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You can make homemadeCaramel Peanut Clusters with this easy step-by-step recipe! This easyhomemade candyis like peanut turtle candy with flakysea salt, agooey caramelcenter, and coated with chocolate for asalty treat.
This is a great recipe to make with kids or grandkids! Get them busy unwrapping the caramels and be sure to plan for a few to go missing! 😉 They can help scoop the caramelpeanut mixtureand drizzle on the chocolate too!
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Sweet Treats– This recipe is excellent for this year’s seasonal events. But it is also a delicious treat for any time of the year– Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Summer Break!
- Easy Recipe– Just a few basic ingredients, a microwave for melting, and a fridge for chilling – With alittle time, that’s all you need for this easy dessert recipe!
- Flavor WOW – This recipe features two of the most iconic flavor combinations in one – chocolate, peanuts, and salted caramel! Yum!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Simple Ingredients forCaramel Peanut Clusters
- Peanuts| Dry roastedsalted peanutsare best for this recipe for the best sweet-salty treat.
- Caramels| Have yourcaramel candyunwrapped and ready to melt! Honestly, this is what takes the longest!
- Heavy cream|Heavy creamwill help melt the caramels and smooth the mixture.
- Butter| I use regular salted butter for this recipe; if unsalted, add a pinch of kosher salt.
- Vanilla| Use regular or try myBourbon Vanilla Extract!
- Chocolate| Usemilk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips or quality baking chocolate as the chocolate base for the candies. I prefer using real chocolate vs. candy melts
- Sea Salt| Maldon flakysea saltor fleur de sel is an optional topping to sprinkle on at the end, but it’s so good!
- So yes, most store-bought caramels contain ingredients I’m not fond of, such assoy lecithin,corn syrup,palm kernel oil,and soybean oil, to name a few, but we don’t eat these every day, and if you would like to make your own caramel, followthis recipe!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Caramel Clusters
Before you start the recipe, make sure you have all of your caramels unwrapped, this part took me the longest, about 15 minutes — a great way to get kids involved, if you are willing to sacrifice a few caramels that is!
Step 1 | Melt caramel and coat peanuts
First, line abaking sheetor two with non-stickparchment paperor lightly spray with oil. Then, add the caramels,heavy cream, butter, vanilla, andsea saltto a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat the caramel mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each heating. It won’t look like much is happening, but keep stirring, it took me about 90 seconds of heating for the caramels to melt and come together.
After heating, use a whisk to get the salted caramel nice and smooth and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the peanuts until they are evenly incorporated.
Fresh Tip
- The caramel may not look like it’s doing much, so be sure to stir it well with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula between heatings. Heat only in 30-second bursts, not for a full 60 or 90 seconds, as it might “burn” your caramel.
Step 2 | Scoop and chill clusters
Drop the caramelpeanut mixtureonto the baking sheets with a small cookie scoop or teaspoon. Then, use an oiled rubber spatula to flatten the clusters, if needed. Set the trays in the fridge for at least 30 minutes as you continue the recipe.
Fresh Tip
- I tried adding a pile of peanuts (similar to how you make pecan turtle candy) and drizzling the caramel over the top. I found it easier, and it incorporated all of the peanuts by stirring them into the caramel.
- If you prefer to make them true turtle style, spoon small piles of peanuts onto prepared baking sheets, drizzle the caramel over the top of the peanuts, chill, and add chocolate.
Step 3 |Melt chocolate chips
Add the chocolate chips into a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, mixing well between intervals. This shouldn’t take much longer than about 60-75 seconds total. Once the chocolate is almost melted, stop heating it and stir it well until it is creamy and smooth.
Next, let themelted chocolatecool for five minutes, stirring a few times. Use a spoon to drop and spread the chocolate over each chilled cluster, repeating until all the chocolate is gone or you reach your preferred amount. Sprinkle each with the flakysea salt, chill for 30 minutes, then serve!
Fresh Tips
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Mixing between each interval helps to continue melting it without using more heat and risking the chocolate seizing or breaking. If this occurs, whisk in butter orheavy creamto make it smooth again. See my post on easy ganache for how to fix “broken” chocolate.
- For thebest results, sprinkle the salt as you add the chocolate so it sticks to it while it’s still warm and melted.
For an even easier way to make a similar recipe, try myCrockpot Peanut Clusters. Or take your candy-making skills to the next level with theseEasy Champagne Chocolate Truffles, fit for the classiest holiday parties and perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations and Valentine’s day too!
Variations & Substitutions
- Firmer Caramel:I wanted these caramels soft and chewy, not the kind that takes out fillings! If you prefer a more firm caramel, reduce the amount of butter andheavy cream.
- Caramel Peanut Turtles:Add roasted pecans or replace the peanuts with pecans for a caramel peanut turtle candy.
- Chocolate Options:If preferred, use all milk chocolate or all semi-sweet chocolate.Dark chocolateis another excellent option!
- Homemade Caramel: For a from-scratch treat, make your own caramel instead of getting it from thegrocery store; try thiscaramel recipe.
- Holiday Caramel Clusters: Make it perfect for theholiday seasonby sprinkling festive Christmas sprinkles on top!
- Use different nuts: If peanuts aren’t your thing, or there is a peanut allergy, use your favorite nuts, pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, you get the idea!
Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Peanut Clusters
According to the ingredients I bought, these are naturally gluten-free peanut caramel clusters. Double-check your ingredients, and then have at it!
