If you’re searching for a festive, simple, and crowd-pleasing treat to celebrate springtime, you’ve got to try this Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe. Combining creamy white almond bark, crunchy roasted peanuts, pastel-colored Easter M&Ms, and fruity mini marshmallows, this candy is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that perfectly captures the joy of the season. Plus, it’s made effortlessly right in your slow cooker, making it an ideal recipe to prepare well ahead of your holiday gatherings without any fuss or mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe relies on a few straightforward ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one is essential, bringing its own unique touch to the final bite — from the smooth, sweet almond bark to the crunchy peanuts and cheerful pastel candies that brighten every cluster.
- White almond bark, 2 blocks (24 oz. each): Provides a creamy, sweet base that melts beautifully and coats the other ingredients.
- Roasted peanuts, 24 oz: Add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Easter M&Ms, 1 ½ cups (pastel colors): Bring bright festive hues and a satisfying candy crunch.
- Mini fruit-flavored marshmallows, 1 ½ cups: Lend a soft chewiness and a subtle fruity twist.
- Easter sprinkles: For an extra pop of color and a decorative touch that makes these candies irresistible.
How to Make Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Melt the chocolate and peanuts
Begin by placing the white almond bark and roasted peanuts into your slow cooker. Set it on low and cover, allowing the almond bark to melt slowly while evenly coating the peanuts. Stir often throughout the 2 to 3 hour cooking period to ensure nothing sticks or burns. This slow method guarantees a smooth, luscious chocolate-peanut base that forms the heart of this Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe.
Step 2: Cool the mixture
Once the almond bark has fully melted and enveloped those crunchy peanuts, turn off the slow cooker. Let the mixture cool to room temperature without stirring. This step is vital — you want the mixture cool enough so it won’t melt the delicate candies you’ll add next, but still beautifully fluid to mix everything together evenly.
Step 3: Add the candies
Next, gently fold in your pastel Easter M&Ms and the mini fruit-flavored marshmallows. Stir just enough to combine so that the candies hold their shape, creating a visually colorful and texturally exciting candy cluster. This blend of colors and flavors is where this Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe truly shines.
Step 4: Form the candy clusters
Using a spoon, scoop about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto parchment paper-lined trays. This forms perfect bite-sized clusters that are easy to serve and enjoy. You’re creating little works of Easter candy art here!
Step 5: Decorate the clusters
Sprinkle additional Easter M&Ms and your festive Easter sprinkles on top of each cluster. This not only adds extra crunch but also a fun, colorful topping that immediately brightens the candy, making them look ready for any spring celebration.
Step 6: Set and serve
Allow your candy clusters to set completely at room temperature. This ensures each piece holds its shape with a satisfying snap and chew that’s simply addictive. Once set, your delicious Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe treats are ready to be enjoyed by all.
How to Serve Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or a few more pastel M&Ms around your serving platter. Fresh mint leaves also add a subtle aroma and a pop of green that complements the colorful candies beautifully.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs incredibly well with light, refreshing beverages like a cool lemonade or a fruity iced tea. If you’re serving it as part of a dessert table, fresh berries and whipped cream create a delightful balance to the rich, nutty sweets.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the clusters in festive mini cupcake liners or fill clear glass jars to give as charming gifts. You can also layer the clusters in a mason jar with pastel shredded paper for a perfect Easter basket addition anyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their freshness, sweetness, and delightful crunch without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Reheating
This candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary and can cause the candies to lose their charm. If you prefer a softer texture, allow the clusters to sit out for about 20 minutes before serving instead.
FAQs
Can I substitute the roasted peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! While roasted peanuts provide a classic crunch, feel free to swap in almonds, cashews, or pecans depending on your taste preference or dietary needs.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this on the stove?
You can melt the almond bark and peanuts in a double boiler on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Just keep a close eye on the heat to maintain even melting like the slow cooker achieves.
Will the pastel M&Ms melt if the chocolate is too hot?
Yes, that’s why cooling the melted mixture to room temperature before adding the candies is so important. Adding them too soon will cause the colors to run and texture to change.
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Mini marshmallows are optimal because they distribute evenly and melt less during the cooling process. If you only have regular marshmallows, chop them into small pieces before mixing.
How long will these Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe clusters last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the candy clusters will remain delicious for up to one week. Beyond that, their texture and freshness can start to decline.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe is a true celebration of spring with its delightful colors, textures, and ease of preparation. It’s the perfect treat to gather around the table with loved ones and share. I promise once you try making this, it will become your new holiday favorite to whip up again and again. So, get your crockpot ready, and let those sweet, crunchy, colorful clusters fill your home with joy this Easter season!
Print
Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Yield: 50 candy clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe combines creamy white almond bark with crunchy roasted peanuts, colorful pastel M&Ms, and fruity mini marshmallows. Made easily in a slow cooker, this no-bake treat is perfect for spring celebrations, offering a sweet and crunchy candy cluster that is both fun and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 blocks (24 oz each) white almond bark
- 24 oz roasted peanuts
- 1 ½ cups Easter M&Ms (pastel colors)
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (fruit-flavored)
- Easter sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate: In your slow cooker, combine the white almond bark and roasted peanuts. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring frequently to ensure the almond bark melts evenly and thoroughly coats the peanuts.
- Cool the mixture: Once the almond bark is melted and smooth, turn off the slow cooker and allow the chocolate-peanut mixture to cool to room temperature. It’s important the mixture is not too warm to prevent melting the candies added later.
- Add candies: Gently fold in the pastel Easter M&Ms and fruit-flavored mini marshmallows, mixing just until combined to maintain their shape and texture.
- Form candies: Scoop spoonfuls (1 to 1 ½ tablespoons) of the candy mixture onto parchment paper, creating individual clusters that will be easy to serve.
- Decorate: Top each cluster with additional pastel M&Ms and Easter sprinkles to add festive color and crunch.
- Set and serve: Let the candy clusters set at room temperature until firm before serving, ensuring they hold their shape and texture perfectly.
Notes
- Stir frequently while melting the almond bark to avoid burning or uneven melting.
- Ensure the mixture has cooled sufficiently before adding candies to prevent melting or discoloration.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease candy removal.
- Store leftover candies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute roasted peanuts with other nuts if preferred, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
