Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect sweet-and-salty treat to dazzle your taste buds and impress your friends, let me introduce you to Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients. These irresistible little bites feature crunchy roasted peanuts bundled up in a lush caramel, dunked in silky milk chocolate, and finished with a sparkle of flaky sea salt. Whether you need a last-minute party snack, something special for gifting, or just a homemade indulgence for yourself, these clusters have your back—trust me, they never last long in my house!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create pure magic. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance the crunchy, gooey, and creamy elements that make every bite so memorable.

• Kraft individually wrapped caramels: These classic caramels melt into a luscious, sticky base for our clusters—be sure to unwrap them all before you begin for extra ease!
• Heavy cream: A splash of this adds richness and ensures the caramel is silky-smooth, not chewy or hard.
• Salted butter: The butter deepens the flavor of the caramel and gives it a glossy sheen.
• Pure vanilla extract: Even a touch of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds warmth to the caramel flavor.
• Salted dry roasted peanuts: These provide the craveable crunch and just the right amount of salty pop in every bite—perfect alongside caramel and chocolate.
• Milk chocolate candy wafer melts: This is your shortcut to the glossy, snappy chocolate shell—no tempering required!
• Flaky sea salt (optional for garnish): A sprinkle transforms these clusters from good to gourmet, heightening all the flavors and texture.

How to Make Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients

Step 1: Get Your Baking Sheets Ready

Start by lining two baking sheets with either waxed paper, a silpat baking mat, or parchment that’s lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. This little bit of prep makes your life so much easier later—trust me, you’ll want those clusters popping right off after they set!

Step 2: Melt the Caramels

Unwrap all those Kraft caramels and pop them into a microwave-safe bowl along with your heavy cream. Heat in 30-second bursts, giving everything a thorough stir after each round, until the caramel is completely melted and beautifully smooth. Don’t rush—melting slowly gives you that velvety consistency you want for Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients.

Step 3: Stir in Butter and Vanilla

Add your pats of salted butter to the melted caramel and vanilla extract. Stir, stir, stir until the butter is melted in and the flavors meld together—you’re looking for the caramel to become ultra-smooth and a little glossy.

Step 4: Add the Peanuts

Now fold in those salted dry roasted peanuts. Each peanut should get a shiny coat of caramel. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature so the caramel thickens enough to handle. This quick pause makes scooping and shaping a breeze in the next step!

Step 5: Scoop Out the Clusters

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a regular spoon), scoop mounded tablespoons of your peanut-caramel mixture and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart—Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients do spread just a bit. Continue until all the mixture is used up—resist the urge to nibble too much during this step!

Step 6: Chill the Clusters

Pop your baking sheets of clusters in the refrigerator for an hour. This step helps set their shape and makes dipping them in chocolate later super simple.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Wafers

Microwave the milk chocolate melting wafers in a bowl for 45 seconds, then give them a good stir. Keep heating in additional 30-second rounds as needed, stirring in between until you have a smooth, glossy puddle of chocolate ready for coating.

Step 8: Dip Each Cluster

Time for the fun (and messy!) part—dip your chilled clusters one at a time into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to turn them and gently tap off the excess on the side of the bowl. Return each chocolate-coated cluster to your lined baking sheet. If you’re after perfect Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients, don’t skip the tapping step—it keeps things neat!

Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

While the chocolate is still gooey, immediately sprinkle each cluster with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Not only does this add a burst of flavor, it also gives your Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients that eye-catching, bakery-worthy look.

Step 10: Set and Enjoy!

Let the clusters set at room temperature until the chocolate firms up—if you’re in a hurry, you can pop them back in the fridge for a little while. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy straight off the tray or to share with anyone lucky enough to be nearby!

How to Serve Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients

Garnishes

That sprinkle of flaky sea salt is the gold standard for garnishing, but you could also swap in a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of finely chopped peanuts for crunch and contrast. Presentation matters, and a little extra on top can make your Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients pop at any gathering!

Side Dishes

These clusters are rich and decadent all on their own, but if you’re putting out a dessert spread, they pair beautifully alongside fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a platter of cheese for a sweet-savory twist. When it comes to Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients, a little contrast goes a long way!

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck them into colored mini muffin papers for party platters or pack them into pretty gift boxes tied with string—homemade Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients make for genuinely heartwarming edible gifts. For a crowd, try stacking them on a tiered dessert stand to catch everyone’s eye and appetite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making a batch, simply store any leftover Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay fresh, snappy, and delicious, making them great for grab-and-go treats.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients! Arrange them in single layers separated by parchment or waxed paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months—just allow them to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to restore their chewiness and snap.

Reheating

These clusters are typically served at room temperature, but if you want a gooier experience, try popping one in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. The caramel will soften and the chocolate will get ever-so-slightly melty—a little luxury for those who love Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients extra decadent.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! While salted peanuts provide the classic flavor, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or even pecans for a delightful twist on Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients—just be sure they’re roasted and salted for maximum impact.

What if I don’t have candy melting wafers?

If you can’t find chocolate candy melts, you can substitute a good quality milk chocolate bar or chips. Just add a little coconut oil or vegetable shortening to help it melt smoothly and set up with a nice snap.

How do I prevent the caramel from being too hard?

Adding heavy cream to your caramel helps keep the texture soft and chewy. Avoid overheating the caramel when melting; slow and steady wins the race for perfect Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients!

Can these clusters be made in advance for gifting?

Absolutely! These delicious clusters hold up beautifully when made ahead, making them a thoughtful and impressive homemade gift for any occasion. Just be sure to store them properly in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Are Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients gluten-free?

The basic ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging on caramels and chocolate wafers as some brands may contain gluten or be made on shared equipment. When in doubt, check the labels!

Final Thoughts

It’s no wonder Salted Peanut Caramel ClustersIngredients are such a hit around the holidays or anytime a sweet tooth hits! Give this recipe a try and let it be the crowd-pleaser it was born to be—you might just find yourself hiding the last cluster for a midnight snack. Happy candy making, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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