Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are the kind of treat you make once and then suddenly get asked for every holiday, every school bake sale, and every movie night. They’re low-stress, quick, and wildly satisfying. I love recipes that deliver a big payoff with minimal effort, and this one checks all the boxes. Imagine chewy marshmallows tucked into silky chocolate, with salty roasted peanuts for crunch. It’s a no-bake candy that tastes like a hug in every bite. If you need a fast dessert that still feels special, you’re in the right place.
How To Make Rocky Road Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- Chocolate chips or melting wafers, milk or semi-sweet
- Roasted salted peanuts
- Mini marshmallows
- Peanut butter, creamy
- Neutral oil or coconut oil for a glossy finish, optional
Step-by-Step
- Prep your pan. Line a sheet pan with parchment so the candy releases easily.
- Melt the chocolate. Use a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each. Stop when most chips are melted; the residual heat will finish the job. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
- Stir in peanut butter. It loosens and silkens the chocolate. If your chocolate looks a bit thick, add a tiny bit of oil to thin it.
- Fold in peanuts and mini marshmallows. Be gentle so the marshmallows stay pillowy.
- Scoop clusters. Use two spoons or a cookie scoop to drop mounds onto the lined pan.
- Chill or set. Pop the pan into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes, or let the clusters set at room temp until firm.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Parchment-lined sheet pan
- Cookie scoop or two spoons
- Spatula for mixing
That’s it. No candy thermometers, no complicated steps. Just effortless, old-school comfort. I’ve made these on a lunch break, and they were ready before the afternoon slump hit. If you like a darker chocolate vibe, try a test run with a 50 to 50 split of milk and dark. Or go full dark and add an extra spoon of peanut butter for balance. For more chocolate and peanut inspiration, peek at this crunchy-smooth dark chocolate peanut butter bark that I also keep bookmarked for gifting season.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Cuts Food, and this Deliciously Chewy Peanut Marshmallow Clusters is a keeper: big on flavor with no weird tricks. Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are the kind of treat you make once and then suddenly get asked for every holiday, every school bake sale, and every movie…
Pro tip for best texture: let a few clusters set at room temp and put the rest in the fridge. The fridge batch gets extra snappy chocolate. The room temp batch stays a touch softer. I like to mix both in a gift tin for contrast.
Safety note. Chocolate scorches easily. Stir often and keep the microwave power moderate. If you see any graininess, you probably overheated it. Add a small spoon of oil and stir gently to bring it back.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Clusters!
I could say the words “easy dessert” and stop there, but let me go deeper. These little bites are all about contrast. You get the soft pull from the marshmallows, the crunch of salty peanuts, and that smooth chocolate casing that cracks just slightly when you bite in. They’re cozy and fun, and they never feel heavy.
Here’s why I cannot stop making them:
They’re unbelievably fast. Ten to fifteen minutes of hands-on time. That’s less than an episode of your favorite show. They’re affordable. You’re using pantry items, not specialty candy tools. They’re flexible. Switch chocolates, nuts, or mix-ins to match the season.
“I brought a box of clusters to my neighbor’s game night and they vanished before halftime. A friend who claims she’s not a dessert person asked for the recipe twice. It’s a keeper.”
If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, these are a slam dunk. On busy weeks I’ll also make a batch of cake mix peanut butter cookies because they use simple ingredients and taste bakery-level good. Stack a cookie with a cluster and you’ve got a dessert plate that makes people grin.
And yes, the name is a mouthful, but it’s accurate. Deliciously Chewy Peanut Marshmallow Clusters are exactly what they promise: chewy, nutty, chocolatey, and extremely snackable.
Only 5 Ingredients!
Let’s keep it simple. You only need five things to make Deliciously Chewy Peanut Marshmallow Clusters, and you may already have all of them.
- Chocolate chips or melting wafers. Milk chocolate is classic. Semi-sweet is a little deeper. White chocolate works too, but reduce the peanut butter slightly so it sets firm.
- Peanut butter. Creamy keeps the chocolate glossy and adds richness. If using natural peanut butter, stir it very well to minimize oil separation.