Dairy-Free Caramel Peanut Clusters
Swap out the milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips; I like this brand the best. As for the caramels, try these Cocomels, made with coconut milk.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate orRoom Temperature– Store the peanut caramel clusters in anairtight containerwithparchment paperor wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Keep the treats on the countertop for up to a week, or refrigerate them for a little longer.
How to Freeze–Store the caramel chocolate clusters the same way as above, then freeze them for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can caramel clusters be made without a microwave?
Sure! If preferred, heat the caramel mixture in a pan on low tomedium heatuntil melted and well combined. Be careful not to let it boil! As for the chocolate, use the double boiling method. For these alternative methods, it helps to have acandy thermometer.
Can this recipe be made without the peanuts?
If you need the recipe to be peanut-free, replace it with pecans, walnuts, almonds, or another favorite nut!
Can I use pre-packaged chocolate chips for making clusters?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips for convenience. However, be sure to choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
Can I add other ingredients, like dried fruits or coconut?
Absolutely! You can customize your peanut clusters by adding dried fruits, puffed quinoa, chia seeds or shredded coconut.
GiftingCaramel Peanut Clusters
These are a great food gift! Place a square of parchment between each piece and stack or lay incellophane bags. Don’t forget to add a cute tag, like these “We’re Nuts About You” gift tags (free!)
Best drinks to serve withcaramel peanut clusters
It’ll be super festive if you serve these amazing candies with your favorite drinks! We love this Starbucks white hot chocolate, Christmas morning chai latte (not just for Christmas morning) and this cranberry spritzer!
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Recipe
A quick and easy recipe on how to make a Starbucks White Hot Chocolate recipe at home. Save time and money, by making this fast copycat white hot chocolate recipe in the comfort of your own home.
Read more
The Best Christmas Morning Chai Recipe (Dutch Bros)
This holiday season enjoy this copycat Dutch Bros Christmas Morning Chai recipe. A chai latte that is spicy and flavorful chai tea mixed with half and half and swirled with white chocolate syrup. Delicious hot or cold.
Read more
Easy Cranberry Spritzer (by the glass or pitcher)
Read more
More holiday sweets
- Peanut ButterCup Chocolate Chip Blondies
- OreoPeanut ButterPie
- Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Mint Chocolate Brownies
- Peanut ButterCookies (Gluten-Free)
- Crockpot Peanut Clusters Recipe
Do not overcook or overheat your chocolate, you want it silky smooth, keep stirring and remove from the heat while there is still a little chocolate unmelted.
I hope you loved this peanut caramel clusters— if you did, would you share your creation onInstagram,Facebook, andPinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Homemade ChocolateCaramel Peanut ClustersRecipe
You can make homemadeCaramel Peanut Clusters with this easy step-by-step recipe! This easyhomemade candyis like peanut turtle candy with flakysea salt, agooey caramelcenter, and coated with chocolate for asalty treat.
5 from 7 votes
Click stars to rate now!
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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Chill: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 38 -30 servings
Calories: 191kcal
Author: Kathleen Pope
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups dry roasted peanuts not quite a whole jar
- 60 caramels about 1 ½ packages (unwrapped of course)
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream less for firmer consistency
- 2 tablespoons butter Use less for firmer consistency
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or flaky sea salt
- 11.5 ounce milk chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
- ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips Or use all one or the other of your favorite chocolate
- Maldon flaky sea salt optional, but so good! or fleur de sel
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, if not a non-stick parchment, then spray lightly with a little oil.
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels (60), heavy cream (3-4 tablespoons), butter (2 tablespoons), vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons) and sea salt (¼ tsp). Heat caramels in 30 second bursts, stirring well between each heating, I only needed to heat about 2 minutes. Keep stirring, it will continue to melt and come together. Towards the end, use a whisk to make the caramel smooth.
Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in peanuts until well coated.
Drop by a small cookie scoop or teaspoon onto the prepared baking sheets. Spray or rub a rubber spatula with oil and flatten the peanut clusters if necessary. Place baking sheets in fridge for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour milk chocolate chips (2 cups) and semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup) into a medium microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second bursts, stirring very well between heatings, stopping when the chocolate is almost melted. Chocolate chips continue to melt and it will prevent the chocolate from seizing (breaking). If it gets grainy or clumpy, whisk in a little pat of butter or a little heavy cream until smooth.
Allow the chocolate to cool for about 5 minutes, stirring well occasionally. Drop and spread a full teaspoon of chocolate over the top of each chilled peanut caramel cluster. Repeat with the balance of the candies. If desired, sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt (adds great salted caramel flavor). Tip: Sprinkle the salt as you go along, so that it sticks to the warm chocolate.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing and storing.
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Notes
Store the caramel peanut clusters in an airtight container with layers of parchment or wax paper between each cluster. Store on the counter in an airtight container for up to one week or may be refrigerated or frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips: I wanted these caramels soft and chewy, not the kind that takes out fillings! If you desire a more firm caramel, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream.
Variations & Substitutions
Make caramel peanut turtles, add some roasted pecans, or replace the peanuts altogether.
Use bourbon vanilla instead of regular vanilla.
Use all milk chocolate chips or all semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Make your own homemade caramel if desired.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Peanut Clusters
According to the ingredients I bought, these are naturally gluten-free peanut caramel clusters. Double-check your ingredients, and then have at it!
Dairy-Free Caramel Peanut Clusters
Swap out the milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips; I like this brand the best. As for the caramels, try these Cocomels, made with coconut milk.
Nutrition
Serving: 11 serving | Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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