If you’ve ever wished for a candy recipe that’s outrageously easy but impressive enough for any occasion, Crockpot Candy is your new best friend. This sweet treat is a dreamy combination of chocolate, peanut butter, white almond bark, and crunchy peanuts, all melded together in your slow cooker with almost zero effort. Whether you’re gifting a homemade delight, hosting a party, or simply satisfying your chocolate craving, Crockpot Candy delivers that magical balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty in every bite. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to create a candy tray favorite with a big-batch recipe that practically makes itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient in Crockpot Candy layers on unique flavor and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute too much—the beauty of this recipe really is how the simple components work together for a showstopping treat!
- Salted dry roasted peanuts (16 ounces): These add the perfect salty crunch for contrast with the sweet chocolate.
- Unsalted dry roasted peanuts (16 ounces): A mellow, unseasoned base balances out the flavors and prevents the candy from being too salty.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): Brings rich chocolate depth and balances the overall sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips (12 ounces): For classic creamy chocolate flavor and a silky, sweet finish.
- Peanut butter chips (20 ounces): An irresistible note of peanutty richness and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- White almond bark (2 pounds, chopped): This is the secret to a glossy, beautifully set candy with a smooth, luscious bite.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
Step 1: Layer The Ingredients
Start by adding both the salted and unsalted dry roasted peanuts to the bottom of your slow cooker. The peanuts provide the essential crunch in every cluster, so spreading them evenly is key. Next, carefully layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and finally, the chopped white almond bark right on top. There’s no need to stir—just let the layers do their magic!
Step 2: Slow and Steady Melting
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to the LOW setting and let everything melt together gently for two to three hours. Resist any urge to peek or stir; the slow, even heat ensures that all the chips and bark melt to a beautifully smooth consistency without scorching.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
Once the melting time is up, uncover and stir the mixture thoroughly using a sturdy spatula. Scoop from the bottom to ensure all the chocolate and nuts are fully mixed. This is when Crockpot Candy comes together—the moment every ingredient unites into a glossy, peanut-studded chocolate river!
Step 4: Shape Your Candies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the warm candy mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set up as it cools. If you’re feeling festive, this is the perfect moment to add sprinkles or holiday decorations on top!
Step 5: Let Set and Enjoy
Let your Crockpot Candy cool at room temperature for about an hour, or until the candies are completely firm. Once set, transfer the clusters to an airtight container. Now you’re ready to share (or savor) your irresistible homemade candy!
How to Serve Crockpot Candy
Crockpot Candy Garnishes
The simplest way to wow with Crockpot Candy is with creative toppings! For extra flair, shower your clusters with colorful sprinkles, sea salt flakes, festive candy bits, or even a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate before they set. This not only adds color but also amps up the flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
While Crockpot Candy truly shines on its own, it’s a delightful ending to any meal when served with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or an assortment of other small-bite desserts. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate for a decadent after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your homemade candy extra special? Pile Crockpot Candy into clear cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon for instant edible gifts, or arrange clusters in decorative tins or boxes for holiday cookie exchanges. Layer them in a candy dish at your next gathering—no one can resist grabbing a piece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Candy keeps remarkably well. Once the candies are fully set, pop them into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks. This makes them ideal not just for parties, but also for prepping ahead during holiday seasons or for homemade gift baskets.
Freezing
If you want to have Crockpot Candy on hand for months, freezing is a breeze. Layer the clusters between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge or share.
Reheating
There’s no reheating necessary for Crockpot Candy, as it’s meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If your candy gets a bit too cold or firm from storage, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving, and it will soften to the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this Crockpot Candy?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out all or part of the peanuts for cashews, pecans, almonds, or even mixed nuts. Each variety brings a fun twist, so try what you love or what you have on hand.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe—just reduce each ingredient proportionally. Make sure to adjust your crockpot size, as a smaller slow cooker works best for a half batch to avoid overcooking or burning.
Is Crockpot Candy gluten-free?
It certainly can be! Just check that your chocolate chips and almond bark are certified gluten-free to suit any dietary needs. The main ingredients themselves are typically gluten-free, making this treat safe for most guests.
Can I add extras like dried fruit or coconut?
Definitely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut are delicious add-ins. Stir them in when you mix everything together after the chocolate is melted, but before scooping onto parchment.
How far in advance can I make Crockpot Candy for gifting?
You can make Crockpot Candy up to two weeks ahead of time if you store it in an airtight container at room temperature. That makes it the ultimate make-ahead holiday gift or dessert!
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a perfect, fuss-free way to win the hearts of family and friends, Crockpot Candy is it. I hope you feel inspired to jump in and try this recipe—nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade treats that are as effortless as they are irresistible!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 80 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and salty perfection of Crockpot Candy – a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying at parties. This easy homemade candy is made in the slow cooker, creating a blend of peanuts, chocolates, and peanut butter goodness.
Ingredients
Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts:
1 (16-ounce) package
Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts:
1 (16-ounce) package
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
1 (12-ounce) package
Milk Chocolate Chips:
1 (12-ounce) package
Peanut Butter Chips:
2 (10-ounce) packages
White Almond Bark:
2 pounds (chopped)
Instructions
- Add Peanuts: Layer both types of peanuts in the slow cooker.
- Add Chocolates: Layer chocolate chips and peanut butter chips over the peanuts.
- Add Almond Bark: Place chopped white almond bark on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours until melted.
- Mix: Stir mixture until smooth.
- Scoop: Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool.
- Set: Let candies cool and harden before storing.
Notes
- You can use different nuts like cashews or pecans.
- Add festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
- Makes a large batch, great for sharing!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
