I’ve perfected this incredibly simple yet sophisticated chocolate peanut cluster recipe that requires no flour, butter, or melted chocolate. These delightfully crunchy treats combine the rich taste of cocoa with roasted peanuts, creating an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Clusters
These chocolate peanut clusters are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The magic lies in the perfect balance between the cocoa-enriched coating and crunchy roasted peanuts, resulting in a treat that’s both satisfying and addictive. What makes this recipe particularly special is its unique preparation method, which creates a naturally crispy texture without the need for traditional chocolate tempering.
Ingredients
- 1 small egg (57g with shell)
- 100g granulated sugar (½ cup)
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 20g unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup)
- 15g powdered milk (2 tablespoons)
- 200-250g roasted peanuts, chopped (1½ to 2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, sugar, vanilla powder, and salt
- Beat the mixture until it becomes thick and white in color, approximately 5-7 minutes
- This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the final product
- Create the Chocolate Mixture
- Sift the cocoa powder and powdered milk into the egg mixture
- Fold gently until well combined
- The mixture should be thick and glossy
- Add the Peanuts
- Gradually incorporate the chopped roasted peanuts into the chocolate mixture
- Stir until all peanuts are evenly coated
- The mixture will feel heavy when stirred – this is exactly what we want
- Shape the Clusters
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Drop small portions of the mixture onto the prepared sheet
- Keep the clusters small and relatively thin for optimal crispiness
- Aim for about 1-inch diameter clusters
- Baking Process
- Preheat your oven to 150-160°C (300-320°F) for 10 minutes
- Place the clusters in the preheated oven
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning
- The exact time may vary depending on your oven and cluster size
- Cooling and Storage
- Allow the clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet
- Once cooled, they should easily release from the parchment paper
- If they stick, they may need additional baking time
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness
Pro Tips for Perfect Clusters
- Ensure your peanuts are well-roasted for maximum crunch
- Don’t skip the beating process for the egg mixture – it’s essential for the right texture
- Make a small test batch first to perfect the timing for your specific oven
- If the clusters taste bitter, they’ve been baked too long
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 clusters)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 4g
Yield: Approximately 24 clusters
Serving Size: 2 clusters
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These chocolate peanut clusters will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid storing in the refrigerator as this can affect their crispy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Try using different nuts like almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut combination
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for additional flavor depth
- Experiment with different cocoa powder brands for varying chocolate intensities
This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create impressive, delicious treats. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into something spectacular through this unique baking method, resulting in clusters that are perfectly crunchy, deeply chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.
