Peanut Crunch Clusters
Peanut Crunch Clusters combine crunchy nuts, creamy peanut butter, and rich carob flavors, offering a delightful, wholesome treat perfect for nut lovers and health-conscious snackers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. carob bits (unsweetened) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. peanut or other nut butter ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped dry roasted peanuts or other nuts ⓘ
- 2 medium ripe bananas ⓘ
- 5 oz. soft tofu
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. carob powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. skim milk or low-fat soy milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine carob powder and cornstarch, mixing well.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of the milk and stir until mixture is very smooth.
- Gradually add remaining milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using almond butter instead of peanut butter. If you're allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter works well. You can also substitute the carob bits with unsweetened chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Make sure to chop your nuts finely for better distribution in the clusters.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Crunch Clusters make a delightful snack on their own or can be served alongside a refreshing Citrus Cooler Punch. For a more substantial treat, pair them with a bowl of yogurt or a smoothie. They also work well as a topping for oatmeal or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Crunch Clusters contains roughly 1079 calories, with 8g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute skim milk with any plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, to make this recipe dairy-free. Just ensure that the milk you choose is unsweetened to maintain the flavor balance.
How do I know when the mixture is ready to remove from heat?
The mixture is ready when it reaches a slight boil and thickens after about a minute of cooking. Stir continuously to ensure it doesn't stick to the saucepan and to achieve a smooth consistency before adding the vanilla extract.
Can I add other ingredients to the clusters?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture. You could also include seeds like chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrition, making these clusters even more versatile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).