Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters

Name: Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 clusters
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup roasted peanuts; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion and a delightful blend of flavors. The crunchy peanuts combined with sweet coconut and rich chocolate create an indulgent snacks that everyone enjoys. Plus, they are quick to make, taking no more than 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether I’m hosting friends or simply craving a sweet bite, these clusters always hit the spot and bring smiles all around.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:04:13.554Z

When I first tried making Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters, I was astonished by how effortless they were! The combination of melting chocolate with crunchy peanuts and chewy coconut is simply divine. I found that using high-quality chocolate really makes a difference in the final flavor of the clusters.

During one of my experiments, I decided to add a pinch of sea salt on top just before the chocolate hardened. That unexpected twist brought out the sweetness and elevated the whole experience. Now, it’s a must for me every time I whip these up!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavors
Crunchy texture from the peanuts combined with chewy coconut
Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute snacks

      

Ingredient Insights

The star ingredients in these clusters are undoubtedly the dark chocolate, shredded coconut, and roasted peanuts. Dark chocolate brings a rich, deep flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut and the saltiness of the peanuts beautifully. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate is key; look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a more intense flavor and health benefits.

Unsweetened shredded coconut provides that light, chewy texture that contrasts with the crunchy peanuts. If you prefer a sweeter version, you could opt for sweetened coconut, but it might alter the balance of flavors, so adjust accordingly. Roasted peanuts offer not only a satisfying crunch but also a hint of nuttiness; if you're allergic, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be excellent substitutes.

The Melting Process

Melting the chocolate properly is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your clusters. When melting in the microwave, do so in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring after each interval. This technique helps prevent scorching, as melted chocolate can go from smooth to burnt in mere seconds at higher heat. You can also use a double boiler for more controlled heating; just ensure the water does not touch the bowl over it.

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the coconut oil, which not only adds a subtle coconut flavor but also helps the chocolate to set with a nice sheen. If your chocolate seems too thick after melting, adding a touch more coconut oil can help loosen it up, ensuring it coats the peanuts and coconut easily.

Serving and Storing

These Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters make an excellent treat for sharing. They can be paired with a glass of cold milk or served as a topping for ice cream, adding both flavor and texture. For a festive twist, you might consider drizzling some extra melted chocolate over the top of the clusters for a decorative touch before chilling them.

If you have leftovers, you can store these clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for several weeks. If you're in a warm climate, refrigeration is a must to keep them from melting!

Ingredients

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Now that you have the ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious clusters:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Mix in the Coconut and Peanuts

Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the microwave and add the shredded coconut and roasted peanuts. Stir well until all the peanuts and coconut are fully coated in chocolate.

Form the Clusters

Using a tablespoon, drop clusters of the chocolate mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cluster.

Add Sea Salt

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster before the chocolate sets for an extra layer of flavor.

Chill to Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.

Once hardened, enjoy your homemade Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding dried fruit or other nuts to the mixture before forming the clusters.

Customization Options

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the clusters by adding different nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chocolate mixture before combining it with the peanuts and coconut. Just a pinch can add a surprising layer of flavor that contrasts with the sweetness wonderfully.

If you're looking to make these clusters vegan, ensure that the chocolate chips you choose are dairy-free. There are many excellent brands available today that offer delicious dark chocolate made from plant-based ingredients. Additionally, swapping out the coconut oil for a different neutral oil can work as well, though coconut oil does add a lovely flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chocolate seizes while melting, don’t panic! This can happen if even a small amount of water gets into the chocolate. The best fix for this is to add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the seized chocolate and reheat it gently. Stir continuously until it becomes smooth again. If you’re using an older bag of chocolate chips that have become dull or lumpy, it might be best to use fresh chocolate for the best results.

In case your clusters don't hold together after setting, it might be due to insufficient chocolate coating or a lack of refrigeration time. Make sure you've thoroughly mixed the coconut and peanuts into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. If they are not firm enough after chilling, try placing them in the freezer for a few minutes—they should hold their shape perfectly once solidified.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to make a larger batch of Chocolate Coconut Peanut Clusters for a gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients listed. The melting and mixing processes remain the same, but you might need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your mixing bowl. It’s important to keep the temperature consistent when melting chocolate, so adjust your heating time accordingly if you’re working with larger quantities.

On the other hand, if you're making a smaller batch, you can easily halve the recipe without compromising flavor or texture. Use a scale for the best accuracy, especially for the chocolate, as small differences can affect melting. No matter the size, ensure adequate spacing between each cluster on the baking sheet, allowing some room for potential spreading as they cool—this will also make it easier to separate them later.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and sweetness of the clusters.

→ How should I store these clusters?

Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these clusters vegan?

Yes! Just use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.

→ What can I substitute for shredded coconut?

You can substitute shredded coconut with finely chopped nuts or oats for a different texture.