Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, as they’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the crunch of peanuts and the chewiness of coconut, making each bite a blissful experience. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps and require minimal ingredients. These treats are perfect for sharing, or just to satisfy that sweet craving. You can never go wrong with a quick and delicious treat like this!
When I first experimented with Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, I was amazed at how easily they came together. The secret to their success is using high-quality dark chocolate and roasting the peanuts slightly to enhance their flavor. This extra step really makes a difference in the overall taste!
Once melted, the chocolate needs to be thoroughly combined with the other ingredients. This ensures that every cluster has a nice coating of chocolate. I often sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast, which is simply irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistible combination of chocolate, coconut, and peanuts
- Quick and easy to make with minimal hassle
- Great for sharing at parties or as a snack
Crafting the Perfect Clusters
When making Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, it's crucial to ensure even coating of chocolate around the mix of peanuts and coconut. To achieve an optimal consistency, stir the melted chocolate well until it’s glossy and uniformly combined before mixing with the dry ingredients. This ensures that every bite is equally indulgent, with the chocolate clinging perfectly to the nuts and coconut.
Another essential tip is to use a good quality dark chocolate. The richer the chocolate, the more robust the flavor will be in contrast to the sweetness of the coconut and the saltiness of the peanuts. My personal favorite is a chocolate with at least 60% cocoa which adds depth to the clusters without making them overly sweet.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness to about two weeks. Just remember that cold clusters might be a bit harder, but they will soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
For a fun presentation or to elevate your snack game, consider drizzling extra melted chocolate on top of the set clusters or sprinkling them with a pinch of sea salt just before chilling. This not only enhances the look but adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 16 oz dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the roasted peanuts and shredded coconut. Pour the melted chocolate over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
Form Clusters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart.
Chill to Set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Serve and Enjoy
Once set, transfer the clusters to an airtight container, and they are ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding some chopped dried fruit or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top before the chocolate sets.
Ingredient Roles
The combination of roasted peanuts and shredded coconut gives these clusters a delightful texture. Roasted peanuts add a deep, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while shredded coconut introduces a chewy element that balances the crunchiness. This mix of textures is part of what makes these treats so appealing.
Coconut oil plays a significant role in the melting process of chocolate, helping it achieve a shiny, smooth consistency. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the dark chocolate with a dairy-free chocolate variety, but make sure it melts similarly well to retain the smooth chocolatey base.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find your chocolate seized up during melting, it may have come in contact with moisture. Ensure your mixing bowl and all utensils are completely dry. If this happens, carefully add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to help re-emulsify the mixture. Remember, if the chocolate is overheated, it can become grainy—melting in short intervals can prevent this.
In case the clusters seem too crumbly when cooled, this could indicate that the mixture wasn’t fully coated in chocolate. Next time, try pouring the melted chocolate incrementally over the peanut-coconut mix while stirring to ensure even distribution. If you want firmer clusters, you can also increase the chocolate chips slightly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a sweeter flavor.
→ How should I store the Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
→ Can I make these clusters vegan?
Yes, just ensure that the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.
→ What can I add to customize the clusters?
You can add ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters
I absolutely love making Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, as they’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the crunch of peanuts and the chewiness of coconut, making each bite a blissful experience. Plus, they come together in just a few simple steps and require minimal ingredients. These treats are perfect for sharing, or just to satisfy that sweet craving. You can never go wrong with a quick and delicious treat like this!
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 clusters
What You'll Need
Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 16 oz dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Sea salt (optional)
How-To Steps
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the roasted peanuts and shredded coconut. Pour the melted chocolate over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Once set, transfer the clusters to an airtight container, and they are ready to be enjoyed!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding some chopped dried fruit or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top before the chocolate sets.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g