During the holiday season make these easy treats to share with your family and friends. This easy candy recipe requires no baking and can be made quickly with just the microwave! No need for a double boiler or a candy thermometer for this delicious almond bark peanut clusters recipe!
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Why This Almond Bark Peanut Cluster Recipe Is The Best!
This is by far the easiest candy recipe you can make! It requires only 3 simple ingredients to make this sweet treat. Of course the sprinkles are optional, but they do add to the festive appearance of the homemade candy.
I love this recipe because I can make a batch ahead of time and give as holiday gifts. It is always a good idea to have extra gifts on hand during the holiday season for neighbors, coworkers and family. And everyone loves the combination of crunchy peanuts with the sweet vanilla almond bark.
My favorite way to make this recipe is by melting the almond bark in the microwave. It is quick and easy way to melt the bark, but you can also melt the almond bark in a small slow cooker or crock pot and add then add the peanuts.
Key Ingredients
almond bark- is a confectionary coating used for dipping or decorated nuts, fruit or cookies. It comes in 2 different varieties, either chocolate or white almond bark. Neither actually contains any chocolate. This item can be found at your local grocery store in the baking aisle.
peanuts- salted peanuts give a contrasting flavor to the sweetness of the almond bark. You can use cocktail peanuts, dry roasted peanuts or Spanish peanuts for the recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Chop the almond bark into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt in the microwave. Add all of the almond bark to a microwavable glass bowl.
Melt almond bark in the microwave on high power for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds. Melting almond bark in the microwave is much faster and easier than using the double boiler method.
Once the almond bark is completely melted, add the peanuts to the bowl. Give a good stir to coat the peanuts in the almond bark.
I like to make this easy peanut clusters recipe to give as gifts. I have two different methods for you with this recipe. You can scoop the mixture into mini cupcake liners. I like this because it makes a cute presentation for a packaged present. Or place scoops on either a piece of wax paper or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Either way this is a very simple recipe to make.
Work quickly to add the scoop of peanut candy to the liner and then top with a few sprinkles.
Allow the peanut clusters to harden before storing.
Storage Suggestions
Almond bark peanut clusters are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
This is a great recipe to give as gifts because you can make these in advance. Package the clusters in cookie tins for a special treat to give during the holidays.
Expert Tips
- Do not overheat almond bark because it could burn. This is why it is important to remove from the microwave and stir frequently.
- Almond bark may be colored or flavored by oil-base products.
- If you feel almond bark is too thick you can add vegetable shortening but you can not add milk or butter to almond bark.
- It is not recommended to store in the refrigerator.
Substitutions
nuts- Any type of nut will work for this recipe. I love salty peanuts because it gives a great flavor contrast with the sweet almond bark, but you can use cashews, almonds or mixed nuts.
chocolate chips- you can use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips to make these homemade chocolate peanut clusters instead of using almond bark. Here are my tips to melt chocolate chips in the microwave.
Looking For Other Holiday Recipes? Try These!
Christmas Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)
Christmas Almond Bark Pretzels
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Almond Bark Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 12 ounces almond bark
- 8 ounces peanuts
Instructions
- Chop the almond bark into small pieces. Add to a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high power for 90 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds until the almond bark is melted smooth.
- Add the peanuts to the bowl and stir to coat the peanuts.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the peanut clusters. Either add the peanut mixture to wax paper to harden or scoop into mini cupcake liners.
- Allow the peanut clusters 30 minutes to an hour to harden before storing.
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