Why didn't my peanut clusters harden?

I've read many recipe reviews of other Chocolate Peanut Cluster recipes complaining that their chocolate did not solidify. This is caused by the ratio of almond bark to chocolate being too low . You need enough almond bark to ensure ensure your Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters harden.

How many calories in chocolate covered peanut clusters?

Peanuts, Chocolate Covered, Peanut Clusters (1 peanut cluster) contains 7g total carbs, 6.3g net carbs, 4.7g fat, 1.8g protein, and 73 calories .

Why is my homemade chocolate not hardening?

However, if your chocolate hasn't set, there are a few reasons why this could be. It could be that your room temperature is too high . If the temperature is over 68 F, this can cause problems. The ideal setting temperature is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many peanuts does it take to make a 12 oz jar of peanut butter?

It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter. By law, any product labeled “peanut butter” in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts.

What is the little nub in a peanut called?

There's a little nub on the end of the peanut below? That's an embryo . The peanut is really just a seed, which, when planted in soil, grows into a peanut plant. And though all parts of the seed are vital, the embryo is basically the origin of the plant.

What culture eats the most peanuts?

China . China is not only the leading producer of peanuts but also the top consuming country.

How unhealthy are chocolate covered peanuts?

Not to mention all the sugar, preservatives and additives found in the candy coating. One serving of chocolate-covered peanuts (1.4 ounces) contains 230 calories, 15 grams of fat (6 grams of it saturated), 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 11 grams of sugars .

Are chocolate covered peanuts good for you?

While chocolate-covered nuts may appear to be a treat, chocolate and nuts also provide health advantages . Essential fatty acids and linolenic acids are abundant in nuts. Nuts include mostly unsaturated fat, with some monounsaturated fat, which can lower blood cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and enhance heart health.

How many calories in a homemade peanut cluster?

Nutrition Facts (per serving) 150 Calories 10g Fat 12g Carbs 5g Protein

What happens if peanut brittle didn't harden?

This is because you did not cook it long enough in the microwave. If the texture of the peanut brittle is sticky, and not crunchy, this means that you need to cook the mixture longer, until it reaches 300°F . Why didn't my homemade peanut brittle get hard? Same answer as the question above.

Why won t my peanut brittle get hard?

If your peanut brittle never sets up hard, it means you didn't cook it to a high enough temperature . Make sure you cook it to the “hard crack” stage, between 298°F- 313°F, and swirl your thermometer probe around in the syrup to get an accurate read of the temperature.

Why isn't my hard candy hardening?

In hard candy making, it is important to cook all the water out of the sugar/corn syrup/water mixture. If the sugar mixture is not cooked to the proper temperature (the hard-crack stage 300-310° F {149-154° C.} or if you are working in a kitchen with high humidity, chances are your candy is retaining too much moisture .

Why are my peanuts not getting soft?

Dried peanuts will require a longer soaking time before cooking, so leave them to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the peanuts ensures that they will soften more easily when they are cooked, giving them their delicious texture.

The Best Chocolate Peanut Clusters Recipe - Cooking With Karli (2024)

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The Best Peanut Clusters are a fast, easy classic Holiday Treat! The combination of semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate and peanut butter makes these Peanut Clusters the Best Ever!

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Chocolate Peanut Clusters – Classic Holiday Treat!

I have had my fair share of peanut clusters over the years. If we are being honest though, who hasn’t? These little guys are seriously the most classic of the Holiday Treat Classics!

I have always loved all of the treat gifting that goes on around Christmas and New Years. I loved both the giving and the receiving. I am a sugar lover at heart and would always pounce on those treat plates growing up!

My eyes were always looking for two things, Fudge and Peanut Clusters. Obviously I love my chocolate. ? The salty and sweet of the peanut clusters are just absolutely magical though, don’t ya think?

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Let’s not forget about the fudge, though. Fudge continues to be a favorite of mine to this day. In fact, I may have gone a little fudge crazy a few weeks ago and created all sorts of delicious fudge flavors. Cookie Dough Fudge and Sugar Cookie Fudge. #AllTheHeartEyes Pssst. Brownie Batter Fudge is next on my list.

