Meet your new favorite sweet-and-salty treat: Chubby Hubby Clusters. This no-bake indulgence brings together everything you crave in one bite—crunchy pretzels, roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter cups, and a luscious chocolate-peanut butter coating. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping game-day snacks, or just want an afternoon pick-me-up, these clusters hit every note of comfort and joy. Simple to make with familiar ingredients, they satisfy both grown-up nostalgia and kid-at-heart cravings. Trust me, once you try Chubby Hubby Clusters, you’re going to want a batch in your fridge all the time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Chubby Hubby Clusters lies in how just a handful of humble, pantry-friendly ingredients can create such a show-stopping treat. Each component has a role, from crunch to creaminess to that unmistakable salty-sweet punch.
- Mini pretzels: Their addictive crunch and hint of salt create the perfect base—crush them roughly for the best texture.
- Salted roasted peanuts: These bring extra crunch and a classic salty flavor that really balances the sweetness.
- Mini peanut butter cups (halved): Little pockets of peanut buttery goodness melt just enough to create pockets in every bite.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Rich, melty chocolate brings it all together; semisweet keeps the clusters from being cloying.
- Creamy peanut butter: This adds silky smoothness so the coating clings to every ingredient—it’s a crucial flavor and texture booster.
- Coconut oil or butter: Just a touch gives the melted chocolate a glossy finish and helps the clusters set to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Chubby Hubby Clusters
Step 1: Prep Your Tray
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures fuss-free cleanup and makes it easy to peel your finished clusters off later—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Base
In a large mixing bowl, add your roughly crushed pretzels, salted roasted peanuts, and halved mini peanut butter cups. Gently toss everything together so you’re ready for covering with all that gooey chocolate-peanut butter goodness.
Step 3: Melt, Stir, and Combine
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and coconut oil (or butter). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until everything is melted and totally smooth. Pour this dreamy mixture over the pretzel mixture and stir well, making sure every craggy cluster gets a good coating.
Step 4: Form the Clusters
Using two spoons, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them slightly rustic—irregular shapes make these even more fun! Don’t worry about perfection; those jagged edges pick up extra chocolate.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Pop the tray into the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This helps the Chubby Hubby Clusters firm up into snackable bites. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate is set and they lift cleanly from the paper.
How to Serve Chubby Hubby Clusters
Garnishes
Add a special touch by sprinkling your clusters with flaky sea salt right before chilling, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a beautiful finish. For holidays, try a dusting of colored sprinkles or edible glitter—anything that makes these treats extra celebratory.
Side Dishes
These clusters are truly a stand-alone treat, but they also pair perfectly with a tall glass of milk, a creamy latte, or some fresh strawberries for contrast. If you’re setting out a dessert platter, surround them with fruit, extra peanut butter cups, or even some marshmallows for a fun nibble board.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Chubby Hubby Clusters into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for easy gifts, or arrange them on a pedestal cake stand to make them party-ready. For movie nights, tuck them in parchment cones—perfect for snacking straight from your hand!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chubby Hubby Clusters in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll easily stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Just make sure the container is tight-fitting to avoid picking up any fridge odors or moisture.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead, these clusters freeze beautifully! Once set, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge for a bit before serving.
Reheating
No real reheating is needed since these are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you like your chocolate a little melty, let the clusters sit out for 10 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use different nut butters or nuts?
Absolutely! Almond butter works as a lovely substitute for peanut butter, and you can swap the salted peanuts for cashews or even pecans if that’s what you have on hand. It’s easy to customize Chubby Hubby Clusters to suit your taste.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
No peanut butter cups, no problem. Just chop up full-size peanut butter cups or swirl in some extra peanut butter as you mix for that same signature flavor.
Do I have to use coconut oil?
Coconut oil helps give the chocolate a smooth, glossy finish and makes it easier to melt, but you can also use butter or even a neutral-tasting oil in a pinch. The clusters will still set up just fine.
Can these be made nut-free?
While nuts are central to the classic flavor of Chubby Hubby Clusters, you can experiment by swapping peanuts for sunflower seeds and using a nut-free spread like sunflower butter—just be sure to check all labels if allergies are a concern.
Do they have to be refrigerated?
Storing Chubby Hubby Clusters in the fridge keeps them firm and fresh, especially if your kitchen is warm. They’re fine at room temperature for a few hours during parties or gatherings, but for best texture and taste, chill them between servings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s big on flavor, a snap to whip up, and guaranteed to disappear fast, Chubby Hubby Clusters deliver in every way. Don’t be surprised if they become a family tradition or the star of every snack table—give them a try, and let their salty-sweet magic win your heart!
Print
Chubby Hubby Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Chubby Hubby Clusters, a delightful blend of pretzels, peanuts, mini peanut butter cups, and chocolate, all in one bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Pretzel Mixture:
- 2 cups mini pretzels, roughly crushed
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups (halved)
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the crushed pretzels, peanuts, and halved mini peanut butter cups in a large bowl.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzel mixture, stir to coat evenly. Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet to form clusters. Chill for 30–45 minutes until set.
- Storage: Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter.
- Add chopped toffee bits for extra crunch.
- For a special touch, sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate before chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
