Making candy at home can feel like a daunting task, but with the help of a slow cooker, you can make delicious treats with minimal effort. This Easy Crockpot Candy recipe combines only three simple ingredients—dry roasted salted peanuts, white almond bark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips—resulting in a delightful, sweet and salty treat. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional confectioner to achieve amazing results. With just a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a batch of candy that’s perfect for sharing with family, friends, or as a festive gift. The rich, creamy texture of the melted chocolate combined with the crunch of peanuts creates the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, this recipe is so easy to make, you can whip it up for any occasion, from holiday parties to weeknight snacks.
This candy is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the flavors and textures to suit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a sweet snack to indulge in, this Crockpot candy will surely be a hit. You can enjoy it as-is or dress it up with fun toppings like sprinkles for extra color and flair. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Candy recipe is perfect for those who want a quick, no-fuss treat that’s full of flavor. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry, and takes just a few hours to prepare. The combination of white almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate, and salted peanuts creates a perfect harmony of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
Moreover, the slow cooker does all the work, so there’s no need to monitor it constantly. The candy also has a great texture—smooth and creamy with a crunchy peanut crunch that adds just the right amount of bite. This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions like holiday parties, gift-giving, or a simple afternoon snack. You can also customize it by adding toppings or other ingredients to make it your own. The ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and endless variations make this recipe a keeper in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
- Dry roasted salted peanuts
- White almond bark
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sprinkles (optional)
Variations
This simple recipe offers plenty of opportunities to get creative with the flavors and textures. Here are a few variations you can try:
Add Other Nuts
If you’re not a fan of peanuts, you can easily swap them out for other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch.
Use Milk Chocolate
For those who prefer a sweeter chocolate, try using milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. It’ll create a richer, sweeter flavor.
Top with M&Ms
For extra color and sweetness, top your candy with M&Ms or mini chocolate candies. It’s an easy way to dress up the candy and add a fun touch.
Add Dried Fruit
If you like a fruity twist, try adding dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins. The tartness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
Swirl in Some Peanut Butter
For peanut butter lovers, swirl in some peanut butter with the melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by setting your slow cooker to low heat. This allows the ingredients to melt slowly without burning.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Place the dry roasted salted peanuts, white almond bark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the slow cooker. Stir them together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Let it Melt
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure everything is melting evenly.
Step 4: Stir Well
Once the mixture is completely melted and smooth, stir it well to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined.
Step 5: Form the Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Spoon small clusters of the candy mixture onto the sheet, using a spoon or cookie scoop. If desired, sprinkle some sprinkles on top of each cluster for a festive touch.
Step 6: Let it Set
Allow the candy to cool and set at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the candy in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Stir Frequently: Make sure to stir the ingredients every 30 minutes during the melting process to avoid burning.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor and smooth texture, use high-quality chocolate chips and almond bark.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If making a double batch, use a larger slow cooker or divide the ingredients between two separate pots to ensure even melting.
- Check for Clumps: Make sure the almond bark is broken into small pieces to prevent clumping during melting.
- Serve Immediately: Once the candy is set, serve it right away or store it to enjoy later.
How to Serve
This Easy Crockpot Candy is perfect for serving at any event. You can serve it as small clusters on a decorative tray or in gift bags for a sweet homemade gift. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. You can serve it as a festive snack for parties or as a dessert after a family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover candy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The candy will remain fresh and delicious for quite some time.
Freezing
If you’d like to store your candy for longer, you can freeze it. Place the candy in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. The candy will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat the candy unless you’re planning to melt it again for a new batch. However, you can gently warm it in the microwave or slow cooker if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
2. How long does this candy take to set?
The candy will take about 2 hours to set at room temperature. You can speed up the process by refrigerating it.
3. Can I make this without peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts or even omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.
4. Is almond bark the same as white chocolate?
Almond bark is similar to white chocolate but is usually more stable and easier to melt, making it perfect for candy recipes.
5. Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! You can add dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even candy pieces like M&Ms for extra flavor and texture.
6. Can I make this in a stovetop pan instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can melt the ingredients in a large pan over low heat, stirring frequently.
7. How long can I store this candy?
It will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this candy is gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use don’t contain gluten.
9. Can I make this ahead for a holiday party?
Yes, this candy can be made ahead and stored for several days before serving.
10. Can I add sprinkles?
Yes, sprinkles are a great way to add some festive color to your candy, and they can be added after the candy is formed into clusters.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Candy recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves simple, no-fuss treats. With just three main ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little patience, you can make a delicious sweet-and-salty snack that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, gifting it to friends, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this candy is guaranteed to be a hit. Try different variations, add your favorite mix-ins, and enjoy this easy treat all year round!
PrintEasy Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24–30 pieces (depends on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Crockpot Candy is a quick and irresistible treat made with just three simple ingredients—perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. With the perfect balance of salty peanuts and creamy chocolate, this candy is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 32 ounces dry roasted, salted peanuts (about 6 cups)
- 32 ounces white almond bark, broken into pieces (1 1/3 packages)
- 18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 1/4 cups or 1 1/2 packages)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Place the dry roasted peanuts, white almond bark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until everything is melted and well combined.
- Once fully melted, stir the mixture to ensure an even texture.
- Spoon the candy mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating small mounds.
- If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Let the candy cool and set for at least an hour at room temperature.
- Once the candy has hardened, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- You can store these candies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to substitute the peanuts for other nuts or mix-ins like pretzels or M&Ms for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American