- Roasted salted peanuts. The salt makes the sweetness pop. If using unsalted, add a pinch of flaky salt to the melted chocolate.
- Mini marshmallows. They create that fluffy, chewy texture. Fresh is best, so they don’t collapse.
- Neutral oil or coconut oil (optional). Just a tiny bit helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with sheen.
Sub swaps. Almonds and cashews are great here. If you have peanut allergies to consider, go with sunflower seeds and use a seed butter instead. If you’re out of mini marshmallows, chop up larger ones with a lightly oiled knife.
More Easy Candy Recipes To Try
If the candy bug has bitten, welcome to the party. These are two foolproof, kid-approved treats that lean on simple pantry staples and bring the same happy vibes:
For creamy, swirly goodness that looks fancy without the fuss, try this easy marshmallow swirl fudge. Or pop on a movie and munch on this colorful funfetti marshmallow popcorn that’s equal parts sweet and crunchy.
If you’re stocking a dessert table, a tray of clusters alongside fudge squares and coated popcorn feels like a complete spread. And everything can be made a day ahead.
More Variations
Flavor Twists
Once you’ve nailed the base, play with these easy tweaks:
White chocolate and sprinkles. Stir in a handful of rainbow sprinkles or seasonal colors to make birthday-ready clusters. This is fun for kids to help with.
Dark chocolate espresso. Add a half teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a little mocha depth.
Salty sweet pretzel crunch. Break a few tiny pretzels and fold them in with the peanuts for extra texture.
Fruit and nut. Dried cranberries or cherries bring a tart pop that cuts through the richness.
Spicy kick. A pinch of cayenne or chili powder in the chocolate gives a warm finish. Balance it with a drizzle of honey on top before they set.
Storage and Gifting Tips
Clusters keep well. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for 3 to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If gifting, line a tin with parchment and add a little note that says “best at room temp.” They can be frozen for up to a month, just layer parchment between stacks so they don’t stick together.
One more idea for holiday trays. If you’re planning seasonal sweets, these clusters sit nicely alongside festive marshmallow treats like these playful Christmas marshmallow pops or even spooky-themed versions you can make with kids later in the year. And if you still crave a peanutty treat that’s cool and creamy, bookmark a comforting peanut butter banana pudding for whenever the mood strikes.
Common Questions
Can I use white chocolate?
Yes. Reduce the peanut butter by about one third to help white chocolate set firm. If it still feels soft, chill a few extra minutes.
What’s the best peanut to use?
Roasted salted peanuts give the best sweet-salty balance. If using unsalted, sprinkle a little flaky salt on top before setting.
How do I keep the marshmallows from melting?
Let the chocolate cool for a minute after melting. It should be warm and fluid, not hot. Fold the marshmallows in gently.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Make up to 2 days ahead and store airtight. If stacking, separate layers with parchment.
Why is my chocolate grainy?
It likely overheated. Stir in a small spoon of oil and mix gently. Next time, use shorter microwave bursts and stir more often.
A Sweet Little Send-Off
That’s everything you need to whip up Deliciously Chewy Peanut Marshmallow Clusters without stress. It’s the kind of treat that makes people light up, and it’s easy to keep the ingredients on hand. If you want more inspiration, I love the way these Rocky Road Peanut Clusters – Mom On Timeout break things down step by step, and these crunchy White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Clusters – Averie Cooks are a fun twist when you want something a little different. Now grab a bowl, melt some chocolate, and let your kitchen smell amazing. When you take that first bite of your own Deliciously Chewy Peanut Marshmallow Clusters, you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper.
Peanut Marshmallow Clusters
Ingredients
Method
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate in a heat-safe bowl using microwave bursts or a double boiler.
- Stir in peanut butter to loosen the chocolate and add oil if necessary.
- Fold in peanuts and mini marshmallows gently to preserve marshmallow shape.
- Use two spoons or a cookie scoop to drop mounds onto the lined pan.
- Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or let set at room temperature until firm.
