Using your slow cooker to make chocolate peanut clusters makes making candy very easy! This slow cooker peanut clusters recipe was inspired by a chocolate pecan turtle cluster recipe that I tweeked just a bit. Gooey caramel covered in rich chocolate, pecans, and peanuts is a delicious and easy-to-make crockpot candy recipe. Traditional chocolate turtle candy is made with pecans, chocolate and caramel, but I only had 1/2 the amount of pecans needed, so I improvised and added peanuts too! I think it turned out even better! They are the perfect treat for holiday parties and homemade gift ideas.
Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters Recipe
You only need a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this slow-cooker candy recipe. You can also use the microwave or stovetop too.
- Pecans
- Peanuts
- Chocolate Almond Bark
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar
- Caramel Candies or Rolos
- Sprinkles
- Break up the chocolate almond bark and place into your crockpot.
- Add the chocolate chips and baking bar.
- Add the pecans.
- Add the peanuts.
- Turn the slow cooker on LOW for 1 to 2 hours. I always check on it every 30 min and give it a stir.
- Lay the caramels out on a parchment prepared cookie sheet while you wait for the chocolate mixture to melt. I used a mixture of leftover caramel candies and some Rolos. Both work great.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted, scoop a scoopful right over the caramel candy.
- Add sprinkles while they are still warm.
- You can place them in the refrigerator or let them sit out to cool until hardened and set.
Wasn’t that easy? This slow cooker peanut clusters recipe is a simple recipe you can take to holiday parties, give as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors or take to a Christmas cookie exchange party as something a little different.
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Cluster Recipes
This slow cooker candy recipe for Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters has added peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. Gooey caramel center wrapped with nutty rich chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 package chocolate almond bark (32 oz)
- 1 bittersweet baking bar (4 oz)
- Semi-Sweet chocolate chips ( 12 oz)
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups peanuts - I used salted
- 24 caramel candies or Rolo's.
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Break up the chocolate almond bark and baking bar.
- Place the almond bark, chocolate chips, baking bar, pecans, and peanuts into your slow cooker and set on LOW for 1 1/2 hours. I like to stir every 30 minutes or so. Once it's all melted, give it a good stir until well blended.
- Prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. You could use foil if necessary.
- Arrange the caramel candies on a prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the melted nutty chocolate mixture on top of each caramel candy.
- Add sprinkles if desired.
- Let the candies cool until hardened. I have placed mine in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so to speed it up.
Notes
- If you want more of a traditional Turtle Cluster, omit the peanuts and double the amount of pecans.
- You can use white chocolate almond bark if you want.
- Almond bark is a flavored chocolate candy coating found in the baking section at your local grocery store.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 121Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 97mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g
We do our best to calculate, however, nutrition information may not be accurate.
Can You Use the Stovetop or Microwave?
You sure can! I prefer using my slow cooker because it’s less mess and easier, but you can also make chocolate pecan peanut turtle clusters using the microwave or on the stovetop.
STOVETOP DIRECTIONS
You’ll want to use a double boiler to melt the chocolates. Once the chocolate is melted remove from the heat, add the nuts and stir. Follow the directions in the recipe for making the clusters.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS
Place the chocolates in a large microwave safe bowl. I always do 30 second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted. Add the nuts and follow the directions in the recipe for making the clusters.
How to Store Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters Recipe
If they last long enough to store, you’ll want to keep them in an airtight container. I’ve placed mine in a freezer bag and in the freezer up to 2 months and they have been fine.
Chocolate Turtle Cluster Variations
The best recipes are often found when you tweak an original. Since I didn’t have enough pecans, I subbed in peanuts and it turned out so good! Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. Here are a few variations to try.
- Use white chocolate bark instead of chocolate.
- Use cashews, almonds or a mixture of your favorite nuts.
- Use a different type of candy than caramels. Maybe candied fruit, gumdrops, or cocktail cherries.
- Use marshmallows instead of caramels, or use both!
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Jenn says
Such a fantastic recipe!
Kim says
Thank you!
Gabby says
My son took a batch of these back to his college roommates and they are in LOVE! They think I am a rockstar, but this recipe is so easy to make I won’t making it again and again for them!
Kim says
WOW, I bet they did enjoy that! Thanks for the comment.
Kristyn says
I had never made these in the slow cooker, but I am so glad you shared this recipe!! It’s so easy & they are so delicious!! This is the only way to make them!!
Melissa says
Loved these so much! We couldn’t get enough. These would also make such a great gift for the holidays!