Easy is the name of the game with these Keto Peanut Clusters. With only 3 ingredients and 40 minutes to make, they’re a perfect last minute treat for any occasion.
This is your reminder that making keto dessert does not have to require a ton of ingredients and a whole lot of effort. If you need a quick treat or a last minute holiday gift, consider making these Keto Peanut Clusters.
My kids love these clusters. I started making them about 6 years ago and they were an instant hit for all of us. A little salty, a little sweet, and with a delicious crunch, they check all the boxes.
They’ve become a holiday tradition and I always make them for our cookie tray. Sometimes my friends and neighbors get a few too!
Why this recipe is so awesome
These 3 ingredient Keto Peanut Clusters are actually my low carb take on the famous CrockPot Candy, but they aren’t made in a slow cooker. And to be honest, making these on your stovetop actually simplifies the process.
By using a slow cooker, you actually add hours to a process that takes about 5 minutes. And then you have to clean the slow cooker too! Whereas setting a heatproof bowl over simmering water allows you to enjoy the candy sooner.
This keto candy recipe is so easy, even young kids can make it. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen. And with no added sugars or carbs, it’s a treat you can feel good about.
Each cluster has only 4g net carbs. And they last well too, so you can make them ahead for holiday gifts.
Reader reviews
“I just made these and had to sneak a quick bite before they were even hardened and I’m wondering why I didn’t make these sooner! SOOOO easy and delicious, will definitely be a staple in our house!” — Vanessa
“These are my go-to when craving a sweet snack. They’re super easy to make and even my non keto family love them.” — Cindy
“These are seriously the best treat!! And soooo simple to make! Thanks for sharing!” — Chelsea
Ingredients you need
- Peanut butter: Try to pick a creamy, well ground natural peanut butter that isn’t overly runny. My top favorite is Santa Cruz No Stir, but it isn’t always easy to find. Justin’s is another good brand but you may want to add 1/4 tsp salt to the mixture.
- Sugar-free chocolate: I like to use dark chocolate, but milk chocolate works well too. Both ChocZero and Lily’s are good in this recipe. If you use my ChocZero link, you get 10% off your entire order.
- Salted peanuts: Use roasted, salted peanuts for this recipe, as they pair deliciously with the chocolate. If you get dry roasted, make sure they don’t have any additives.
- Flaked sea salt: This is optional but I like to sprinkle a little salt on the top for visual appeal.
Step-by-step directions
- Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the peanut butter and the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the peanuts and stir to coat well.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a waxed paper lined baking sheet. You should get about 24 mounds.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, if using. Chill the clusters until firm, about 30 minutes.
Expert tips
Stay nearby and stir almost constantly as you melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. And don’t let the water simmer too vigorously or the chocolate might seize and become gloppy.
If you want to make it with white chocolate, be sure to stay near it the whole time. You may also want to consider adding a little cocoa butter as you melt it. Keto white chocolate is even more prone to seizing and these precautions will help it melt more smoothly.
Allergic to peanuts? Feel free to use other nuts and nut butters. Roasted almonds or pecans would be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peanuts are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent option for the keto diet. A one ounce serving of peanuts has 4.6g of carbs and 2.4g of fiber. They are also high in potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B.
They aren’t a true nut, but rather a legume like beans. This is why some people argue that they aren’t keto friendly. But anything that is this low carb can be worked into your daily macros easily.
Store these peanut clusters in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 10 days. You can also freeze them for several months. Make sure they have firmed up before storing them so that they don’t stick together.
This chocolate peanut cluster recipe has 6.5g of carbs and 2.5g of fiber per serving. That comes to 4g net carbs per cluster.
More quick and easy desserts
Keto Peanut Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (129 g) peanut butter
- 6 ounces (170.1 g) sugar-free milk chocolate
- 10 ounces (283.5 g) salted peanuts
- Sea salt for sprinkling, (optional)
Instructions
- Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the peanut butter and the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the peanuts and stir to coat in the chocolate. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a waxed paper lined baking sheet. You should get about 24 mounds.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Chill the clusters until firm, about 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
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These are so easy to make and taste delicious!!!
Can’t have the holiday,s without these yummy things!
I had Lily’s dark chocolate chips on hand so I used them the first time making. 😋
Then I tried with Lily’s Peanutbutter chips!!!! So good!!! I also used my Epicure silicone bar pan to make mini candy bars instead of clusters.
Ready to make again today. ❤️
Here I go again…making this AGAIN! You do know they’re addictive, don’t you? And, I find they don’t need a holiday to eat them. Delicious!!!
Can you add unsweetened chocolate and a sweetener instead of Sugar free chocolate?
is the reason these have to be refrigerated that there is no sugar?
I make a non keto version of crockpot candy and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated.. These are delicious, btw!
No, these are just a little more melty at room temp.
What can we do about that “melty at room temp” bit. Can we re-temper the chocolate?
Nothing… adding peanut butter makes them more melty. But delicious! 🙂
I will definitely be adding this recipe to my holiday baking list! And holiday baking starts this weekend! Can’t wait!!
Oh Caroline, I love all your keto candies! l have been making carb heavy candies for 40 years and all of your alternatives are really good. I love these peanut clusters but I have a favorite recipe that I now make low carb by using your sweetened condensed milk recipe. Just melt 1 cup of sugar free chocolate chips with 1/3 cup sugar free white chocolate chips. remove from heat and stir in recipe if your keto sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of roasted, salted peanuts. Drop in clusters on waxed paper and chill. The chocolate will be chewy and fudge -so good! Thanks for all your recipes- you make the keto life wonderful !
What’s not to LOVE about Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Peanuts!! The perfect little sweet treat after dinner. I am boxing some up for the office tonight. Thank you.
A forever-go-to favorite recipe!😘❤️🥰
I tried a different twist to use what I had on hand: salted roasted almonds, almond butter, and Lily’s white chocolate chips. Thank you, Carolyn! This simple recipe is so versatile, so easy and delicious. I kept a supply in the fridge for two weeks to be dessert fare. I’m making more today. THEY’RE GREAT!