If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it treat this holiday season, this Crock Pot Christmas Candy Recipe is the answer! With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work to create a batch of irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth candy.
The combination of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy bits is a perfect indulgence and the best part? You don’t need to worry about perfecting each piece. It’s as easy as tossing everything into the Crock Pot and letting it work its magic!
These candies make a wonderful holiday gift, party favor, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on cozy winter evenings. Pair them with a festive Gingerbread Trifle for a deliciously spiced dessert or sip on a glass of Christmas Punch for a sweet and refreshing holiday drink.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Super simple to make: Just a few ingredients and your Crock Pot handles the rest.
- A candy for everyone: The mix of chocolate and caramel makes it a universally loved treat.
- Perfect for the holidays: This recipe fills your home with a warm, sweet scent that just screams Christmas.
- Great for gifting: Package it up in festive jars for a homemade gift that will be cherished.
Crock Pot Christmas Candy Recipe
This easy and festive recipe combines creamy chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and a hint of peanut butter for the ultimate holiday treat. Add some sprinkles to make them extra special for the season!
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or scoop for portioning
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 pound white chocolate almond bark
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Mix-Ins:
- 3 cups salted peanuts
- 1 cup peanut butter
- Optional Toppings:
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Break both almond barks into smaller pieces for easier melting.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot:
- Place the almond bark pieces in the crockpot.
- Add the salted peanuts on top and stir to combine.
Begin Melting:
- Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, then stir the mixture.
- Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
- Add the peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine. Continue cooking on low for an additional 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and smooth.
Form Clusters:
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spoon dollops of the chocolate-peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Decorate:
- Immediately add holiday sprinkles to each cluster while the chocolate is still soft.
Set and Store:
- Allow the clusters to cool and harden completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting (about 30 minutes).
- Once hardened, transfer the clusters to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 383 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Sodium | 0 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Peanut Clusters:
- Melting the Almond Bark: Break the almond bark into smaller pieces before adding it to the crockpot. This helps it melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Keep the slow cooker on low to ensure the chocolate melts gently without burning. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom and ensure all ingredients blend smoothly.
- Adding Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor to the clusters. Make sure to add it when the mixture is already soft and melted to help it blend smoothly into the chocolate.
- Forming Clusters: When spooning the mixture onto the baking sheets, be sure to leave enough space between each cluster for them to set individually. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop will give you uniform clusters.
- Holiday Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add holiday sprinkles immediately after spooning the clusters onto the parchment paper. The soft chocolate will help them stick, adding color and flair to the clusters.
- Cool and Set Properly: Let the clusters cool at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Storage: Once the clusters are completely set, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. You can also refrigerate them if you live in a warmer climate.
- Gift Giving: These clusters make wonderful homemade gifts! Pack them into festive jars or boxes and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
Enjoy your delicious chocolate peanut clusters, packed with the perfect balance of salty peanuts, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate!
