Chocolate Peanut Clusters

These Chocolate Peanut Clusters are so quick and easy to make, requiring just two ingredients to make the most delicious, healthy, “no-bake” sweet treats.  They're also the perfect home-made gift for holidays, birthdays or any other special occasion.

Delicious, sweet and creamy, with an added hint of salt and crunch to satisfy any type of craving, these nutty clusters achieve their heavenly taste through a moreish medley of salted peanuts and melted dark chocolate.  Being a far cry from any highly processed, junk-filled chocolate bar, however, these miraculous wonders are good for you too – making them the perfect solution for your “got to have it” chocolate craving! And, they’re dairy-free and vegan too!

Many people think that any form of chocolate or “treat” foods are off-limits for those watching their weight or focusing on better health.  Unfortunately, when you deprive yourself of your favourite foods, you feel cranky and irritable, which can often result in an unhealthy binge.  You are far better off enjoying a small sweet indulgence here and there, to keep you feeling satisfied, as opposed to going cold turkey and finding you can’t stick to it!

One or two of these, makes a perfect mid-afternoon or evening snack, paired with a nice mug of herbal tea.

And now for the nutritional goodness that I’ve assured you these treats contain:

Dark chocolate has been shown to have tremendous health benefits.  It’s full of anti-oxidants, which help the body defend against aging, tissue damage, inflammation and diseases such as cancer and heart disease.  It’s also rich in flavonoids, which may help in lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain and heart.  Research has linked chocolate consumption to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of strokes, lower (bad) LDL cholesterol and increased (good) HDL cholesterol, whilst other recent studies have also shown that regular consumption of chocolate was consistently associated with a reduced body mass index (BMI), compared with occasional consumption!

Whilst all nuts are packed with goodness and make the ideal snack (you can read about their benefits in my “Nuts about Nuts” post HERE), peanuts, in particular, are packed with protein, healthy mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, satiating fibre, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants, such as Vitamin E.  Together, this contributes to healthy and strong skin, hair, nails and muscles, a healthy heart, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased satiety and sustained energy. Several studies have even shown nut (including peanut) eaters to be slimmer than those who tend to avoid them in fear of gaining weight!

So if you’re looking for a solution to satisfy your sweet tooth whilst staying slim and healthy, whip up a batch of these Chocolate Peanut Clusters.  You won’t regret it… I can assure you! Also see my CHOCOLATE WALNUT AND SEA SALT CLUSTERS recip here.

RECIPE

Ingredients

340g (12oz) dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips 226g (8oz) roasted salted peanuts 1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil Flakey sea salt (e.g. Maldon) - to sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions

Place parchment paper on a large baking tray and set aside.  Melt chocolate and coconut oil in a heavy based pot over a low heat.  Keep stirring, making sure not to burn!  As soon as chocolate has melted, turned off heat.  Add peanuts to the melted chocolate and stir well till fully mixed in and coated.  Spoon heaping tablespoon-fulls onto prepared baking tray.  Allow to cool. Top with flakey sea salt if using. Place in the fridge and allow to set for several hours.  Remove from foil/ parchment paper.  Serve and enjoy! x

These Chocolate Peanut Clusters can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for several weeks.