Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will tantalize your taste buds and redefine your dessert experience! These Salted Peanut Dark Chocolate clusters are not just a treat – they're a decadent masterpiece that perfectly balances rich, velvety dark chocolate with the irresistible crunch of salted peanuts. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a snack enthusiast, or someone looking to impress guests with a simple yet sophisticated treat, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of salted peanuts, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes in total.
- Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Next, fold in the salted peanuts into the melted chocolate, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
- Using a spoon or a spatula, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make the clusters as big or small as you like, but aim for uniform sizes for even serving.
- After forming the clusters, sprinkle the sea salt over the top of each chocolate-peanut cluster. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste preference.
- Once all the clusters are formed and salted, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
- Once the chocolate is firm, remove the clusters from the refrigerator. Carefully peel them off the parchment paper and arrange them on a serving plate.
- Your Salted Peanut Dark Chocolate clusters are now ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips
- Chocolate Melting Magic: Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate in short 30-second intervals to prevent burning. Stir between each interval for smooth, glossy chocolate.
- Peanut Placement: Ensure peanuts are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
- Salt Sensibility: Adjust sea salt to your taste preference. Start with a light sprinkle and add more if desired.
- Chilling Technique: Refrigerate clusters on parchment paper for quick and even setting. The cooler temperature helps chocolate harden perfectly.
- Storage Secrets: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Variation Tip: Experiment with different types of dark chocolate or try adding a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 103kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
