Imagine the joy of a rich, decadent treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat—say hello to Crockpot Candy! This irresistible confection is the perfect crowd-pleaser for holidays, special occasions, or any day you’re craving something sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey. Deep chocolate, creamy nutty undertones, and a delightful crunch from peanuts all come together in your slow cooker for the easiest homemade candy ever. You won’t believe a treat this good only requires a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a mile-long shopping list to make Crockpot Candy—each ingredient plays a starring role, helping to create the unique flavor, lovely texture, and crave-worthy appearance of every cluster. Keep it simple and don’t skip the pantry staples—these basics are essentials for a reason!
- Salted peanuts: These bring a savory crunch and balance all that sweet chocolate with just the right hit of salt.
- Unsalted peanuts: For texture without extra salt, these peanuts help keep the candy from being overly salty.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melting perfectly, these chips lay down deep chocolate flavor and creamy smoothness.
- German chocolate baking bar: Adds a subtle, mild sweetness and unique cocoa flavor that truly sets this candy apart.
- Peanut butter chips: A hint of nutty, peanut butter flavor in every bite really makes these clusters irresistible.
- White almond bark: This helps the candies set, adding creamy vanilla richness, and creates that classic candy-shop glossy finish.
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional): These optional toppings let you add pops of color or an extra savory flourish for a personalized touch.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by grabbing your trusty slow cooker. Pour in the salted peanuts and unsalted peanuts, making sure they’re evenly spread out as the first layer. Next, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, broken pieces of German chocolate baking bar, peanut butter chips, and finally the white almond bark. This gentle layering helps everything melt together smoothly and prevents any scorching.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Melt
With your slow cooker set to low heat, place the lid on top. Let the ingredients snuggle up and slowly melt for about 1 to 2 hours. About halfway through, give the mixture a single, gentle stir to start the magic of mingling flavors. It might not look like much at first, but trust the process—this is where all that classic Crockpot Candy richness comes to life.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
After 2 hours, remove the lid and give everything a thorough stir. Be sure to scrape down the sides and mix until all the chocolate and peanut butter chips are fully melted and the peanuts are well coated. The mixture should look lusciously smooth, with every peanut blanketed in chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this is a lifesaver for easy clean up and for getting all your candies off without sticking. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the sheet. The clusters don’t need to be perfect; their rustic, hand-formed look is part of their charm!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Once your clusters are arranged, slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. The Crockpot Candy will firm up quickly, becoming the perfect texture for snacking, gifting, or sneaking straight off the tray!
How to Serve Crockpot Candy
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle sea salt or colorful sprinkles on top while the candies are still soft. This turns a simple candy into a custom treat—salty for the sophisticated palate or festive for parties and holidays. A little drizzle of melted dark chocolate is also a fun touch!
Side Dishes
Believe it or not, Crockpot Candy partners beautifully with a salty snack mix or a tray of fresh fruit. Consider pairing with popcorn, pretzels, or fresh apple slices for a balanced snack spread. It’s also wonderful alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a dreamy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild with presentation! Try packaging clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an adorable edible gift. Pile them into a pretty tin for holiday cookie swaps, or present them arranged on a tiered platter for dessert buffets. You can even pop a few into lunchboxes as a lunch treat surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crockpot Candy keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Place parchment between layers so the clusters don’t stick together. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks, though honestly, they tend to disappear much faster!
Freezing
If you’d like to stock up for later, these candies are freezer-friendly! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll be good for up to three months—perfect for planning ahead for holidays or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
Crockpot Candy is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, rather than reheated. If the clusters get too hard straight from the freezer, give them a few minutes to soften on the counter. Melting them isn’t recommended, as the texture will change.
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Candy with other types of nuts?
Absolutely! Try using cashews, almonds, or pecans for a fun twist. Just be sure to keep quantities the same so the chocolate coating covers everything nicely.
Is it possible to make Crockpot Candy with milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
Yes, feel free to swap out some or all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips, depending on your taste. The candy will still set perfectly and taste amazing.
What can I use instead of almond bark?
If you don’t have almond bark, white candy melts or white chocolate chips can be used, though the texture may be slightly different. Just make sure to use baking-quality products for the best melt and set.
How do I prevent my candy from sticking to the pan?
Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper! It makes removing the clusters easy and keeps the bottoms of your Crockpot Candy looking tidy and professional.
Can I make a smaller batch of Crockpot Candy?
Certainly! This recipe is easy to halve if you don’t need a full 100 clusters. Use half of each ingredient, but keep the cooking time about the same. Enjoy just enough for your needs without leftovers going to waste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet tradition, a last-minute gift, or simply something delicious to share, Crockpot Candy is about to become your go-to favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe all year long. Give them a try and watch every bite bring a smile!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 100 clusters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Candy is a delightful treat made with a blend of two types of chocolate, almond bark, peanuts, and peanut butter chips, all combined and melted together in a slow cooker to create clusters of sweet and nutty goodness. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Salted Peanuts:
1 jar (16 ounces)
Unsalted Peanuts:
1 jar (16 ounces)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
1 bag (12 ounces)
German Chocolate Baking Bar:
1 bar (8 ounces)
Peanut Butter Chips:
1/3 cup (79 g)
White Almond Bark:
2 packages (24 ounces each)
Sprinkles:
for garnish (optional)
Sea Salt:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: In the bowl of a crockpot, combine salted peanuts, unsalted peanuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, German chocolate, peanut butter chips, and almond bark.
- Melt Ingredients: Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to low heat. Stir once the ingredients start to melt. Cook for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare Clusters: Remove the lid, stir the ingredients well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until the clusters are fully set.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
