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Caramel Peanut Clusters are here to save the day if you’re looking for an easy yet utterly delicious candy recipe. With gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating, these clusters are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and indulgent. Perfect for holiday candy trays, gift boxes, favorite things party, or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is as simple as it is delightful.
The Chemistry of Caramel Peanut Clusters
Making peanut caramel clusters requires just a few steps, but understanding the science behind them ensures perfect results every time:
- Caramel Consistency: Combining caramel candies with heavy cream creates a smooth, spreadable mixture that coats the peanuts perfectly. The cream prevents the caramel from becoming too hard or brittle once set.
- Peanuts for Texture and Flavor: Lightly salted peanuts provide a delightful crunch and balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. The salt enhances the overall flavor.
- Melting Chocolate Properly: Melting chocolate in 30-second intervals prevents scorching. Stirring thoroughly between intervals helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring a smooth and shiny finish.
- Setting the Clusters: Cooling the clusters on parchment paper ensures they don’t stick while setting. The chocolate hardens evenly at room temperature for a glossy, professional look.
What is in caramel peanut clusters?
Caramel Candy and Heavy Whipping Cream
Create a smooth caramel base for the clusters.
Lightly Salted Peanuts
Add crunch and a salty counterbalance to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Compound Chocolate
Provides a glossy finish and rich chocolatey flavor. Substitute with milk and dark, or white chocolate as desired.
How do you make chocolate caramel peanut clusters?
Caramel Peanut Clusters
- Prepare the caramel. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 batch of caramel candies and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the caramel is smooth and fully combined.
- Fold in peanuts. Add 2 cups of lightly salted fresh peanuts to the caramel mixture and fold until the peanuts are evenly coated.
- Form the clusters. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop clusters of the caramel-peanut mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the caramel cool and set completely at room temperature. You can also place them in the freezer for 15 minutes to speed up this process.
Coating with Chocolate
- Melt the chocolate. Place 4 cups of compound chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the clusters. Working one at a time, place a cooled caramel-peanut cluster into the melted chocolate. Use a table fork or a candy-dipping fork to flip the cluster until it is fully coated, then gently lift it out, shaking off excess chocolate. Place the coated cluster back onto the parchment paper.
- Set the chocolate-covered clusters. Allow the chocolate to cool and harden completely at room temperature. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for quicker results.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Place parchment paper between layers if clusters are stored in a single container.
Freezing: Freeze the clusters in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Making Ahead
Milk chocolate caramel peanut clusters are a fantastic make-ahead treat. Prepare the clusters up to a week in advance for holiday candy trays. Freeze them for more extended storage and bring them out as needed.
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Why make caramel peanut clusters?
Caramel peanut clusters are one of my favorite candies to make during the holiday season. They’re a staple in my holiday candy boxes and make a great gift. Not only are they incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, but they’re also always the first to disappear at any gathering.
They are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gift, party, or to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade caramel, it will work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they are chewy caramels and it’s soft enough to coat the peanuts.
What kind of chocolate is best for dipping?
Compound chocolate is ideal because it melts smoothly and sets firmly. You can also use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil or cocoa butter for easier melting.
How do I store caramel peanut clusters?
Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For more extended storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans are great substitutes if you want to mix it up.
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Caramel Peanut Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 batch caramel candy **or some leftover
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 cups lightly salted peanuts
- 4 cups compound chocolate
Instructions
- In a glass bowl add caramel candies and cream, microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat again if the caramel isn't totally softened and combined with cream.
- Fold in the peanuts
- Spoon out little clusters of the caramel and peanut mixture onto parchment paper. Let the caramel cool until it sets.
- Pour the chocolate into a glass bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir thoroughly and repeat until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Place a set caramel peanut cluster in the melted chocolate bowl and flip until covered with chocolate. Using a fork, gently remove the cluster and shake off the excess chocolate.
- Place the chocolate covered cluster back on the parchment paper. Repeat until all clusters are covered with chocolate.
- Allow the candies to cool until the chocolate has set. Enjoy! These are perfect for holiday candy boxes.
Nutrition
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