Peanut Clusters
Peanut butter fans will love these easy to make Peanut Clusters--a fudge inspired confection that only has 6 ingredients!
Why We Love It
There are some serious peanut butter lovers in this house--and I am one of them! I'll never pass up an opportunity to slab peanut butter on something tasty and fun (did you know it was good with pickles?). My family loves peanut butter on and/or in almost anything, but especially in desserts like Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie and Peanut Butter Butterscotch Blondies.
When I'm craving a peanut butter based, pop-in-my-mouth kind of treat, I make these deliciously simple Peanut Clusters. With only 6 ingredients, they're so easy to whip together.
Peanut Clusters start out very similar in taste and texture to peanut butter fudge, but what sets them apart is the addition of instant oats and the way the confection sets. Once mixed, these little gems get dolloped onto parchment paper, set in the fridge for a few hours and then become the ultimate peanut butter lover's treat.
Each bite is full of melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter bliss. The only complaint I usually get is about how quickly they disappear!
Why You'll Love It
| Only 6 ingredients- This super simple treat uses a lot of pantry staples that you most likely already have on hand. Easy to prepare- There's no oven involved, just stirring on the stovetop for 3 minutes--that's it! Then refrigerate and wait. Highly customizable- Use honey roasted peanuts, add in Reese's Pieces, put in your favorite baking chip. I think you get the idea. Great for the holidays- Make several batches and serve at gatherings or package them. They make a great gift! |
Looking for more easy confections for the holidays? Check out Classic Peanut Brittle, Creamy Marshmallow Fudge and Candied Mixed Nuts!
Peanut Clusters FAQ
| Can you freeze Peanut Clusters? Yes! Store Peanut Clusters the same way as you would store fudge with freezer safe packaging. See Additional Storing Tips below for more info. How long do Peanut Clusters last? Peanut Clusters will last 3-5 days (and a little bit longer if they are kept in the fridge). They will eventually dry out though, so if you don't plan on finishing them within 5-7 days, I would recommend freezing them. How do you make Chocolate Peanut Clusters? Chocolate Peanut Clusters typically don't have peanut butter in them as this recipe does. They have a chocolate fudge base with added peanuts. Because this recipe is peanut butter fudge based, I would suggest adding 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to this Peanut Clusters recipe if you're looking for a chocolate accent. I will also be posting a Chocolate Peanut Clusters recipe to the blog soon, so stay tuned! |
Peanut Clusters Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup cocktail peanuts
How to Make Peanut Clusters
You'll want to gather the following equipment:
- small saucepan
- stirring spoon
- mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- medium mixing bowl
- small melon baller or cookie scoop
- parchment paper
- large baking sheet
Getting Started
Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine sugar, butter and milk in a small saucepan. Bring to a full boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for an ADDITIONAL 3 MINUTES ONLY, stirring frequently.
Kitchen Ready Betty tip: Remove from heat promptly. Do not over boil or the mixture will start to thicken too much and eventually get hard and dry.
Immediately transfer mixture to mixing bowl. Stir in peanut butter until smooth.
Fold in oats and nuts.
Use a small cookie scoop (equivalent to a rounded teaspoonful) to drop mixture onto the parchment paper.
Chill for 3 hours and enjoy!
Peanut Clusters Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container and keep on your counter or refrigerate. Enjoy within 3-5 days.
Additional Storing Tips
- To prevent clusters from sticking to each other, place parchment/wax paper in between layers. You may also choose to individually wrap pieces.
- If you don't plan on enjoying Peanut Clusters within 3-5 days, store them in the freezer.
- To freeze, individually wrap each cluster in a few layers of parchment or wax paper. Then place in an airtight container.
- If properly sealed, Peanut Clusters will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, take them out of the freezer and have them thaw on your counter at room temperature for a few hours.
Peanut Clusters start out very similar in taste and texture to peanut butter fudge, but what sets them apart is the addition of instant oats and the way the confection sets. Once mixed, these little gems get dolloped onto parchment paper, set in the fridge for a few hours and then become the ultimate peanut butter lover's treat.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup cocktail peanuts (I use sea salt)
Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
-
Combine sugar, butter and milk in small saucepan. Bring to a full boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for an ADDITIONAL 3 MINUTES ONLY, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat promptly. Do not over boil or the mixture will start to thicken too much and eventually get hard and dry. Immediately transfer mixture to mixing bowl. Stir in peanut butter until smooth.
-
Fold in oats and nuts.
Use a small cookie scoop (equivalent to a rounded teaspoonful) to drop mixture onto the parchment paper.
Chill for 3 hours and enjoy!
Store in an airtight container and keep on your counter or refrigerate. Enjoy within 3-5 days.
See Additional Storing Tips above for more info.
I cannot stress this enough: after stirring the mixture for 3 minutes on the stove, remove it from the pan immediately and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Failing to do so will result in a dried out, too thick to use base.
Only use evaporated milk (not sweetened, condensed milk) for this recipe. The products are very different and unfortunately one cannot be substituted for the other.
This recipe is very customizable! Add your favorite variety of peanut, baking chips, Reese's Pieces, and more!
Hi, I'm Betty! I live in Pennsylvania with my 2 human sons, 2 furry sons and my wonderful and supportive husband, who is my main cooking muse. When I'm not busy cooking or writing, I'm lifting a barbell, answering presidential trivia, thinking about the ocean, or going on long walks with my pups.
Thank you for checking out this recipe! Enjoy!
~Betty