If you’re craving a sweet and crunchy treat that practically makes itself, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Candy Recipe. Imagine layers of rich semi-sweet and milk chocolate melting harmoniously with creamy white almond bark, all embracing the satisfying crunch of both dry roasted and unsalted peanuts. It’s a magical combination that slowly cooks to silky perfection in your crockpot, letting you skip any stovetop fuss. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gift, a party snack, or just a little indulgence for yourself, this recipe promises irresistible delight with minimal effort and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Candy Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using a handful of ingredients that each bring something special to the table. The peanuts add a nutty crunch, the chocolate chips deliver smooth, luscious sweetness, and the almond bark rounds it out with creamy texture and subtle vanilla notes. You’ll be amazed how these few staples transform into a candy that feels so festive and indulgent.
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts: Adds a robust, toasted crunch that’s full of flavor.
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts: Brings a natural, mellow nuttiness and balances the salty-sweet profile.
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides rich chocolate depth without being overly sweet.
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and smooth texture.
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks: Offers a velvety finish that helps bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate and nut flavors with warm vanilla undertones.
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping): For an extra pop of color or a hint of savory contrast.
How to Make Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by laying your base: pour the dry roasted and unsalted peanuts right into the bottom of your crockpot. These nuts provide the sturdy, crunchy foundation of your candy. Then sprinkle the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips over the top, followed by the chunks of white almond bark. This layered approach helps everything melt evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW heat. Let it quietly work its magic for 2 full hours without stirring. This slow and steady melting approach ensures the chocolates blend gently and the nuts soften just enough to meld into an irresistible candy texture. Patience here pays off with creamy, perfectly combined chocolate layers.
Step 3: Combine the Mixture
After the two hours, uncover your crockpot and give the mixture a good stir. You’ll notice the chocolate transforms into a smooth, glossy coating over the peanuts. Mix in the vanilla extract now to perfectly elevate the flavors and pull everything together with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
Step 4: Spoon Onto Wax Paper
Using a spoon, drop generous mounds of your luscious candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper laid out on a baking sheet or countertop. If you want to add a festive twist, sprinkle over some colorful sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt for that irresistible sweet-salty balance and eye-catching finish.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let your candies sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to harden naturally. If time is short, pop them in the refrigerator for a quicker set. Once firm, they’ll have that perfect snap and creamy consistency that makes you want to nibble more and more.
Step 6: Serve or Store
When your Crockpot Candy Recipe has fully set, you can enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This preserves the fresh texture and keeps your sweet stash ready whenever cravings strike.
How to Serve Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
You can dress up this candy even more with thoughtful garnishes. A sprinkle of festive colored sugar crystals makes it party-ready, while a touch of flaky sea salt brings out the deep chocolate notes. For special occasions, crushed candy canes or mini edible gold flakes add a whimsical, gourmet vibe that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This candy shines as a sweet contrast alongside savory snacks like mixed nuts, cheese boards, or even spicy popcorn. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk for a perfectly balanced treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or holiday parties, consider arranging Crockpot Candy Recipe bites in decorative tins lined with festive tissue paper or wrapping them individually in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon. Layering them in clear jars creates a stunning visual gift and lets the rich layers of chocolate and peanuts take center stage.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Crockpot Candy left (which honestly might be rare), store it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or sunlight. This keeps the texture firm yet tender while preserving all of that fresh, homemade flavor for up to two weeks.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the candies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen Crockpot Candy will stay fresh and delicious for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
If your candy hardens too much in the crockpot or gets a bit stiff, simply turn the crockpot back on LOW for a few minutes and gently stir to soften the chocolate again. This helps maintain that perfect consistency for easy spooning and serving without losing any of the magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute different nuts in the Crockpot Candy Recipe?
Yes! Cashews, almonds, or pecans all work wonderfully. Feel free to mix nuts or use your favorites to create your own signature candy blend.
Is it necessary to stir the candy while cooking in the crockpot?
It’s best not to stir during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even melting. The slow heat does its job nicely without fuss.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan white chocolate alternative in place of almond bark for a delicious dairy-free treat.
How long does this candy take to set completely?
Typically, 1 to 2 hours at room temperature is enough, but popping it in the fridge speeds up the process to about 30 minutes.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely, as long as your crockpot is big enough to hold the extra ingredients without overflowing.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Candy Recipe is pure joy wrapped in chocolate and nuts, delivering decadence with little effort. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot come together to create a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for sharing or sneaking bites all to yourself. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a sweet staple for every special occasion or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix.
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 40 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Candy is a simple and indulgent dessert featuring a blend of dry roasted and unsalted peanuts combined with semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips, and white almond bark melted together in a crockpot. This easy-to-make candy is perfect for festive occasions or casual snacking, offering a delightful combination of crunchy nuts and creamy chocolate, customizable with toppings like sprinkles or sea salt.
Ingredients
Peanuts
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts
Chocolate & Sweets
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks
Flavoring & Toppings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the dry roasted peanuts and unsalted peanuts evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. Then layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and white almond bark chunks evenly over the peanuts to prepare for melting.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 2 hours. Do not stir during the cooking process to allow the ingredients to melt and blend perfectly without burning.
- Combine the Ingredients: After 2 hours, uncover the crockpot and stir the mixture thoroughly until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and well combined with the nuts. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor evenly.
- Spoon Onto Wax Paper: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop small mounds of the candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper. Optionally, decorate each candy with sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt for added texture and flavor.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candies to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours until they harden. For quicker setting, place the candies in the refrigerator until firm.
- Serve or Store: Once set, enjoy your crockpot candy or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Customize your candies by adding festive toppings such as crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or dried cranberries.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a lower-sugar alternative suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.
- This recipe can be doubled if your crockpot has adequate space to accommodate the increased volume without overflow.
- If the chocolate hardens before you can serve, reheat the crockpot on LOW for a few minutes and stir to soften again.
- No need to grease the crockpot as the chocolate melts evenly without sticking.
