If there’s one treat that guarantees smiles at any gathering, it’s Crockpot Candy. This sweet, salty, melt-in-your-mouth confection is a legendary crowd-pleaser, and the best part is how absurdly easy it is to make. With just a few pantry staples and almost zero hands-on time, you’ll have a batch of chocolate-loaded clusters studded with peanuts and topped with a snowy sprinkle of sweetness. Crockpot Candy is my go-to recipe when I want maximum wow factor with minimal effort, and I can’t wait to share every tip and trick to make it your new favorite as well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Crockpot Candy plays its unique role, creating that perfect combination of flavors and textures. Even though the ingredient list is simple, don’t skip or substitute—they each bring something wonderful to the table!
- Peanuts: Roasted, salted peanuts give this candy incredible crunch and a deeply nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt down silkily and provide a rich, balanced chocolate base without being too sweet.
- Milk chocolate chips: Adding milk chocolate keeps things creamy and smooth, and rounds out the flavor profile for that classic, nostalgic taste.
- White almond bark: This baking staple helps bind everything together and creates that signature creamy “candy shop” coating on every bite.
- German sweet chocolate bar: A little of this bar offers an extra nudge of sweetness and depth; it’s a secret weapon for flavor lovers!
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional): Add a flourish of festive color with sprinkles, or go for a pop of sophistication with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Begin by grabbing your trusted slow cooker and lightly spraying it with a bit of nonstick spray. Once prepped, layer the peanuts on the bottom, followed by the chocolate chips, almond bark (broken into pieces), and finally, the chopped German chocolate bar. No stirring yet—just layer it all in as evenly as possible for the best melt later on.
Step 2: Let the Magic Happen
Set your slow cooker to low, cover, and let everything gradually melt for about 2 to 3 hours. Resist the urge to peek too often! The gentle heat is key for a smooth, unburned melt. When most of the chocolate looks soft, give it all a thorough stir with a sturdy spatula until everything is completely combined and glossy.
Step 3: Scoop and Set
Once your mixture is smooth and uniform, grab a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop mounds of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto the sheet. These don’t have to be perfect—Crockpot Candy is all about rustic charm. Quickly add your sprinkles or a smidgen of flaky salt before the candy begins to set.
Step 4: Let Them Cool
Allow your clusters to sit at room temperature until they’re firm, which usually takes around 1 to 2 hours. If you want to speed things up, pop the tray in the fridge for faster set-up. Once the chocolate is fully set, your candies are ready for snacking, gifting, or hoarding all for yourself!
How to Serve Crockpot Candy
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen garnish! My favorite finishing touch for Crockpot Candy is a generous sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or festive seasonal sprinkles. If you prefer something a little less sweet, a dash of flaky sea salt highlights the chocolatey richness and makes each bite truly pop.
Side Dishes
While Crockpot Candy is dazzling on its own, pair it with a cool glass of milk or hot coffee for a sweet treat moment. Arrange alongside a cheese platter for an unexpected touch at parties, or serve with fresh berries for a refreshing, juicy contrast to the decadent candy clusters.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with packaging! Drop a handful of Crockpot Candy clusters into clear cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for an adorable gift, or stack them neatly in a festive tin lined with parchment paper. For holiday tables, nestle each piece in a mini cupcake liner before setting them on a platter—so cute and convenient for guests to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Crockpot Candy tucked in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Store in layers, separating each with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape.
Freezing
If you’ve made a double batch (which I highly recommend), Crockpot Candy freezes wonderfully! Arrange clusters in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready and waiting to satisfy sudden sweet tooth cravings.
Reheating
Crockpot Candy is delicious straight from the jar or tin, but if you prefer a softer bite, let frozen pieces sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as the chocolate can over-melt and lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts in Crockpot Candy?
Absolutely! While peanuts give classic flavor and crunch, feel free to swap in almonds, pecans, or cashews for a tasty twist—just keep the proportions consistent.
What’s the best way to break up almond bark and German chocolate?
A heavy knife works well, or even your hands in a pinch—the pieces don’t need to be uniform since they’ll melt down together beautifully in the crockpot.
Can I double the recipe if I have a big crowd?
Yes! Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing. Stir a couple of times to ensure even melting when scaling up.
How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the tray?
Always line your tray with parchment or wax paper before scooping out the clusters. It makes removing them a breeze and keeps the bottoms looking neat.
Is it possible to make Crockpot Candy with dairy-free chocolate?
Definitely—you can substitute vegan or dairy-free chips and use a dairy-free white chocolate alternative. The texture may change slightly, but the end result is still completely irresistible!
Final Thoughts
If easy, crowd-pleasing treats are your jam, you absolutely have to try making Crockpot Candy. Nothing beats the look of delight when you share a batch with family or friends, and it’s such a simple way to spread a little sweetness any time of year. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, Crockpot Candy will fast become a new favorite in your homemade treat rotation!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 36 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Candy recipe is a simple and delicious treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. Made with just a few ingredients, this chocolate and nut clusters are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 16 oz salted dry roasted peanuts
- 16 oz unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz German chocolate bar, broken into pieces
- 32 oz white almond bark, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: In a slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the order listed.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours without stirring.
- Mix: After 2 hours, stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Spoon: Drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto wax paper and let cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious crockpot candies!
Notes
Notes:
- You can customize this recipe by using different nuts or adding dried fruit.
- Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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