By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 23, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐from 68votes.
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters are rich, glossy, and deeply chocolatey with a creamy peanut butter core and a crisp bite. This healthy no bake dessert comes together in minutes with pantry staples and sets perfectly in the fridge. If you need a fast chocolate fix that still feels wholesome, this is it.
Table of Contents
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters (Healthy & Fast)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 clusters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters are a healthy, fast treat with rich dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a satisfying crunch from oats or crisp rice. They set in the fridge in about 20 minutes and are perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, and quick desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup (170 g) dark chocolate chips (70% preferred)
1/2 cup (128 g) natural creamy peanut butter (well stirred)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats OR 1 cup (35 g) crisp rice cereal
Pinch of fine sea salt
Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons (7 to 14 g) chia seeds, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts
Optional topping: flaky salt
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl using a double boiler, or microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
3. Stir in the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla until glossy and fully combined.
4. Fold in the rolled oats (or crisp rice) and the pinch of sea salt until evenly coated.
5. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions onto the parchment lined tray to form 12 clusters.
6. If using, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top of each cluster.
7. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, or until firm and set.
8. Serve chilled, or let sit 5 minutes at room temperature for a softer bite.
Notes
Chocolate tip: Melt gently and stir often to prevent scorching or seizing.
Texture control: If the mixture seems loose, add 1 to 2 tablespoons (6 to 12 g) more oats. If it seems too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) melted coconut oil.
Nut-free option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Vegan option: Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw 5 minutes before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
A no bake chocolate peanut butter treat made by melting dark chocolate, swirling it with natural peanut butter, and folding in crunchy oats or crisp rice. Scooped into clusters and chilled until set, they are portable, snackable, and deeply satisfying.
Why It Works
Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing because fat carries flavor and creates a smooth mouthfeel. Using dark chocolate balances sweetness, while oats or crisp rice add structure so the clusters set firmly without baking.
When To Make It
Perfect for busy weekdays, holiday trays, after school snacks, or anytime you want a dessert without turning on the oven.
Why You Will Love It
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- No oven and no mixer required
- Naturally sweetened and easy to customize
- Freezer friendly for make ahead snacking
- Kid approved and lunchbox safe
Key Ingredients and Notes
Peanut Butter
Use natural creamy peanut butter with just peanuts and salt. It creates the smoothest texture and cleanest flavor. If the oil has separated, stir well before measuring. For a nut free option, sunflower seed butter works beautifully.
Dark Chocolate Chips
Choose 70 percent cacao for a rich, not overly sweet cluster. High quality chocolate melts more smoothly and sets with a glossy finish. According to chocolate science guides from King Arthur Baking, higher cacao content improves snap and depth of flavor.
Rolled Oats or Crisp Rice
Rolled oats add hearty texture and fiber, while crisp rice gives a lighter crunch. Either works, so choose based on the texture you love.
Honey or Maple Syrup
Adds gentle sweetness and helps bind the mixture. Maple syrup keeps the recipe vegan friendly.
Vanilla and Sea Salt
Vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor. A pinch of sea salt sharpens sweetness and makes the chocolate pop.
How To Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters
4
- Melt the Chocolate
Add 1 cup 170 g dark chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl. Melt gently using a double boiler or microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy. - Stir in Peanut Butter and Sweetener
Add 1/2 cup 128 g peanut butter, 2 tablespoons 30 ml honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon 5 ml vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and silky. - Fold in Crunch
Gently fold in 1 cup oats 90 g or crisp rice 35 g and a pinch of sea salt. The mixture should be thick and scoopable. - Form the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon sized mounds and place them about 1 inch apart. - Chill to Set
Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes until firm. Enjoy chilled or let sit for 5 minutes before serving for a softer bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Melt chocolate slowly to avoid seizing. Low and gentle heat is key.
- Use room temperature peanut butter so it blends smoothly.
- If the mixture feels too loose, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more oats.
- For perfectly round clusters, use a small cookie scoop.
- Chill on a flat surface so clusters set evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top before chilling for a bakery style finish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Use maple syrup and dairy free chocolate chips.
- Nut Free Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Extra Protein Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons collagen or vanilla protein powder.
- Flavor Boost Add cinnamon, espresso powder, or orange zest.
- Crunch Lovers Mix in chopped almonds, coconut flakes, or puffed quinoa.
If you love quick no bake treats, try No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars (Healthy + Simple) or Protein Cookie Dough Bites (Healthy & No Bake) for more fast snack ideas.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled straight from the fridge for a firm bite, or let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for a softer texture. These pair beautifully with fruit or a glass of milk.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw for 5 minutes before eating.
- Room Temperature: Safe for short periods but best kept cool.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the clusters will be sweeter and softer. Dark chocolate sets firmer and balances the peanut butter better.
Why are my clusters not setting?
This usually means too much peanut butter or sweetener. Add more oats or chill longer to help them firm up.
Are these healthy?
They are made with simple ingredients and no refined flour. For nutrition insights on dark chocolate benefits, Healthline explains how cacao provides antioxidants and minerals.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. Since there is no baking, kids can help stir and scoop with supervision during melting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and use two baking sheets for chilling.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters prove that healthy treats can still feel indulgent. With bold chocolate flavor, creamy peanut butter, and the perfect crunch, they are a go to recipe you will make again and again. Leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your creations. We love seeing your tasty spins. Join our newsletter for more no bake favorites.
