1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars for richer flavor)
¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, for extra binding and flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Optional add-ins: shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Set aside a mixing bowl and a small saucepan for melting the chocolate mixture.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Place the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the saucepan over low heat.
Stir constantly to ensure the mixture melts evenly and doesn’t scorch.
Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a warm, aromatic note to the chocolate.

💡 Tip: If you prefer, melt the chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Peanuts and Chocolate Mixture

Add the roasted peanuts to the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Use a spatula to gently fold them until every peanut is coated in glossy chocolate.

💡 Modern Twist: Sprinkle in optional add-ins like crushed pretzels or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.