Making this Recipe for Peanut Clusters in the Instant Pot or Microwave

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If you’ve been around these parts at all lately, you’ll know that I am obsessed with my Instant Pot. There are just so many reasons I love it!! Add Peanut Clusters to the list!

Peanut Clusters are really easy to make in the Instant Pot using my Chocolate Melting Hack! Essentially, you’ll use your Instant Pot and a glass bowl to create a double boiler! I use thisall the time!

Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave, The chocolate doesn’t turn out as smooth that way, though.

Peanut Cluster Ingredients

1 12oz bag white chocolate chips (I use Guittard)
1 12oz bag extra semisweet chocolate chips (I use Guittard)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp shortening
4 cups lightly salted peanuts

What chocolate should I use for my Peanut Clusters?

I’ve done the testing for you, I have the perfect combination!!

Extra Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips and a tid bit of peanut butter.

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I really like these Extra Semisweet Chocolate Chips by Guittard. They are 55% Cacao. If you can’t find these in your local grocery store, either a regular semisweet or a dark chocolate chip will work fine.

You’ll need the whole bag of both semisweet and white chocolate chips. Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 3 tbsp of shortening to the mix as well. The shortening helps the chocolate set up.

What kind of peanuts should I use in my Peanut Clusters?

I use lightly salted peanuts. I like the saltiness of the peanuts but if you use extremely salted peanuts it will cause the chocolate to do funny things. It won’t stick to the peanuts as well.

How to make Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Either melt that in the microwave or place in the bowl on top of your Instant Pot.
If choosing the microwave method: Microwaving for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each one until smooth.
For the Instant Pot, place the chocolate chips, peanut butter and shortening into the bowl on top of the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot should have water in the liner and it should be set on sauté HIGH.
Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, add in 4 cups of peanuts.
Stir to coat the peanuts generously in the chocolate.
Scoop the chocolate covered peanuts out and place on parchment paper. I like to use my cookie scoop to evenly portion out the peanut clusters.
Let the peanut clusters dry completely before removing from the parchment paper. You can even toss them in the fridge to speed up the process, I generally do that. ?
Store either in the fridge or at room temperature in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

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YIELD: APPROX. 4 DOZEN PEANUT CLUSTERS

Storing this recipe for Peanut Clusters

Storing peanut clusters is really an easy thing to do. You’ll just want to make sure they set up completely prior to storing them. Store the peanut clusters in an air tight container or zip top bag.

Peanut Clusters FAQs

How long will peanut Clusters last?

They will keep fresh at room temperature for about 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months, though!

Do you have to refrigerate peanut clusters?

No, they don’t have to be stored in the fridge but that will extend their shelf life.

How long do peanut clusters take to set?

This greatly depends on how hot your house is- the colder temperature in your house the faster they will set up. You can toss them in the fridge or freezer to help them set quickly, though.

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Chocolate Peanut Clusters

By: Karli Bitner

The Best Peanut Clusters are a fast, easy classic Holiday Treat! The combination of semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate and peanut butter makes these Peanut Clusters the Best Ever!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

▢ 1 12 oz (300g) bag white chocolate chips, I use Guittard
▢ 1 12 oz (300g) bag extra semisweet chocolate chips, I use Guittard
▢ 1/4 cup (61g) creamy peanut butter
▢ 3 tbsp shortening
▢ 4 cups (500g) lightly salted peanuts

Instructions

Instant Pot Method: Pour 2 cups of water into the liner of the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to saute HIGH. Place a large glass bowl on top of the Instant Pot to create a double boiler.
Add both types of chocolate, the peanut butter and shortening to the bowl.
Stir occasionally until melted. SKIP TO STEP 5.
Microwave Method:
Microwave both types of chocolate, peanut butter and shortening until smooth. Do this by microwaving for 30 second intervals at 50% power, stirring in-between until almost smooth. Stir the remaining chocolate chips until smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir the peanuts into the chocolate making sure to coat all peanuts evenly.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the chocolate peanuts out into small clusters. Place the peanut clusters onto parchment paper to set.
Allow the peanut clusters to set completely before trying to remove. You can pop them in the fridge to speed up this process.

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