If you’re looking for an effortlessly festive treat that brings a blend of salty crunch, creamy chocolate, and irresistible peanut butter flavor, Crockpot Candy is about to steal your heart. This recipe is practically magic: just layer a handful of pantry staples in your slow cooker, let them melt together, and you get rich, chocolatey treasures perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking by the handful. Crockpot Candy is the answer to every holiday gathering, bake sale, or sweet afternoon craving — it’s no wonder this crowd-pleaser has become a cherished classic in so many homes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Candy lies in just how simple but purposeful each ingredient is. Every component lends a unique boost to the overall flavor, texture, or look, so let’s talk through each one and how it works its magic.
- Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts (16 oz): These bring the perfect salty crunch and play beautifully with all the sweet, melty chocolate.
- Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts (16 oz): Combining these with the salted variety balances the flavor and keeps things from getting too salty.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz): These add a rich, slightly bittersweet note that complements the candy’s overall sweetness.
- Milk Chocolate Chips (12 oz): For a touch of extra creaminess and a classic milk chocolate backdrop.
- Peanut Butter Chips (2 x 10 oz): They amp up that irresistible peanutty goodness and create extra-smooth candy texture.
- White Almond Bark (2 lbs, broken into pieces): This is the secret to smooth melting and a stunning marbled candy effect.
- Optional Toppings — Sprinkles, Sea Salt, Crushed Peppermint: These let you dress up your Crockpot Candy and add festive color, sparkle, or an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by pouring both the salted and unsalted dry roasted peanuts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, layer the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and almond bark right on top of the peanuts — don’t stir! This careful layering ensures everything melts in the right order and gives the candy its perfect texture.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Melt
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let everything cook gently for 2 to 3 hours, giving the chocolate and almond bark time to melt together slowly. Resist the urge to lift the lid or stir, as this steady heat is the secret behind the silky smooth candy.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
Once all the chocolate and chips are fully melted, remove the lid and give everything a thorough stir. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula, mixing until the peanuts are evenly coated and the mixture is lusciously glossy and combined.
Step 4: Portion the Candy
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the warm candy onto parchment or wax paper. A tablespoon or a small cookie scoop makes this step easy and neat. The candy will set into perfect little clusters — perfect for snacking or gifting.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
While your candies are still warm, sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Try colorful sprinkles, flaky sea salt, or a shower of crushed peppermint for holiday sparkle. Let the candy cool completely at room temperature, or pop the trays in the fridge if you’re a little impatient.
How to Serve Crockpot Candy
Garnishes
Crockpot Candy absolutely shines with festive toppings. Classic rainbow sprinkles bring a childlike joy, flaky sea salt levels up the flavor contrast, and crushed peppermint adds a wintery pop. You can even drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate for that bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crockpot Candy with a mug of hot cocoa, bold coffee, or a cool glass of milk for the perfect sweet treat combo. At parties, they sit beautifully alongside platters of fruit, buttery shortbread, or crunchy pretzels to round out the snack table.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Crockpot Candy in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable homemade gifts, or stack them in mason jars for a rustic touch. For parties, pile them high on a tiered tray or arrange them in pretty paper candy cups for easy grabbing — people can’t resist reaching for more!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just be sure to layer wax paper between them to keep the clusters from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh and delicious — if they last that long.
Freezing
If you want to make your candy even further ahead, you’re in luck. Crockpot Candy freezes beautifully! Place completely cooled candies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with wax paper, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
These candies are designed to be enjoyed at room temperature, and no reheating is necessary. If they become too chilly or firm straight from the freezer, allow them to come to room temperature for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in Crockpot Candy?
Absolutely! Swap in cashews, almonds, or even pecans if you like. Feel free to mix and match, or add a handful of mini marshmallows or dried fruit for variety. The recipe is super flexible.
Is Crockpot Candy gluten-free?
As written, yes — all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just double-check your chocolate chips and almond bark for any potential hidden sources of gluten if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I cut the recipe in half?
Crockpot Candy is made for sharing and gifting, but if you want a smaller batch, you can halve every ingredient and use a smaller slow cooker. The cook time may be a bit shorter, so keep an eye out for perfectly melted chocolate.
What if my candy is too soft or sticky?
If your clusters don’t set firmly, it’s usually because there’s too much moisture or the ingredients weren’t fully melted and combined. Letting the finished candies cool in the fridge will help them firm up quickly.
How can I make my candy look extra special?
Use candy cups, pretty sprinkles, or a drizzle of contrasting melted chocolate for a pro finish. You can even shape the candy with your hands into balls before it sets for a different look.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try Crockpot Candy as I am to share it! This ultra-easy, always-irresistible treat is that magical mix of fun, flavor, and foolproof comfort food — perfect for every season. Make a batch soon, and get ready to wow your friends, family, and most importantly, yourself!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: About 80 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of Crockpot Candy, a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. This simple recipe combines a medley of peanuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and almond bark, creating a delectable candy that is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts:
1 (16 oz) package
Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts:
1 (16 oz) package
Semisweet Chocolate Chips:
1 (12 oz) bag
Milk Chocolate Chips:
1 (12 oz) bag
Peanut Butter Chips:
2 (10 oz each) packages
White Almond Bark (broken into pieces):
2 lbs
Optional Toppings:
Sprinkles, Sea Salt, Crushed Peppermint
Instructions
- Add Peanuts: Place both types of peanuts in the slow cooker.
- Layer Ingredients: Add semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and almond bark on top without stirring.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
- Combine: Once melted, stir until smooth.
- Spoon Candy: Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper, adding optional toppings while warm.
- Cool: Let set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster firming.
- Store: Store in an airtight container once cooled.
Notes
- This recipe yields a large batch, great for sharing or special occasions.
- Variation: Substitute some peanuts with chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.
- Storage: Keeps well for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
