For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, the desire for sweet treats doesn't have to be a thing of the past. This keto chocolate covered peanuts recipe offers a perfect harmony of peanut crunchiness and the sweetness of a candy-like coating, all while staying within your carb limits. It’s a simple and satisfying way to indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Why Keto Chocolate Peanut Clusters?
These clusters are a quick, easy, and delicious low-carb dessert and are a perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a treat that satisfies your cravings without derailing your diet. These are also a great option for events where people have special diets. Chocolate Peanut Clusters are already vegetarian and gluten free. To make them vegan and dairy free just use semi-sweet or dark chocolate (though double check the label for milk products).
Ingredients: The Key to Keto-Friendly Goodness
When making this tasty keto chocolate peanut candy, be sure to have the right ingredients:
- Peanuts: The star of the show! Peanuts are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them an excellent option for the keto diet. Choose your preferred type - unsalted, salted, or roasted peanuts all work well. A one-ounce serving of peanuts has 4.6g of carbs and 2.4g of fiber.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Opt for sugar-free chocolate chips to keep the nut clusters keto-friendly. Lily's semi-sweet chocolate chips, which contain erythritol and stevia extract, are a popular choice as they have zero net carbs and taste like the real deal. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Coconut Oil: This keto-friendly oil adds a creamy texture to the melted chocolate, preventing it from becoming too thick.
- Peanut butter: Try to pick a creamy, well ground natural peanut butter that isn’t overly runny.
- Flaked sea salt: This is optional but I like to sprinkle a little salt on the top for visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Making these delectable treats is surprisingly easy. Here's a simple method:
Prepare your ingredients: Gather your sugar-free chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanuts. Chop a dark chocolate bar into small pieces to melt easily, or use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
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Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be patient and stir for about 30 seconds after the 4th interval. If not all the chips have melted in, microwave one more time for 5 seconds and that should do it. Alternatively, use a double boiler: set a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the peanut butter and the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine and coat: Pour the peanuts into the melted chocolate and mix with a spoon or baking spatula to coat them evenly. Make sure every peanut is coated. Another way of coating them is to pour the chocolate on top of them, but this can be a bit messy.
Form the clusters: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-covered peanuts onto the prepared sheet, making sure the clusters aren't touching. You can use a spoon or a long tweezer to transfer each peanut, making sure they do not stick to each other. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, flaked coconut or other toppings.
Chill and set: Refrigerate the baking sheet until the clusters are firm, about 30 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect keto chocolate peanut clusters:
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- Nut variations: While peanuts are the classic choice, you can substitute them with other keto-friendly nuts like almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
- Flavor additions: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a touch of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce.
Tips for Success
- Melting chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize and become grainy. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
- Even coating: Ensure all the peanuts are evenly coated with chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store the keto chocolate peanut clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Make sure they have firmed up before storing them so that they don’t stick together.
Serving Suggestions
These keto chocolate peanut clusters are a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be incorporated into other desserts:
- Ice cream topping: Crumble the clusters over sugar-free ice cream for a crunchy and chocolatey topping.
- Trail mix addition: Add the clusters to your favorite keto-friendly trail mix for a boost of flavor and texture.
- Gift giving: Package the clusters in decorative bags or boxes for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
Each keto chocolate peanut cluster contains approximately 4g net carbs, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and erythritol is removed from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect blood glucose levels. Always calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them.
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