Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters

Name: Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 clusters
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup unsalted peanuts; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters, especially when I want a quick and satisfying treat. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy oats, and nutty peanuts creates a delightful snack that's hard to resist. In just a few minutes, I can whip these up, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a cozy night in. Plus, the best part is that they're so easy to customize with different nuts or dried fruits if I feel adventurous. These clusters are definitely a staple in my kitchen!

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:13:17.349Z

When I first made Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters, I was surprised at how quickly they came together. I melted the chocolate with a splash of coconut oil to achieve the perfect consistency, making it easier to coat the oats and peanuts without clumping. This method really enhances the flavor and adds richness.

I've shared these clusters with friends, and they always want the recipe! One tip I've learned is to let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating, as this helps them set without becoming too hard. Enjoying them fresh with a sprinkle of sea salt on top takes them to another level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly crunchy with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness
Quick and easy to make, satisfying cravings in no time
Versatile base to customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key players in Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters are rolled oats, peanuts, and dark chocolate. Rolled oats provide a chewy texture and healthy fiber, while unsalted peanuts deliver a satisfying crunch and a punch of protein. Dark chocolate adds richness and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness from honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a different nut or nut butter, feel free to swap peanuts for almonds or cashews, but keep the quantity consistent to maintain the right texture.

Coconut oil is used to make the chocolate glossy and easier to work with. It also adds a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, ensure the dark chocolate chips you choose are dairy-free, and use maple syrup instead of honey. This flexibility allows you to cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Mastering the Processing Technique

When melting the chocolate, heat it in short intervals to prevent burning. Stirring helps evenly distribute the heat and prevents the mixture from seizing up. Once you've achieved a smooth and glossy chocolate, promptly add your dry ingredients. This ensures the hot chocolate melts the oats and coats the peanuts thoroughly, creating a delightful texture. If you're short on time, you can use a double boiler instead of the microwave, allowing for more control over the heat.

Shaping the clusters is an important step; you want them to be packed well. If they start to crumble, you may need to remelt the chocolate slightly to improve the binding. Using a cookie scoop can help create uniform sizes, ensuring an even treat. Just remember, the clusters should be touched minimally once formed to keep them intact and looking presentable.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious clusters:

For the Clusters

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

These ingredients combine for a delightful treat!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters:

Melt the Chocolate

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

Mix the Ingredients

Add the oats, peanuts, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the melted chocolate. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Form the Clusters

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape them into clusters, ensuring they’re closely packed.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the clusters for about 10 minutes until they set. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoy your delectable treats!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add dried fruits or substitute the peanuts with your favorite nuts for different flavors. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Storage Tips

For the best freshness, store the Chocolate Oat Peanut Clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft. They can be kept for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead snack. If you're planning for later, consider portioning them into individual snack bags for easy grab-and-go options during busy days.

If you find yourself with a larger batch and want to extend their shelf life, these clusters can also be frozen. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about two months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Variations to Try

Get creative by adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots to your clusters. They not only introduce additional sweetness but also enhance the flavor profile. Aim for about a half-cup of dried fruits to maintain the perfect balance with the other ingredients. If you enjoy spices, a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt sprinkled on top can elevate the flavor experience.

For a more indulgent treat, consider folding in some mini marshmallows or drizzling extra melted chocolate on top before refrigerating. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, instead of vanilla for a unique twist. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand or to suit your personal preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate, but keep in mind it will be sweeter.

→ How should I store the clusters?

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

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and confirm your chocolate is dairy-free.

→ What can I add to these clusters?

You can add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even seeds like chia or flaxseed for added nutrition.