Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are the easiest candies you’ll ever make, yet they’re so irresistibly delicious that people will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Imagine rich, velvety chocolate coating crunchy peanuts and fluffy marshmallows, creating the perfect blend of textures and flavors in each bite. This recipe is a lifesaver during the holidays, for potlucks, or whenever you want a quick sweet treat. The best part? It’s all made in a slow cooker—no candy thermometer or fancy equipment required!
Growing up, my mom would make a huge batch of Rocky Road Peanut Clusters every December. The smell of melted chocolate and roasted peanuts would fill the house, and I’d hover near the slow cooker, hoping to snag a spoonful before the candy cooled. We’d spend an afternoon scooping little clusters onto waxed paper, topping them with festive sprinkles. Now, making these treats feels like a warm hug from my childhood.
Rocky Road Peanut Clusters: A Sweet and Simple Delight
These candies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and soft, gooey marshmallows. Each cluster has a rustic, charming appearance and is a bite-sized piece of indulgence. They’re wonderful for gifting, holiday dessert trays, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making them an easy and foolproof treat.
Why Our Rocky Road Peanut Clusters Are the Best
Our Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are not just candy—they’re a rich, chocolatey treat bursting with textures and flavors. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, with a fluffy marshmallow twist, they’ll satisfy every craving.
Ingredients Notes For Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
Every ingredient in these clusters contributes to the perfect bite.
- Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts (1 lb or about 4 cups): Adds crunch and a slight salty balance to the sweetness.
- Vanilla Almond Bark (2 lbs): Acts as the creamy, sweet base for the chocolate mixture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz): Provides rich chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Bar (4 oz, broken into pieces): Adds depth and balances the sweetness. Ghirardelli 60% is a great option.
- Mini Marshmallows (10 oz, about 4-5 cups): Creates the signature rocky road texture with fluffy, chewy pockets of sweetness.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive touch, perfect for the holidays.
Kitchen Tools Needed: Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cookie scoop or two large spoons
- Waxed paper
- Baking sheets
How to Make Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
This is one of the easiest candy recipes you’ll ever make. Let your slow cooker do most of the work!
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the peanuts to the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Layer the almond bark, chocolate chips, and dark chocolate pieces on top of the peanuts. - Cook the Candy Mixture
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for one hour. Remove the lid, stir the mixture well, and check if all the chocolate has melted. If not, continue to cook uncovered on low heat, stirring occasionally, for an additional 15-30 minutes until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. - Add the Mini Marshmallows
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Add the mini marshmallows and stir briefly, just enough to coat them with the chocolate. Be careful not to overmix—you want the marshmallows to keep their shape. - Scoop the Candy
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or two large spoons, scoop heaping portions of the candy mixture onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. - Decorate and Cool
If desired, sprinkle the clusters with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Let the candies cool and set for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. - Serve and Enjoy
Once set, transfer the candies to a serving plate or store them for later.
How to Store Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
Store your Rocky Road Peanut Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature. Place waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking. These candies will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Rocky Road Peanut Clusters Variations
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use all dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Add Coconut: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut with the marshmallows for a tropical twist.
- Festive Rocky Road: Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pastel sprinkles for Easter.
- Nutty Mix: Use a combination of peanuts, cashews, and almonds for a unique flavor.
What to Serve With Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
These candies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Serve them alongside other treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread for a festive dessert spread. You can also package them in small gift bags or tins for holiday gifting.
Top Tips for Perfect Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
- Use a Quality Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Stir Gently: Be careful when mixing in the marshmallows to keep them from melting completely.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chocolate while it’s melting to avoid burning.
- Line the Baking Sheets: Waxed paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the candy from sticking.
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallows are added, scoop the mixture promptly before it sets.
Helpful Notes
- If the chocolate isn’t fully melted after 1 hour, be patient and stir occasionally until smooth.
- For larger candies, use a bigger scoop or spoon. Adjust the cooling time accordingly.
- These candies make great gifts—just wrap them in festive bags or boxes!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ree Drummond: Always use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Claire Saffitz: Add a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combo.
- Alton Brown: Stir in ingredients off the heat to prevent overcooking or melting delicate add-ins like marshmallows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with cashews, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts. - Can I make these without almond bark?
If you don’t have almond bark, you can use white chocolate chips as a substitute. - How long does it take for the candy to set?
It usually takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature for the candy to firm up. - Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can melt the chocolate on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. - How do I prevent the chocolate from burning in the slow cooker?
Use low heat and stir occasionally. Avoid using the high setting, as it can scorch the chocolate.
More Delicious Candy Recipes
Rocky Road Peanut Clusters are a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for every occasion. Give them a try, and enjoy the magic of homemade candy!
Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- – 1 lb 450 g lightly salted dry roasted peanuts (about 4 cups)
- – 2 lbs 910 g vanilla almond bark, broken into pieces
- – 12 oz 340 g semisweet chocolate chips
- – 4 oz 113 g dark chocolate bar, broken into pieces (recommend Ghirardelli 60%)
- – 10 oz 280 g mini marshmallows (about 4-5 cups)
- – Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on your countertop or baking sheets for later.
- Add Ingredients: Layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and coconut oil in the crockpot.
- Cook: Set the crockpot on LOW and let the chocolate melt for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Add Mix-ins: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the roasted salted peanuts and mini marshmallows until fully coated.
- Form Clusters: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper.
- Set: Allow the clusters to cool and set completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Serve or Store: Store in an airtight contai
Notes
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add festive sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets for a holiday look.
- For an extra crunch, mix in 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels.