You only need 4 ingredients to make amazing Patriotic Crockpot Peanut Clusters. The slow cooker does all of the work and you get to enjoy the best treat. It is perfect for July 4th or Memorial Day!
You know I love my crock pot and I was so excited to make this easy candy recipe using the slow cooker. It is a game changer! I started out by making Crock Pot Easter Candy Clusters.
They are so easy but taste really decadent and delicious. It’s one of the easiest Red White and Blue Desserts. We also like to make Red White and Blue Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Patriotic Whoopie Pies.
Try these No Bake 4th of July Desserts.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
You can easily adapt this recipe to make it work for any occasion, event, birthday or holiday. We look for any excuse to make these along with Red White and Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries.
Ingredients
- Lightly salted peanuts. The salty and sweet in this recipe combine for a great flavor. The lightly salted peanuts are perfect to use.
- White almond bark. Broken into squares.
- Red, white and blue M&M’s. These add the perfect touch for a patriotic dessert.
- Sprinkles for decorating. Feel free to choose your favorite patriotic sprinkles.
Find the entire ingredients for Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters at the bottom of the post.
Variations
- Milk chocolate – Substitute milk chocolate for the almond bark. It will still be delicious and makes for a nice change. Dark chocolate and even chocolate bars work! You can also add a handful of peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is amazing!
- Sprinkles- You can use anything you prefer. Change the sprinkles and colors to make these clusters work for any occasion, holiday or even birthday! You could even coordinate these for Game Day. So fun!
- M&M Candy – Swap out the patriotic M&M’s for regular M&M’s or other seasonal M&M’s to enjoy for lots of occasions. We love to make these Chocolate Peanut Clusters for Christmas, Halloween, July 4th and more.
How to make crock pot patriotic clusters
Step 1. First, add the peanuts and almond bark to a 5 quart crock pot. Set the crock pot to low and let it cook for 1 hour to melt.
Step 2. It is important that you stir the chocolate peanut mixture every 15 to 20 minutes. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Step 3. Finally, once the cooking time is up and the chocolate is melted, add about half of the M&M’s. Stir to make sure everything is combined.
Step 4. Scoop the mixture on to a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. I like to use a cookie scoop to scoop the clusters. Finally, garnish each cluster with the remaining sprinkles and M&M candy. You need to do this before they dry so they will stick to the clusters. You can put in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set.
Storage
The clusters can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge. My kids love these so they don’t last long around here!
Expert Tips
- Crock Pot Liners – I like to use crock pot liners to make clean up easy. This is optional but it is so nice to just toss that liner.
- Cookie Scoop – You can certainly use a spoon to scoop the candy but I prefer a cookie scoop to easily and quickly scoop the clusters on the baking sheet. It makes it so fast and easy. Plus, everything is the same size and uniform.
- Silicone mats– I like to line the baking sheets with these silicone mats. You can also use parchment paper, but I love being able to reuse the silicone mats. I feel like it saves money over time, and I just really like the silicone mats.
- Stir the Mixture. Continue to stir the crock pot mixture every 20 minutes so it does not burn.
More 4th of July desserts
- Easy Bomb Brownie Bites
- Patriotic Crack Recipe
- 4th of July Chocolate Covered Oreos
- 4th of July Fruit Kabobs
- Red White and Blue Crinkle Cake Mix Cookies
- American Flag Cookie Cake Recipe
Make these simple Crock Pot Peanut Clusters for your next party. Then leave a star rating and comment please!
Crock pot Patriotic Clusters
Ingredients
- (2) 16 oz. containers of lightly salted peanuts
- 48 oz white almond bark – broke into squares
- 12 oz Red white and blue M&M
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Layer the peanuts and almond bark in a 5 quart crock pot.
- Cook on low for 1 hour.
- Stir every 15-20 minutes to ensure that chocolate does not burn on the bottom of the crock pot.
- Once all ingredients are melted, stir thoroughly to combine and stir in approximately ½ of the M&Ms.
- Then use a spoon or a cookie scoop to scoop clusters onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Then decorate each cluster with the sprinkles and leftover m&ms before they dry.
- Put in the refrigerator or allow them to sit at room temperature until the chocolate has completely set (usually 1-2 hours).
- Store the clusters in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
