If you’ve ever wanted to create a wonderful homemade candy that’s as simple as it is delicious, then the Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe is just what you need. This delightful treat brings together layers of creamy almond bark, rich chocolate, and crunchy peanuts cooked slowly to perfection, resulting in bite-sized candy pieces that are irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just craving a sweet snack, this recipe makes it easy to impress without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making your Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe melt-in-your-mouth perfect. With their unique flavors and textures, they blend harmoniously to create the ultimate cozy candy experience.
- 2 pounds almond bark (white or vanilla-flavored, broken into chunks): Provides a creamy, smooth base that melts beautifully and complements chocolate perfectly.
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips): Adds just the right touch of bittersweet richness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips: Brings classic, mellow chocolate flavor and silky texture to the mix.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag peanut butter chips: Infuses a subtle nutty sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the peanuts.
- 1 ½ cups salted dry roasted peanuts: Intense crunch and savory contrast that elevates every bite.
- 1 ½ cups unsalted dry roasted peanuts: Adds nutty flavor without overpowering saltiness, balancing the overall taste.
- Festive sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping): For that extra sparkle or a punch of salty contrast finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chocolates and Bark
Start by adding the almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips directly into your slow cooker. This combination might look a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry – it’s about to transform into a beautiful, rich, melty candy base.
Step 2: Add the Peanuts on Top
Scatter the salted and unsalted peanuts over the chocolate layers. These nuts provide the crunch and nutty flavor that make this candy crunchy and satisfyingly flavorful.
Step 3: Cook Slowly on Low Heat
Cover the slow cooker and allow everything to cook on low for 2 hours. This slow and steady heat makes sure all the different chocolates melt evenly without burning or scorching. Resist the urge to stir during this time for the best melting results.
Step 4: Stir to Combine
After 2 hours, take a spoon or spatula and gently stir the mixture until fully melted and everything is combined into one luscious, chocolaty blend with peanuts evenly distributed.
Step 5: Drop Candy onto Prepared Surface
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. This method is quick and creates perfectly sized pieces easy to pop into your mouth.
Step 6: Add Optional Toppings and Cool
If you want to add a festive flair, sprinkle each candy piece with colorful sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt while it’s still warm. Allow the candies to cool and set completely at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or some whimsical festive sprinkles on top brings an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. It’s a simple trick that turns your homemade candy into a show-stopping treat your friends will rave about.
Side Dishes
Pair this candy with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness perfectly. It also makes a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, or fresh fruit for a well-rounded indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual candy pieces in festive mini cupcake liners or clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon. These little touches make your Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe perfect for gifting during holidays or special occasions, adding charm and thoughtfulness to your homemade creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your candies have set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them a wonderful treat to nibble on over time.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful candies longer, freezing is a great option. Place the candy pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper layers between them to prevent sticking. They can remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
While these candies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you want to soften them just a bit, leave them out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crunchy texture of the peanuts.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible. You can swap in nuts like cashews, pecans, or even mix them to suit your taste. Just keep the total nut quantity about the same to maintain the right texture balance.
Do I have to use a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is key for this recipe’s ease and results, ensuring even melting without burning. You might try a double boiler on the stove, but it requires more attention and carries a risk of overheating.
Can I make smaller batches?
Definitely! You can halve or quarter the ingredients to make less candy, just be mindful of the slow cooker size and cooking times, which might be slightly shorter for smaller quantities.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the main ingredients in this Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe are gluten-free, making it a perfect sweet treat for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any add-ons like sprinkles to confirm they are gluten-free.
What is the best way to serve this candy at parties?
Serving this candy on a decorative platter with mini cupcake liners or in small clear bags is a fantastic presentation. Freshly sprinkled sea salt or colorful sprinkles on top adds flair and invites guests to indulge happily.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe really is a game-changer when it comes to homemade sweets. It combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors and satisfying crunch in a way that almost feels magical. Give it a try for your next celebration or whenever you need a quick, delightful treat—you’ll be Amazed at how effortlessly it comes together and how quickly it disappears!
Print
Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe combines creamy almond bark, rich milk and semi-sweet chocolates, peanut butter chips, and crunchy roasted peanuts to create a simple yet festive treat. Perfect for holiday gifting or parties, this no-fuss slow cooker candy is wonderfully customizable and requires minimal prep for maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds almond bark (white or vanilla-flavored, broken into chunks)
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
- 1 (12-ounce) bag peanut butter chips
- 1 ½ cups salted dry roasted peanuts
- 1 ½ cups unsalted dry roasted peanuts
Optional Toppings
- Festive sprinkles
- Sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the almond bark chunks, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips into a large slow cooker, layering the salted and unsalted dry roasted peanuts evenly on top.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 hours without stirring, allowing the chocolates and chips to melt slowly and blend together.
- Stir Until Smooth: After 2 hours, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully melted and combined into a smooth candy mixture.
- Form Candy Clusters: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the melted candy mixture onto wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Add Optional Toppings: While the candy is still warm, sprinkle festive sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt on top of each candy cluster if desired for added flavor and presentation.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy clusters to cool and set completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
- Store Properly: Once set, store the candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
- This recipe yields a large batch, making it ideal for holiday gifting or parties.
- Feel free to substitute other nuts such as cashews or pecans depending on your preference.
- Add crushed pretzels or toffee bits for extra texture and flavor variation.
- For a festive presentation, use mini cupcake liners or decorative wrappers when serving or gifting.
