Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, with a slow cooker doing most of the work.
- Festive: Colorful M&Ms and sprinkles make these clusters a great addition to any Easter table.
- Crunchy and Sweet: The combination of peanuts, white chocolate, and candy melts provides a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups white candy melts
- 2 cups roasted salted crunchy peanuts
- 1 cup M&M candies (divided into two portions)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add the white chocolate chips, white candy melts, and roasted peanuts to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Melt the Mixture
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the chocolates have fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add M&Ms
- Once melted, turn off the slow cooker and stir in 1 cup of M&Ms.
Step 4: Form the Clusters
- Lightly grease a tablespoon and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Decorate the clusters with the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Allow the clusters to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour until fully set.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the clusters have set, serve and enjoy! These make great gifts or treats for any holiday occasion.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 35 candies
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Variations
- Nut Substitutes: Use other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts.
- Different Chocolate: For a different flavor, try using milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
- Colorful M&Ms: You can use any type of M&Ms to match the occasion or for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 4 months in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate?
While white chocolate is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different taste, though it may change the appearance of the clusters.
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts, but salted peanuts provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.
Can I freeze these peanut clusters?
Yes, these clusters freeze well. Just store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.
How do I prevent the clusters from being too sticky?
Ensure that the clusters are fully set at room temperature before storing them. If they are too sticky, they may need more time to cool.
Can I make these ahead of time for Easter?
Yes, these can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Easter Peanut Clusters are an effortless yet festive treat that combines creamy chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and colorful M&Ms. Whether you’re making them for an Easter celebration, a gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to prepare, and fun to decorate, they’ll bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering!
Slow Cooker Easter Peanut Clusters
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 35 candies
- Category: Candy, Holiday Treat
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Slow Cooker Easter Peanut Clusters are a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for Easter or any celebration. With just five ingredients, including white chocolate chips, candy melts, and roasted peanuts, these clusters are made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Decorated with colorful M&M candies and sprinkles, they’re not only tasty but also festive, making them ideal for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups white candy melts
- 2 cups roasted salted crunchy peanuts
- 1 cup M&M candies (divided into two portions)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add the white chocolate chips, white candy melts, and roasted peanuts to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Melt the Mixture
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the chocolates have fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add M&Ms
- Once melted, turn off the slow cooker and stir in 1 cup of M&Ms.
Step 4: Form the Clusters
- Lightly grease a tablespoon and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Decorate the clusters with the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Allow the clusters to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour until fully set.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the clusters have set, serve and enjoy! They make great gifts or treats for any holiday occasion.
Notes
- Nut Substitutes: You can use cashews, almonds, or pecans instead of peanuts for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a unique twist.
- M&M Variations: Choose M&Ms that match the holiday or your favorite flavor.
