Snacky Clusters (Trader Joe’s Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
These Snacky Clusters are a delicious mix of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for satisfying your snack cravings. Inspired by Trader Joe’s, they combine crunchy chips and pretzels with smooth chocolate for a tasty treat that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 3/4 cup broken up ridged kettle potato chips
- 3/4 cup roughly chopped pretzels
- 3/4 cup broken up corn chips
- 1/3 cup peanuts (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Step 3: Add the broken kettle potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, and peanuts if using. Stir gently until all pieces are well coated in chocolate.
- Step 4: Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming clusters about 2 tablespoons each. Make sure the clusters do not touch. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for 1 hour or until the chocolate sets and clusters are firm. To speed up the process, freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Swap peanuts for mixed nuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a subtle spicy twist.
- If you prefer a sweeter snack, drizzle the clusters with white chocolate once set.
Storage
Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Let frozen clusters sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to soften slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these clusters without coconut oil?
Yes, you can melt the chocolate chips without coconut oil, but adding it helps create a smoother texture and easier coating.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
You can use regular sea salt or kosher salt, but flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and bursts of salty flavor that complement the chocolate well.
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Snacky Clusters (Trader Joe’s Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 20 clusters 1x
Description
These Snacky Clusters are a delightful Trader Joe’s copycat treat featuring a crunchy mix of kettle potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, and optional peanuts, all enveloped in smooth melted chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for a sweet and salty snack, these clusters are easy to make and can be enjoyed chilled or frozen.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Snack Mix
- 3/4 cup broken up ridged kettle potato chips
- 3/4 cup roughly chopped pretzels
- 3/4 cup broken up corn chips
- 1/3 cup peanuts (optional)
For Garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to keep the clusters from sticking.
- Melt the chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the snack mix: Gently fold in the broken kettle potato chips, chopped pretzels, broken corn chips, and peanuts if using. Stir carefully to coat all the snacks evenly with the melted chocolate.
- Form the clusters: Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, making clusters roughly 2 tablespoons each. Arrange so clusters do not touch. Sprinkle each cluster lightly with flaky sea salt for a perfect salty contrast.
- Set the clusters: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm. Alternatively, freeze the clusters for 20 to 30 minutes to speed up setting.
- Store the clusters: Once set, transfer the clusters to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- To speed up the melting process, stir the chocolate frequently between microwave intervals.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts or skip them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Be gentle when folding in the chips to keep clusters crunchy and intact.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the sweet and salty flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Snacky Clusters, Trader Joe’s copycat, chocolate clusters, sweet and salty snack, easy snack recipe, no-bake chocolate clusters
