Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe

If you’re anything like me and crave something sweet but want to avoid all that extra sugar, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s creamy, rich, and has that perfect balance of peanut butter and dark chocolate that makes you feel indulgent without the guilt. I love whipping these up whenever I want a quick snack that doubles as a little treat, especially on busy afternoons.

What makes this recipe stand out is how simple the ingredient list is – all natural, wholesome, and without any added sugar. Plus, it sets up quickly in the freezer and fridge, so you can have these delightful clusters ready in no time. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a better-for-you snack, you’ll find this Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe hits all the right notes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe has a purpose: creamy peanut butter for richness, ripe banana for natural sweetness, and cottage cheese to add protein without heaviness. Shopping for good quality peanut butter and dark chocolate really makes a difference here.

• Ripe Banana: The riper, the sweeter — this replaces any added sugars naturally.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth texture helps the clusters hold together and gives that indulgent peanut flavor.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a light crunch and tropical nuance that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and chocolate.
• Low Fat Cottage Cheese: Blended smooth, it adds protein and moisture without extra fat or sugar.
• Dark Chocolate: Look for 70% cocoa or higher to keep it intense yet sugar-free.
• Coconut Oil: Helps melt and smooth out the chocolate dip, making it easier to coat the clusters.
• Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): A sprinkle on top brightens the chocolate and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

I love how flexible this Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe is. Sometimes I swap out ingredients or add extras depending on what I have handy or my mood. Feel free to get creative and make this your own!

• Add Chopped Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and texture—it’s a family favorite twist.
• Use Nut Butters: If you want to switch up the flavor, almond or cashew butter both work beautifully.
• Make it Vegan: Swap cottage cheese for blended silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle warmth that kicks these clusters up a notch.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe

Step 1: Mix the peanut butter cluster ingredients

Start by mashing your ripe banana until it’s nice and smooth for that natural sweetness. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, creamy peanut butter, shredded coconut, and blended low-fat cottage cheese. I like blending the cottage cheese in a mini blender beforehand until silky—it keeps the clusters creamy but light. Mix everything together thoroughly so you have a uniform, sticky mixture that will hold its shape when scooped.

Step 2: Form and freeze the clusters

Line a chopping board or baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the cluster mixture and shape them into small mounds or clusters directly onto the paper. I usually get about 10 clusters out of this batch — perfect snack-sized bites! Pop this tray in the freezer for about an hour. This step solidifies the clusters so they don’t fall apart when dipped in chocolate later.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate dip

Once the clusters are firm, chop your dark chocolate and combine it with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate just enough so it’s easier to dip—trust me, it’s a little trick I discovered that makes coating the clusters mess-free!

Step 4: Dip, chill, and sprinkle

Carefully dip the frozen peanut butter clusters into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before returning them to the parchment-lined tray. Then pop the tray into the fridge for about 10 minutes so the chocolate sets. Right before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate for that extra pop of flavor—it really elevates these clusters.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of the flaky sea salt topping because it balances the sweet and savory perfectly, but sometimes I sprinkle on a tiny dusting of cocoa powder or crushed nuts for extra texture. These simple additions instantly make the clusters feel a bit more special.

Side Dishes

These clusters work great on their own, but I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast. They also pair nicely with a cup of black coffee or herbal tea if it’s snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift boxes, I like placing the clusters in mini cupcake liners and stacking them neatly in a pretty jar. Adding a cute ribbon or labeling them as “No Added Sugar Treats” always brings compliments and questions about the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to one week. I usually line the container with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, which makes grabbing one quick and easy.

Freezing

You can freeze these clusters for longer storage—just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They thaw in about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead snack.

Reheating

Since these clusters are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I recommend just letting frozen ones sit out for a few minutes rather than reheating. If you want to soften the chocolate a bit, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave usually does the trick without melting the whole thing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Clusters (No Added Sugar) Recipe is one of my go-to healthier treats that never disappoints. It’s simple enough for busy days but satisfying enough to feel like a sweet indulgence. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something delicious without loading up on sugar—give it a try and your future self will thank you!

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