Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters

Name: Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 clusters
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters whenever I'm in the mood for a sweet and satisfying snack. They come together easily, and I often find myself indulging in the rich chocolate and nutty flavors, enhanced by the delightful crunch of coconut. The combination of textures is just perfect. Plus, I feel good knowing they are packed with protein from the peanuts! This treat is great for sharing, but I always end up keeping a few for myself. Who can resist?

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:04:08.845Z

From the first time I made these Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The balance between the sweet chocolate, the crunch from the peanuts, and the chewy coconut creates a delightful experience for anyone who tries them. I often serve these at gatherings, and they disappear faster than any other treat!

One key tip I've learned is to roast the peanuts just before using them. This enhances their flavor and makes the clusters even more delicious. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy peanuts
Delightfully chewy texture from the coconut
Quick and easy to make with few ingredients

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this recipe is undeniably the dark chocolate. I recommend using chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the coconut and the saltiness of the peanuts. The quality of the chocolate impacts not only the taste but also the melting consistency. Look for chocolate that melts smoothly, creating that nice glossy finish when mixed with coconut oil.

Peanuts contribute a wonderful crunch and a robust flavor, but you can easily swap them out for other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer a different taste or texture. Just remember to adjust the salt content based on how salty the nuts are. Raw or unsalted nuts can also be used; just give them a quick roast in a dry pan for enhanced flavor before mixing them in.

Perfecting Your Technique

Melting chocolate can be tricky; overheating it may lead to a seized texture. It's best to melt chocolate in 30-second intervals, as instructed. If you notice that your chocolate isn’t melting completely after a few rounds, give it a good stir. The residual heat will often help melt any stubborn pieces. Once melted, the chocolate should be smooth and glossy, which is ideal for coating the other ingredients.

When forming clusters, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for even sizing. This not only makes your clusters visually appealing but also ensures that they set evenly. If you find the mixture too soft to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can place it briefly in the refrigerator for easier handling.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters are perfect for make-ahead snacks! After the chilling time, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they'll last about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking since the chocolate may soften upon thawing, especially at room temperature.

Consider serving these clusters as part of a snack platter alongside fresh fruits or yogurt for a delightful contrast of flavors. They also make an impressive homemade gift when packaged in a decorative box or jar. Personalize your clusters by drizzling extra melted chocolate on top or adding a sprinkle of sea salt before chilling for that extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a surprisingly delightful cluster treat:

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
1 cup shredded coconut
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon sea salt

Once you have everything ready, let's start creating these tasty bites!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly assembled cluster:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.

Mix in Other Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the peanuts, shredded coconut, and sea salt until evenly coated.

Form Clusters

Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and place it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming clusters.

Chill to Set

Refrigerate the clusters for at least 30 minutes, or until solid. Enjoy your sweet creations!

Now that you’ve made these clusters, share them or enjoy them yourself!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top of the clusters before hardening for an appealing finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a nut-free option, substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and flavor without the allergens. Additionally, instead of using shredded coconut, you can try finely chopped dried cranberries or raisins if you're after a different flavor profile. The sweetness of dried fruits will give a nice contrast to the darkness of the chocolate.

For a healthier twist, consider using dark chocolate chips sweetened with stevia or other sugar alternatives. Just ensure that your chocolate still has a nice melting quality. However, be mindful that some sugar substitutes can leave a cooling aftertaste, which may alter the overall flavor of your clusters.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate mixture is too thick or clumpy after combining with the peanuts and coconut, it could be that the chocolate cooled too much during mixing. To rectify this, gently heat the mixture again in the microwave in short increments, stirring continuously until it becomes smooth. Just be cautious not to overheat, as this can lead to a gritty texture.

You may also encounter problems with the clusters sticking to the baking sheet. Using parchment paper is essential for easy removal. If you don't have any on hand, lightly oiling the baking sheet can help. If your clusters don't hold their shape after chilling, try pressing them firmly together before refrigerating, or adjust the ratio of chocolate to coconut for better binding.

Scaling Up the Recipe

If you're planning to make a larger batch of Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, it's easy to scale the recipe. Double or triple the ingredients, but keep in mind that you’ll need a larger bowl for mixing and possibly additional trays for chilling. Spacing the clusters out adequately on the baking sheet will ensure they solidify properly without merging into one another.

When doubling the recipe, I suggest melting the chocolate in shorter increments as it will take longer to reach the desired melting point. Also, ensure you label the containers correctly if you’re storing multiple batches or flavors to keep track of your delicious creations. This is not just practical but also adds a colorful visual appeal to your dessert table!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, though it will alter the flavor profile to be sweeter.

→ How do I store the clusters?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I add other nuts or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews.

→ Are these clusters gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, these clusters are naturally gluten-free.