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Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble. Keep stirring as the caramel mixture thickens, and let it boil for about 3-5 minutes. The caramel will become slightly thicker and more golden as it cooks.
Once the caramel reaches the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if using). Be careful— the mixture will bubble up a bit when you add the vanilla. Set the caramel aside to cool slightly before adding the peanuts.
Step 3: Mix in the Peanuts
Once the caramel has cooled for about 5 minutes, stir in the peanuts until they’re evenly coated with the caramel. You can use salted peanuts for a sweet-and-salty treat or unsalted peanuts if you prefer a more neutral flavor. The peanuts should be well-coated but not swimming in caramel, so make sure they’re mixed thoroughly.
Step 4: Form the Clusters
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the caramel-coated peanut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You can make them as large or small as you like, but typically 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture per cluster works well.
Shape them into little mounds or clusters, ensuring the peanuts are tightly packed. You should be able to get about 12-15 clusters, depending on the size.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut clusters cool, it’s time to melt the chocolate. You can use a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler to melt the chocolate. For the microwave, heat the semisweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Once the semisweet chocolate is melted, drizzle it over each cluster with a spoon or pour it into a piping bag and pipe it on top. You can cover the whole cluster or drizzle a little bit for a more decorative look. For an added touch of flavor, you can also drizzle white chocolate over the top of the semisweet chocolate for contrast and extra sweetness. If using, melt the white chocolate in the same way as the semisweet chocolate.
Step 6: Let Them Set
Allow the chocolate to cool and set on the clusters. You can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process. Once the chocolate has fully hardened, your Peanut Caramel Clusters are ready to enjoy!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is firm, remove the peanut clusters from the parchment paper and serve. Store any leftover clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them if you prefer them to stay extra firm.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Caramel Clusters
- Be Careful with the Caramel: When making caramel, the sugar can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and stir constantly. If the caramel gets too thick or hard, you can add a little extra cream to thin it out.
- Choose Your Peanuts Wisely: Salted peanuts are the most common choice for these clusters because they add a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate. If you prefer, you can also experiment with other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans.
- Make Them Your Own: Get creative with your toppings! Consider sprinkling sea salt on top of the clusters after the chocolate has set for an extra salty-sweet bite, or add a few dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Melting the Chocolate: If you’re using a microwave, make sure to melt the chocolate slowly and in intervals. Stir in between to prevent the chocolate from burning. If using a double boiler, ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl to avoid water seeping into the chocolate, which can cause it to seize.
- Double the Batch: These Peanut Caramel Clusters are a crowd favorite, so you might want to double the recipe for parties or to keep a stash on hand for those snack attacks!
Why Peanut Caramel Clusters Are a Must-Try
Peanut Caramel Clusters are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, balancing the rich sweetness of caramel, the crunch of peanuts, and the indulgent smoothness of chocolate. Whether you’re craving a homemade treat for yourself, looking for a simple yet impressive gift, or needing a quick and easy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, these clusters have you covered.
The best part? These treats are incredibly versatile—you can add your favorite nuts, top them with a sprinkle of sea salt, or get creative with drizzles of different chocolates. The options are endless, but the result will always be a decadent and delightful snack everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Caramel Clusters are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. The caramel, peanuts, and chocolate come together to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night in to a festive gathering. Their delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures will keep you coming back for more.
So next time you’re looking for a homemade treat that’s sure to wow, reach for this recipe. Whip up a batch of these Peanut Caramel Clusters, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!
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