You can make homemade Caramel Peanut Clusters with this easy step-by-step recipe! This easy homemade candy is like peanut turtle candy with flaky sea salt, a gooey caramel center, and coated with chocolate for a salty treat.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, if not a non-stick parchment, then spray lightly with a little oil.
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels (60), heavy cream (3-4 tablespoons), butter (2 tablespoons), vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons) and sea salt (¼ tsp). Heat caramels in 30 second bursts, stirring well between each heating, I only needed to heat about 2 minutes. Keep stirring, it will continue to melt and come together. Towards the end, use a whisk to make the caramel smooth. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in peanuts until well coated.
Drop by a small cookie scoop or teaspoon onto the prepared baking sheets. Spray or rub a rubber spatula with oil and flatten the peanut clusters if necessary. Place baking sheets in fridge for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour milk chocolate chips (2 cups) and semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup) into a medium microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second bursts, stirring very well between heatings, stopping when the chocolate is almost melted. Chocolate chips continue to melt and it will prevent the chocolate from seizing (breaking). If it gets grainy or clumpy, whisk in a little pat of butter or a little heavy cream until smooth.
Allow the chocolate to cool for about 5 minutes, stirring well occasionally. Drop and spread a full teaspoon of chocolate over the top of each chilled peanut caramel cluster. Repeat with the balance of the candies. If desired, sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt (adds great salted caramel flavor). Tip: Sprinkle the salt as you go along, so that it sticks to the warm chocolate.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing and storing.
Notes
Store the caramel peanut clusters in an airtight container with layers of parchment or wax paper between each cluster. Store on the counter in an airtight container for up to one week or may be refrigerated or frozen for up to 3 months.Tips: I wanted these caramels soft and chewy, not the kind that takes out fillings! If you desire a more firm caramel, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream.
Variations & Substitutions
Make caramel peanut turtles, add some roasted pecans, or replace the peanuts altogether. Use bourbon vanilla instead of regular vanilla. Use all milk chocolate chips or all semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make your own homemade caramel if desired.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Peanut Clusters
According to the ingredients I bought, these are naturally gluten-free peanut caramel clusters. Double-check your ingredients, and then have at it!
Dairy-Free Caramel Peanut Clusters
Swap out the milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips; I like this brand the best. As for the caramels, try these Cocomels, made with coconut milk.