Vegan Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters
Effortless candy-making in your slow cooker creates rich chocolate and peanut butter clusters studded with roasted peanuts. This foolproof method requires no tempering or candy thermometer - just layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. The combination of salted and unsalted peanuts adds textural contrast while the vanilla candy bark provides sweetness and helps bind everything together. Perfect for holiday gift-giving, potluck desserts, or satisfying sweet cravings. The clusters set quickly and store well, making this an ideal make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
- 16 oz salted roasted peanuts, jar
- 16 oz unsalted roasted peanuts, jar
- 12 oz peanut butter chipsbutterscotch chips1:1peanut-free
changes flavor profile
- 4 oz Bakers Sweetened German Chocolate Bar, green box
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 lb vanilla candy barkwhite chocolate chips1:1none
slightly different texture
Instructions
- 1
Layer ingredients in precise order: peanuts, chocolate, peanut butter chips, semi sweet chips, vanilla bark
- 2
Close lid and melt chocolate and candy for 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high
- 3
Stir well then heat on low another 2 hours or high for 1 more hour, stirring each hour
- 4
Scoop candy using 1 inch cookie scoop onto wax paper or parchment paper on baking sheet
- 5
Let set about 20 to 30 minutes
- 6
Serve and enjoy
Tips
Place baking sheet in refrigerator to chill clusters quickly if kitchen is warm
Use cookie scoop for uniform cluster sizes and easier handling
Stir every hour during second cooking phase to ensure even melting
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in covered container
Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Stir regularly during second heating phase to avoid burning bottom layers
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking to surface
Allow proper setting time before moving clusters to avoid breakage
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
changes flavor profile
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet, but maintain the same total chocolate amount for proper consistency.
What if my clusters don't set properly?
Place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up. If still soft, the mixture may need more vanilla bark or cooling time.
How long do these clusters keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to 1 month for longer storage.